Cleaning Metal Straight Pans: Removing Marks Easily

Cleaning burnt stainless steel pans can be a challenge. It's important to avoid abrasive tools like steel wool and harsh cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner, as these can permanently damage the surface. Instead, opt for non-abrasive sponges or soft cloths. For light stains, a mixture of baking soda and water can be very effective. Simply make a paste, apply it to the burnt areas, and let it sit for several hours or overnight before scrubbing and rinsing. For tougher stains, commercial cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend can be used, following the manufacturer's directions. Always be sure to dry your cookware immediately after washing to prevent water spots.

Deglaze with water or water and vinegar

To remove burnt-on marks from a metal pan, you can use the deglazing technique. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove Burnt Food and Debris

Use a spatula or scraper to remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles on the surface.

Step 3: Add Water or a Mixture of Water and Vinegar

Add 1 cup of water or a mixture of ½ cup water and ½ cup white vinegar to the hot pan. Use more liquid for larger pots or pans.

Step 4: Boil and Deglaze

As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening and lifting the burnt-on food.

Step 5: Pour Out the Liquid

Pour the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan.

Step 6: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and let the pan cool down.

Step 7: Scrub the Pan

Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pan vigorously to remove any remaining stains or scorch marks.

Step 8: Wash and Dry

Once the pan is completely clean, wash and dry it as you normally would.

This method combines the power of boiling water, vinegar, and baking soda to effectively remove burnt-on marks from metal pans. The water and vinegar solution helps to loosen the burnt food, while the baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to scrub and lift the remaining residue. Remember to use a non-abrasive or "stainless steel-approved" scrubber to avoid scratching the pan's surface.

Use baking soda and water

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. It can also be combined with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food. Here are four to six paragraphs on how to use baking soda and water to clean marks off a metal straight pan:

The Baking Soda and Water Method

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Make enough to cover the scorched portion of the pan. For a full pot bottom, try one cup of baking soda and one-third of a cup of water. Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to coat fully. Alternatively, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, then add enough baking soda to create a paste.

Let the Paste Sit

Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, add more baking soda and scrub with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you don't want to wait, add another one-quarter to one-half cup of water to thin the paste, then put the pan on the stove and let it come to a boil. Remove it from the heat quickly—you don't want it to burn again!

Let the Pan Cool

Let the pan cool and wipe or scrub to remove the scorched bits. You can also use baking soda in this way to wash pots and pans regularly and help prevent scorched stains or burnt-on residue.

The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

For a more heavy-duty cleaning, add white vinegar to the baking soda and let kitchen chemistry help break down burnt food on your scorched pan. Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Add enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least half an inch of liquid. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Remove from Heat

Remove the pan from the heat and add one cup of baking soda. You will get a fizzing reaction. It might be best to do this in the sink. Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling dies down. Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary. Rinse clean and dry.

Vinegar and baking soda

• Pour a small layer of equal parts water and white vinegar on the bottom of the burnt pan.
• Heat the diluted vinegar on the stove and let it boil for a minute.
• Remove the pan from the heat and pour the vinegar down the sink.
• Add a tablespoon of baking soda to the empty pan. Baking soda is abrasive and will help lift the stains.
• Use a scouring pad to scrub the baking soda and remove any remaining burn marks.
• Rinse the pan clean.

You can also try a few variations of this method:

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 pan. It should be thick enough to fully coat the burnt area.
• Let the paste sit for a few hours or overnight, then 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 put the pan on the stove and bring it to a boil.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool before wiping or scrubbing to remove the burnt bits.

Baking Soda, Water, and Vinegar

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Add enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch 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 cause a fizzing reaction.
• Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing to stop.
• Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary.
• Rinse and dry the pan.

Baking Soda and Lemon

• 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 fleshy side to scour the pan with the baking soda. The combination of acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda may cause a slight fizzing reaction, which is a good thing!
• If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to remove the stains and restore the shine.

Salt and water

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Lay the pan on a flat surface. If the pan is freshly used, allow it to cool down before cleaning.

Step 2: Create the Cleaning Solution

In a small bowl, mix salt with water to form a paste. The quantity of salt and water can vary depending on the size of the pan and the extent of the marks. A good starting point is three parts salt to one part water.

Step 3: Apply the Solution to the Pan

Using a soft sponge or cloth, apply the salt and water paste to the marked areas of the pan. Ensure that the paste covers the marks completely.

Step 4: Let the Solution Sit

Let the salt and water paste sit on the pan for a few minutes. This will allow the salt to act as a mild abrasive and start breaking down the marks.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

After a few minutes, use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to gently scrub the paste into the marks. You can also use a soft cloth for this step. Scrub in a circular motion, applying light to moderate pressure.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Once you have removed the marks, rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual salt. Dry the pan completely with a microfiber towel or a soft cloth before putting it away.

Additional Tips:

• Always use non-abrasive tools and sponges when cleaning metal pans to avoid scratching the surface.
• Salt can be effective in removing marks, but repeated cleaning with salt or saltwater can lead to pitting in stainless steel pans. Therefore, it is recommended to use salt and water sparingly and only when necessary.
• For tougher stains, a combination of vinegar and baking soda can be used after the salt and water treatment.
• Always dry metal pans immediately after washing to prevent water spots and maintain their shine.

Commercial cleaner

• Choose the Right Cleaner: Opt for a gentle yet effective commercial cleaner designed for stainless steel, such as Bar Keepers Friend. You can find this product at Walmart or Target.
• Prepare the Pan: Before applying the cleaner, ensure the pan is moist or wet. Saturate any burnt food or stains with water.
• Apply the Cleaner: Sprinkle the commercial cleaner onto the bottom of the pan. Add enough to form a paste.
• Scrub the Pan: Use a non-abrasive scrubber or a soft cloth to scrub the cleaner into the stains or burnt food. Work the cleaner in the direction of the polish lines or "grain" of the stainless steel. Avoid using steel wool or wire scrubbers, as these can scratch the surface and make it vulnerable to corrosion.
• Rinse and Repeat: Rinse the pan with clean water. If the marks are still visible, repeat the process. For stubborn marks, you may need a more powerful commercial cleaner.
• General Care: To maintain your metal straight pan, always dry it immediately after washing to prevent water spots. Avoid using cold water on a hot pan, as it can cause warping and disfiguration.

Frequently asked questions