Cleaning Scorched Pots And Pans: Removing Stubborn Burns

Burnt pots and pans are a common problem for cooks of all skill levels. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to clean them without damaging the cookware. The best method depends on the type of cookware and the severity of the burn. For example, while boiling water and vinegar can be effective for removing burnt food from stainless steel and aluminium pans, this method may damage cast iron skillets. In this case, a paste made from baking soda and water is a better option.

Boiling water and vinegar

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Firstly, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. It is important to do this before adding any liquid to the pan. You can use a spatula or scraper to loosen and remove the burnt residue.

Step 2: Boil Water and Vinegar

Once the pan is relatively clear of debris, it's time to add the liquid. Pour equal parts water and vinegar into the pan, ensuring that you completely cover the burnt or charred area. The amount of liquid you need will depend on the size of your pan. As a general rule, use enough liquid to form a thin layer on the bottom of the pan.

After adding the water and vinegar, place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Bring the liquid to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. The combination of heat and vinegar will help loosen the burnt residue and make it easier to remove.

Step 3: Remove from Heat and Cool

Once the liquid has boiled for a few minutes, turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove. Set it aside and let the liquid cool down to room temperature. This step is important, as handling a hot pan can be dangerous.

Step 4: Discard Liquid and Scrub

After the liquid has cooled, carefully discard it down the sink. Be sure to pour it slowly and safely, as it will still be very hot. Once the liquid is discarded, it's time to scrub the pan. Use a scouring pad, brush, or sponge suitable for the type of cookware you are cleaning. You may need to add some extra baking soda or vinegar to the pan during this step to help loosen any remaining residue.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once you have removed all the burnt residue, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining vinegar or cleaning agents. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or towel. Your pan should now be clean and ready to use again!

This method is a natural and effective way to clean burnt pots and pans without using harsh chemicals. It may require a bit of elbow grease, but it is a simple and straightforward process that can save your scorched cookware.

Deglazing with water and a wooden spatula

Deglazing is a simple and effective way to clean a burnt pot or pan. The technique combines heat and abrasion to remove burnt-on food and stains from your cookware. Here is a step-by-step guide to deglazing with water and a wooden spatula:

Step 1: Remove Loose Food and Debris

Start by scraping out as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. You can use a wooden spatula or a scraper for this step.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place the pan back on the stove and turn the heat on. Heat the pan until it is hot enough for a droplet of water to sizzle on the surface.

Step 3: Add Water and Boil

Once the pan is hot, add water. Use one cup of water for a standard-sized pot or pan. If you have a larger pot or pan, you can add more water. Bring the water to a boil.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

As the water simmers, use your wooden spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom and sides of the pan. Gently scrape away any burnt-on food or stains. The hot water will help loosen the residue, making it easier to remove.

Step 5: Pour Out the Water

After deglazing, carefully pour the hot water down the sink. Do not dry or wipe the pan at this stage.

Step 6: Add Baking Soda

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into the bottom of the pan. The baking soda will react with the residual heat and water, creating a mild abrasive effect that helps lift stains and neutralize acidic burnt foods.

Step 7: Let the Pan Cool

Allow the pan to cool down completely. During this time, the baking soda will continue to work on lifting any remaining stains or burnt-on food.

Step 8: Scrub the Pan

Once the pan is cool, it's time to scrub. Use a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush to scrub the pan vigorously. Pay extra attention to any stubborn stains or burnt areas.

Step 9: Wash and Dry

After scrubbing, wash and dry the pan as you normally would. Your pot or pan should now be clean and ready to use again!

Boiling lemons

Step 1: Prepare the lemons

Quarter or slice two or three lemons. The amount of lemon you need depends on the size of your pan.

Step 2: Add lemons to the pan

Place the lemons in the bottom of the pan. If your pan has a lot of burnt bits, you can also arrange the lemons in a layer on the bottom.

Step 3: Add water

Fill the pan with water. Add just enough water to cover the lemons or the scorched area, depending on which is higher.

Step 4: Boil the lemons

Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Keep boiling for about 5 minutes, or until you see food particles floating to the surface. The lemon may float around the pan as it boils.

Step 5: Remove from heat and cool

After boiling, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down. You can also let it soak at room temperature until the water has cooled.

Step 6: Discard lemons and water

Once the water has cooled, pour it down the drain and discard the lemons.

Step 7: Scrub away any remaining bits

Finally, use a scouring pad or brush to scrub away any leftover burnt-on bits. If needed, add a little dish soap to help remove the remaining debris.

Using dishwasher detergent

If you're looking to clean a burnt pot or pan, one method is to use dishwasher detergent. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Start by adding one dishwasher tablet, 1 tablespoon of powdered dishwasher detergent, or 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to the pot.
• Fill the pot with a few inches of piping hot water from your faucet.
• Let the pot soak for at least 30 minutes.
• Use a plastic spatula or wooden spoon to gently scrape the bottom of the pot, testing to see if the charred bits of food can be easily lifted from the surface.
• If the food comes off easily, pour out the soapy water and scrub off any remaining residue.
• If not, turn up the heat and simmer the water-and-detergent mixture on the stove for about 10 minutes.
• Remove the pot from the heat and let it soak until the water cools down.
• Discard the liquid and scrub off any remaining gunk.

It's important to note that the type of detergent you use can affect how successful this method is. Also, if you're using a non-stick pan, avoid using abrasive scrubbers as they can scratch the coating. Instead, opt for a soft sponge or brush and gentle scrubbing.

Scrubbing with salt

Salt is a great option for cleaning burnt pots and pans, especially for greasy messes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use salt to clean your burnt cookware:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need coarse kosher salt, hot water, and a cleaning agent such as dish detergent or lemon. You can also use a scouring pad or sponge to help with the scrubbing.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

If there are any large pieces of burnt food or debris in the pan, remove them as much as possible. You can use a wooden spatula or a similar tool to scrape them off.

Step 3: Create a Cleaning Solution

In a bowl, mix a generous amount of salt with hot water to form a paste. You can also add a few drops of dish detergent or squeeze some lemon juice into the mixture to boost its cleaning power. Stir the solution until you have a consistent paste.

Step 4: Apply the Salt Paste

Take the salt paste and generously apply it to the burnt areas of the pan. Make sure all the affected areas are coated with the paste. You can use a sponge or brush to spread it evenly.

Step 5: Let it Sit

Allow the salt paste to sit on the pan for a few hours or even overnight. The longer you let it sit, the more effective it will be at breaking down the burnt residue. This is a great method if you don't want to spend a lot of time scrubbing.

Step 6: Scrub the Pan

After the paste has had time to work, use a scouring pad or sponge to scrub the pan vigorously. You may need to add a little more salt or water to the pan as you scrub to keep the abrasive action going. Continue scrubbing until all the burnt residue is removed.

Step 7: Rinse and Dry

Once you're satisfied that all the burnt marks are gone, rinse the pan thoroughly with hot water to remove any remaining salt or cleaning solution. Dry the pan with a clean cloth or let it air dry.

Your pan should now be free of any scorch marks and looking as good as new! This method is a great, inexpensive way to clean your burnt pots and pans without the need for harsh chemicals.

Frequently asked questions