Cleaning Sauce Pans: Removing Stubborn Stains And Gunk

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several methods to clean them effectively. The first step is always to remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, depending on the type of pan, you can use a variety of techniques and products such as water, vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, lemons, dryer sheets, or dishwasher tablets. For example, for a burnt non-stick pan, you can use soap and water or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. For stainless steel pans, you can try the deglazing technique, using water and a scraper to loosen burnt food, followed by baking soda to scrub the pot. With some basic kitchen staples and a little elbow grease, you can restore your burnt pans to their former glory!

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean burnt food out of a saucepan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Pour equal parts water and vinegar into the pan until the bottom is just covered.
• Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Remove the pan from the heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. The mixture will start to fizz.
• Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until the fizzing and bubbling dies down.
• Discard the liquid.
• Scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring pad, adding more baking soda as necessary.
• Rinse and dry the pan.

This method works because baking soda has mild abrasive properties and an alkaline pH that can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. When combined with an acid like vinegar, it creates a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

Dishwasher tablets

To use dishwasher tablets, start by covering the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warming it over low heat. Then, remove the pan from the heat source. Take a dishwasher tablet and, wearing gloves, begin to scrape it over the burnt areas of the pan. You may need to wet the tablet in warm water first to get it to start breaking down. The burnt-on food should come off immediately. Rinse the pan with warm soapy water and wash as normal.

This method is very quick and easy, and it makes less mess than some other cleaning techniques. However, it's worth noting that it may take a little longer to work on very burnt pans, and you may need to use more than one tablet.

Boiled lemons

To clean a burnt pan with boiled lemons, start by cutting two or three lemons into quarters or slices. Place the lemon pieces in the pan and cover with a few inches of water. Bring the water to a boil for 5-10 minutes, or until you see food particles floating to the surface. Remove the pan from the heat and discard the lemons and dirty water. If there is a thin layer of grime left in the pan, scrub it lightly with a brush or scouring pad. Rinse the pan with hot water and it should be as good as new!

This method is simple and requires very little scrubbing effort. It is also a great way to make use of leftover lemons.

Deglazing technique

The deglazing technique is a simple and effective way to clean burnt pots and pans. It involves using a combination of heat, water, and abrasion to remove burnt-on food and stains. Here is a step-by-step guide to the deglazing technique:

Firstly, remove as much loose debris or burnt food from the pan as possible. It is important to do this before applying any liquids or heat to the pan, as it will make the process easier and help prevent further scorching.

Next, place the pan back on the stove and turn the heat to a low setting. Add a cup of water to the pan and bring it to a boil. You can also use a mixture of half water and half vinegar for this step if your pan is made of a material like copper or aluminium that can handle more acidic solutions. As the water heats up, use a wooden or metal spatula to gently scrape and dislodge any remaining burnt-on food from the bottom and sides of the pan. This step is the 'deglazing' part of the process, where you are using heat and abrasion to remove the burnt-on food.

Once you have dislodged as much of the burnt-on food as possible, pour out the hot water and any loosened debris into the sink. Do not dry or wipe the pan at this stage. Instead, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into the pan and let it cool down. The baking soda will help to neutralise any remaining acidic burnt food and further loosen it from the pan.

Finally, once the pan has cooled, scrub it thoroughly with a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush. Wash and dry the pan as you normally would. If there are any remaining stains or scorch marks, you may need to repeat the process or try a different cleaning method.

The deglazing technique is a useful way to clean burnt pots and pans without resorting to harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing. It is important to note that this method may not be suitable for all types of pans, especially those with non-stick coatings. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions before attempting to clean your pan using the deglazing technique.

Baking soda and lemon

To clean burnt food from a pan using baking soda and lemon, follow these steps:

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Keep a thin layer of water in the pan.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan 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 the acidic lemon juice and the alkaline baking soda may fizz slightly, which is a good sign!
• If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to help remove the stains and restore the shine.
• Remove any remaining burnt bits.
• Finally, rinse the pan.

Frequently asked questions