Clean Dalgona Pan: Easy Tips For Sparkling Results

Dalgona, a Korean candy that rose to fame after featuring in the Netflix series Squid Game, is made by melting sugar and stirring in a little baking soda. The sugar mixture foams up and can be poured out, cooled, and enjoyed as is. However, the traditional way is to flatten the mixture into a thin disc and imprint it with a mold before it hardens. This candy is usually made in a ladle or small pan, and the process can be quite messy. To clean the pan, you can use a combination of baking soda and vinegar, or aluminum foil and baking soda. Another effective method is to use a dishwasher tablet.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean a dalgona pan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Step 1: Remove Excess Food and Debris

First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. This will make the cleaning process easier and more effective.

Step 2: Boil Water and Vinegar

Next, add enough water to the pan to cover the bottom, and bring it to a boil. Then, pour in 1 cup of white vinegar. Alternatively, you can use apple cider vinegar. The vinegar will help neutralise odours and loosen baked-on food residue.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Keep the pan on the stove and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. You should expect the baking soda and vinegar to react and start fizzing. This chemical reaction will help lift caked-on food residue.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Let the mixture fizz and work its magic for a few minutes. The pan should still be on the stove, but you can turn off the heat. The pan will cool down during this time.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

Using the scouring side of a sponge or a nylon scrubbing brush, scrub the inside of the pan vigorously, focusing on any stained or scorched areas. You will be surprised at how much grime you can remove!

Step 6: Rinse and Wash

Once you are satisfied with the results of your scrubbing, empty the pan and rinse it with hot water. Then, wash the pan with dish soap and a clean sponge or scrubber. Finally, dry the pan with a clean dish towel.

Tips:

• If your pan has stubborn stains that won't come off, try making a baking soda paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and hot water. Scrub the pan with this paste, and the baking soda will act as a light abrasive to remove burned-on food residue.
• Always be careful when handling hot pans and liquids to avoid burns.

Lemon water

• Prepare a mixture of lemon juice and water: Fill a bowl or sink with warm water and add the juice of one or two lemons, depending on the size of your pan. Stir the mixture to combine the lemon juice and water.
• Soak the pan: Place your dalgona pan in the lemon water mixture and let it soak for 15-20 minutes. The acidic nature of lemon juice will help break down any stubborn residue or burnt-on sugar.
• Scrub the pan: After soaking, use a soft-bristled scrub brush or sponge to gently scrub the pan. Pay special attention to any areas with stubborn residue. The soaking process should have loosened most of the residue, making it easier to remove.
• Rinse and dry: Once you have finished scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining lemon juice and residue. Dry the pan with a clean cloth or allow it to air dry.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your dalgona pan using the natural cleaning properties of lemon water. This method is a gentle and safe alternative to using harsh chemical cleaners.

Bar Keepers Friend

Step 1: Wet the surface of your pan.

Step 2: Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend Powder Cleanser onto the pan.

Step 3: Using a soft, wet cloth, rub the powder in a circular motion from the centre of the pan outward.

Step 4: Let the cleanser sit for one minute. Do not let it sit for longer.

Step 5: Wash the pan in hot, soapy water.

Step 6: Rinse and repeat as needed.

For very dirty or greasy pans, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool. Once you've mostly cleared the surface, switch to a soft sponge or rag to finish the job.

Always wear kitchen gloves when handling Bar Keepers Friend to protect your skin, as the product is abrasive.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Method 1: Baking Soda and Water

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Make enough to cover the burnt portion of the pan.
• Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to fully coat the burnt area.
• Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight.
• Add more baking soda and scrub with a nylon brush or scouring sponge.
• If you don't want to wait, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then place the pan on the stove and let it come to a boil.
• Remove the pan from the heat quickly so it doesn't burn again. Let the pan cool, then wipe or scrub to remove the burnt bits.

Method 2: Aluminium Foil and Baking Soda

• Rinse your dirty pan in hot water and drain.
• Sprinkle generously with 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
• Add a few teaspoons of hot water back to the pan to form a paste with the baking soda.
• Begin scrubbing with a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil.
• Continue scrubbing until all the burnt debris lifts, then rinse with hot, soapy water to finish cleaning.

Method 3: Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Aluminium Foil

• Line a large glass or metal baking dish with aluminium foil, making sure the shiny side is facing up. A disposable aluminium foil lasagna or turkey pan will also work.
• Place the dirty dalgona pan into the foil-lined tray.
• Meanwhile, boil a pot of water on the stove or heat 2 cups of water in the microwave.
• Pour the hot water into the tray, completely covering the dirty pan.
• Add 2 heaping tablespoons of baking soda to the water (or 1 cup of baking soda to 1 gallon of water) until it begins to bubble. For best results, sprinkle the baking soda evenly across the pan.
• Let the pan soak in the baking soda and water for 30 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the tray and rinse well. Make sure to remove any baking soda from the crevices of the pan.
• Dry the pan well and buff with a soft cloth for extra shine.

Dishwasher tablet

If your dalgona pan is burnt, dishwasher tablets can be used to clean away the scorch marks. This method is also useful for removing grime from various surfaces, including ovens, sinks, and refrigerators.

• Fill the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it over low heat.
• Remove the pan from the heat source.
• Put on gloves for protection.
• Take a dishwasher tablet and rub it over the burnt areas of the pan. You may need to wet the tablet with warm water first to get it to start breaking down.
• Use circular motions and focus on the most burnt parts.
• Allow the pan to sit for a few minutes.
• Finally, rinse the pan and wash it with warm, soapy water as normal.

This method may not completely remove all discolouration, but it will effectively lift away burnt-on grime. Repeat the process if needed, and remember always to wear gloves when using dishwasher tablets to protect your hands.

Frequently asked questions