Cleaning A Burnt Wok Pan: Tips For Restoration

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several ways to clean them without too much scrubbing. One method is to fill the pan with water, add vinegar, and bring it to a boil. Then, remove the pan from the heat, add baking soda, and let it fizz. After that, wash the pan and scrub away the burnt bits. If there are stubborn marks, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the marks, and then wash the pan again. Another method is to fill the pan with water, add washing powder, and bring it to a boil. Then, let it simmer for a bit, and finally, scrub the pan.

Use vinegar and baking soda

To clean a burnt wok with vinegar and baking soda, you will need the following:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Room temperature water
• A non-abrasive scrubbing brush or sponge
• A stove
• Fill the wok with equal parts water and vinegar. This ensures there is enough vinegar to react with the burnt food while minimising its pungent smell.
• Place the wok on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes. This step helps disintegrate the burnt residue.
• Remove the wok from the heat and let it cool.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected areas. There is no precise measurement; just ensure the burnt areas are covered.
• With a damp sponge or brush, start scrubbing the wok. The baking soda will react with the vinegar, forming a paste that aids in scrubbing off the burnt residues. This step may require some elbow grease, but be gentle to avoid scratching the wok's surface.
• Once the residues are off, rinse the wok with warm water, ensuring all the baking soda is washed off to prevent any lingering taste.
• Lastly, dry the wok completely to prevent rust.

This method combines the power of vinegar and baking soda to effectively remove burnt food and restore your wok.

Try dishwasher tablets

Burnt woks and pans can be frustrating to deal with, but dishwasher tablets can be used to effectively clean them. This method is simple and direct, and can be carried out in a few easy steps.

Firstly, put your wok or pan on the stove and heat it up to a high temperature. Then, add water to the wok or pan. Once the water is boiling, drop in a dishwasher tablet and let it dissolve. It is important to use powdered dishwasher tablets, as opposed to liquid ones. The water will need to be boiled for around 10 minutes.

After boiling the water and tablet, turn off the stove and let the wok or pan soak for a few hours. This will help to loosen the burnt-on food residue. Finally, scrub the wok or pan with a scrubber, removing the sticky burnt food residue. Wash the wok or pan with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly.

This method is a great way to shift burnt-on grime without having to scrub too hard. It is a good alternative to other cleaning methods, such as using baking soda and vinegar.

Wash with hot water

If your wok has burnt food stuck to it, there are several methods you can use to clean it with hot water. The first method involves using vinegar and baking soda. Start by filling the burnt wok with water until the bottom is covered, then add vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove the wok from the heat and add baking soda. The solution will start to fizz. After it has finished fizzing, wash out the wok and scrub away any remaining burnt bits. If there are stubborn marks, make a paste with baking soda and a few drops of water, apply it to the wok, and leave it for a while before cleaning as normal.

Another method involves using washing powder. Fill the wok with room-temperature water, then place it on the stove and turn on the heat. Add washing powder to the wok, then wait for the water to boil. Turn off the stove and let the wok soak for a few hours. Use the rough side of a scrubber to remove the burnt food residue.

If you have a dishwasher, you can also use a dishwasher tablet to clean your wok. Fill the wok with water, then place it on the stove and turn on the heat. Once the water is boiling, drop in a dishwasher tablet and let it dissolve for about 10 minutes. Turn off the stove and let the wok soak for a few hours, then scrub the wok with a scrubber and wash and dry it thoroughly.

If your wok is made of stainless steel, you can use vinegar to clean it. Place the wok on the stove over high heat, then pour in equal parts vinegar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn off the heat and remove the wok from the stove. Scrub the inside of the wok with a sponge; the burnt food should come off easily.

For cast iron or carbon steel woks, you can use a combination of vinegar and baking soda. Place the wok on the stove over high heat, then add equal parts water and vinegar to the wok. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn off the heat and add baking soda slowly—it will foam up. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then take the wok off the stove and scrub the inside with a scouring pad.

Use a dishwasher

If you have a dishwasher, you can use a dishwasher tablet to clean your wok and remove burnt food. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Wok

Place the wok on the stove and turn the heat up high.

Step 2: Add Water and Dishwasher Tablet

Add water to the wok. Then, drop in a dishwasher tablet.

Step 3: Boil the Water

Boil the water for up to 10 minutes.

Step 4: Soak the Wok

Turn off the stove and let the wok soak for a few hours.

Step 5: Scrub the Wok

Scrub the wok with a scourer or scrubber to remove the burnt food residue.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry the Wok

Rinse the wok with water and dry it thoroughly.

Tips:

• If you have a non-stick wok, it is best to wash it by hand. Dishwasher cycles can be too harsh and may damage the delicate non-stick coating over time.
• Always ensure your wok is completely dry before storing it away. Any dampness can damage the seasoning and cause rust.

Apply Bar Keepers Friend

If you're looking to clean a burnt wok pan, Bar Keepers Friend is a great product to use. It's a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that's ideal for stainless steel items but can also be used on other surfaces like copper, glass, and ceramic.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply Bar Keepers Friend to clean your burnt wok pan:

• Wet the surface of the wok pan.
• Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend powder cleanser onto the wet surface.
• Use a soft, wet cloth to rub the powder cleanser into the surface in a circular motion. Be sure to wear kitchen gloves if you have sensitive skin.
• For tougher stains, create a paste by mixing the powder cleanser with a little water. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for about a minute.
• Rinse the wok pan with clean water.
• Repeat the process if necessary.

Bar Keepers Friend is a great way to remove burnt-on food and stains from your wok pan, and it can also help protect the surface to prevent future tarnishing and rusting. It's a cost-effective solution, so you can save your favourite pan instead of having to buy a new one!

Frequently asked questions