Cleaning Dirty Pans, Pots, And Stereos: A Step-By-Step Guide

Cleaning burnt pots and pans can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and products, it is possible to restore them to their former glory. The best methods depend on the type of cookware you have, as different materials require specific care. For non-stick pans, it is crucial to avoid abrasive tools and cleaners that could damage the coating. A gentle approach using baking soda and water is recommended, followed by a light scrub with a non-scratch sponge. On the other hand, stainless steel pans can withstand more intensive cleaning. Popular methods include using Bar Keepers Friend, an abrasive and acidic cleaner, or a combination of baking soda, aluminium foil, and hot water to scrub away burnt residue. For both types of cookware, it is essential to let the pan cool down before cleaning and always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific care guidelines.

Boiling water method

The boiling water method is a great way to clean burnt pots and pans without the use of additional cleaning agents. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Initial Scrub

Start by scrubbing the pot or pan to remove as much of the burnt-on food as possible. Use an abrasive sponge or scouring pad that is suitable for the material of your cookware.

Step 2: Boil Water

Fill the pot or pan with water, ensuring that the burnt areas are covered. Place the cookware on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Let it boil for about 5 minutes. The steam and hot water will help to loosen the burnt residue.

Step 3: Dump and Scrub

After boiling, carefully dump out the hot water. The burnt food should now be easier to remove. Scrub the pot or pan again, focusing on any remaining burnt areas. For glass or metal baking dishes, you can let the hot water sit in the dish for several minutes before scrubbing to further loosen the residue.

Tips:

• For extremely burnt or stubborn residue, you can repeat the boiling water process or try it in combination with other cleaning methods, such as adding baking soda or vinegar.
• If you have cast iron cookware, be cautious when using this method. Boiling water can be effective, but avoid using abrasive sponges as they can ruin the seasoning of your cast iron.
• To prevent food from burning and sticking to your pots and pans, consider lining them with aluminium foil or using non-stick cooking spray.

Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method:

This method is suitable for heavy-duty cleaning to break down burnt food on your scorched pan.

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Pour in enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch (about 1 cup) of liquid.
• Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. This will create a fizzing reaction, so it's best to do this in the sink.
• Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop.
• Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary.
• Rinse and dry the pan.

Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Lemon Method:

This method is ideal for cleaning and shining stainless steel or copper cookware. It can help remove black, yellow, or rainbow oxidation stains and restore a burnt pan.

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Keep a thin layer of water in the pan and sprinkle the bottom liberally with baking soda.
• Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan with the baking soda slurry. The combination of acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda may fizz slightly, which is a good sign!
• If your pan has a copper bottom that has blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to remove the stains and restore the shine.
• Rinse and dry the pan.

General Tips:

• For scorched, blackened stainless steel pans and burnt-on foods, you can also try the boiling water method. Add water to the pan, bring it to a boil for 5-7 minutes, and then remove the pan from the heat. After the food loosens, pour out the hot water and wipe away any remaining food with a sponge.
• Soaking your pans and pots in hot to boiling water with baking soda and fresh lemon juice is another effective way to accelerate the cleaning process.
• Always exercise caution when handling hot water and vinegar to avoid accidental burns.
• Remember to dry your pans and pots immediately after cleaning to prevent the development of water spots and dried, white calcium spots.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, start by wetting the surface of the pan or pot. Then, sprinkle a small amount of the powder onto the damp surface. Use a soft, wet cloth or sponge to gently rub the powder onto the surface in a circular motion. For very tough stains, you can make a paste with the powder and a small amount of water, and let it sit for about a minute before scrubbing and rinsing.

It is important to note that Bar Keepers Friend is an abrasive product, so it is recommended to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin, especially if you are scrubbing multiple pots or have sensitive skin. Additionally, the product should not be left on the surface for longer than a minute, but you can scrub for longer if needed.

With its powerful grease-cutting formula, Bar Keepers Friend can bring your dirty pans and pots back to life, making them shiny and like new again.

Natural cleaning with lemons

Lemons are a great natural cleaner for your dirty pans and pots. The acid in lemons is a powerful agent to remove tough, burnt-on gunk, and it also replaces the smell of burnt food with a sweet citrus scent.

To clean your dirty pan or pot with lemons, follow these steps:

• Chop up two lemons into quarters or slices. You can also cut them into eights, as long as you have enough pieces to cover the bottom of the pan.
• Add water to your pan. You need enough water to cover the burnt area of the pan. It's not necessary to cover the lemons as they will float.
• Place the lemon pieces in the pan and bring the water to a rolling boil. You will see the burnt specks coming off the bottom of the pan as the lemons move around.
• Let the water cool down.
• Dump out the lemons and dirty water. You will be left with a thin brown layer at the bottom of the pan.
• Lightly scrub the pan with a brush to remove the remaining grime.
• Rinse out your pan. You may need to rinse a few times to ensure all the residue is gone.

Your pan will be left sparkling clean and smelling fresh!

Dishwasher tablets

To use dishwasher tablets to clean your pans and pots, start by covering the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warming it on low heat. Turn off the heat and scrape a dishwasher tablet over the burnt-on bits. The tablet will act as a scouring pad, helping to lift and remove the food debris. Rinse the pan with warm soapy water to wash away any remaining residue.

This method is very effective and can leave your pans and pots looking brand new. However, it is important to note that it may require using more than one dishwasher tablet, especially if the pan is heavily soiled. As such, this method can be a bit pricey, but it is well worth the expense for the convenience and results it offers.

Additionally, while dishwasher tablets can be used on stainless steel pans, it is important to check the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that your specific type of cookware is safe for this cleaning method.

Frequently asked questions