Effective Ways To Clean Your Pan After A Fire

Burnt pans are a common problem, but they can be cleaned with a few simple methods. One popular method is to use baking soda and vinegar, which can help neutralise acidic burnt foods and create a fizzing reaction to loosen burnt bits. Another method is to use a dishwasher tablet, which can be an effective and quick way to clean a burnt pan. Other methods include using boiled lemons, dryer sheets, or aluminium foil and baking soda. For cast iron skillets, it is important to avoid using soap, vinegar, or lemon juice as they can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning. Instead, use hot water, a brush, and baking soda to clean, then coat the pan with oil to help reseason and restore its non-stick surface.

Baking soda and vinegar

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

Step 1: Remove Burnt Food and Debris

Use a wooden spatula or similar tool to scrape away as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar

Fill the pan with enough water and vinegar in equal parts to cover the bottom of the pan. Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction. It is recommended to do this over the sink.

Step 4: Soak

Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop.

Step 5: Scrub

Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan clean and dry as normal.

This method can be used for stainless steel, aluminium, and cast iron pans. It is important to note that cast iron pans should not be soaked or left to sit with the baking soda mixture for too long, as this can damage the pan's seasoning.

Boiled lemons

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. It is important to note that if you have a non-stick pan, you should avoid using metal utensils or abrasive scrubbing pads as they can scratch the coating. For stainless steel pans, a wooden spatula or scraper can be useful for removing stuck-on food.

Step 2: Add Water and Lemons

Fill the pan with enough water to cover the burnt area. Cut two to three lemons into quarters or thick slices and add them to the water. The citric acid in lemons helps break down burnt food stains and leaves a fresh citrus scent.

Step 3: Boil the Lemon Water

Place the pan on the stove and bring the lemon water to a boil. Continue boiling for about five minutes. You will see the burnt food particles floating to the surface and the lemon slices moving around in the water.

Step 4: Let it Soak

After boiling, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down. This may take some time, depending on the amount of water and the temperature. It is important to let the pan cool completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Discard Water and Lemons

Once the pan has cooled, carefully discard the water and lemon slices. You can pour the water into a sink and dispose of the lemon slices in the trash or compost bin.

Step 6: Scrub the Pan

Lightly scrub the pan with a soft sponge or scouring pad to remove any remaining grime or stuck-on food particles. If necessary, you can add a small amount of mild dish soap to the sponge to help with the cleaning process. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any soap residue.

Additional Tips:

• For stubborn stains, you can also try combining lemons with baking soda. Sprinkle some baking soda into the pan before adding the lemon slices and water. The alkaline baking soda will react with the acidic lemon juice, creating a fizzing action that helps loosen burnt-on food.
• Always use caution when handling hot water and lemons, as the boiling mixture can cause burns.
• If the pan is severely burnt or damaged, it may be best to discard it and invest in a new one.

Deglazing technique

Deglazing is a simple and effective technique to clean a burnt pan. It involves adding a liquid to a hot pan to loosen burnt food particles and create a sauce or gravy.

First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Next, put the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles on the surface. Then, add a cup of water or a mixture of half water and half white vinegar to the hot pan and let it boil. As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening any remaining bits of burnt food. Pour the liquid down the sink and sprinkle the bottom of the pan with baking soda. Let the pan cool, then scrub vigorously with a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush. Finally, wash and dry the pan as you normally would.

This technique can be used with various liquids, such as wine, beer, spirits, lemon juice, vinegar, broth, stock, or water. It is important to avoid using a non-stick pan for deglazing, as the process requires food to stick to the pan and caramelize. Instead, use stainless steel, aluminum, or cast-iron cookware for the best results.

Deglazing is an excellent way to salvage drippings and food bits from a pan, transforming them into a delicious sauce while also making the pan easier to clean.

Dishwasher tablet

If your pan has been burnt in a fire, there are several methods you can try to clean it. One method that has proven successful is using a dishwasher tablet.

Firstly, it is important to allow the pan to cool completely. Then, cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it up on a low heat. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully rub the dishwasher tablet across the burnt areas. You may need to wet the tablet in warm water first to get it to start breaking down. Wear gloves during this process.

Scrub the pan in circular motions, focusing on the burnt areas. You can use a scouring pad or sponge for this, but some people have found that the tablet works as both the detergent and scouring pad. The water in the pan will likely turn dark brown as the burnt bits are lifted away.

Once you are satisfied, rinse the pan and wash it with warm, soapy water as normal.

This method is not only useful for pans but can also be used to clean oven doors, shower screens, microwaves, and more.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Cleaning a burnt pan with aluminium foil and baking soda is an effective method that requires minimal time and effort. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, rinse your dirty pot or pan in hot water and then drain it. The hot water will help to loosen any burnt-on food and grease. Next, generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the pan. The baking soda will act as a mild abrasive to help remove stubborn burnt food. Then, add a few teaspoons of hot water back into the pan to form a paste with the baking soda. The paste will help to further loosen and lift the burnt debris.

Now, it's time to start scrubbing. Take a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil and begin scrubbing the pan in circular motions. The foil will act as a scouring pad, providing enhanced scrubbing power to remove the burnt residue. Continue scrubbing until all the burnt food bits and stained areas are clean. You may need to repeat the process, as the baking soda can get dirty and make it difficult to see the areas that still need attention.

Finally, rinse the pan with warm soapy water to finish cleaning. Your pan should now be sparkling clean and ready to use! This method is not only effective but also makes use of readily available household items.

Frequently asked questions