Cleaning Grimy Black Pans: Tips For Sparkling Cookware

Burnt pans are a common problem for home cooks and professional chefs alike. While it may be tempting to throw them out and start again, there are a few simple methods to clean blackened and grimy pans. The first is to use a commercial cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend, which can be applied as a paste and left for 10 minutes before being scrubbed off with a non-scratch sponge. Another option is to create a paste using baking soda and water, which is then applied to the pan and left for 10 minutes before being scrubbed off. For lighter stains, baking soda can be as effective as commercial cleaners, but for tougher stains, Bar Keepers Friend is the best option.

Use a non-scratch sponge to scrub the pan

To clean a burnt non-stick pan, you'll need to use a non-scratch sponge to scrub the pan. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Method One: Soap and Water

• Fill the pan with hot water and let it soak. This will help to rehydrate any burnt-on food and make it easier to remove.
• After soaking, dump the water and add dish soap to the pan and a dish sponge. The soap will help break down grease and oil.
• Using the soft side of the sponge, scrub the burnt areas of the pan. Be sure to use a non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratching and damaging the non-stick coating.

Method Two: Vinegar and Baking Soda

• Create a mixture of white vinegar, water, and baking soda directly in the pan. Use equal parts of vinegar and baking soda and enough water to cover the bottom of the pan.
• Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir it occasionally for about 5 minutes to help loosen any burnt residue.
• After boiling, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool completely.
• Discard the vinegar solution and rinse the pan with warm water.
• Continue with steps two and three of the first method, scrubbing the pan with soap and a non-abrasive sponge.
• Rinse the pan again and allow it to dry.

Remember to always use a non-scratch sponge when cleaning non-stick pans to avoid damaging the coating. With these methods, you can effectively clean and restore your burnt non-stick pan.

Avoid putting pans in the dishwasher

When it comes to cleaning grimy pans, it can be tempting to simply throw them in the dishwasher and let the machine do the work. However, this is not always the best idea, as it can cause more harm than good. Here are some reasons why you should avoid putting your pans in the dishwasher:

It can damage the pans

Putting pans in the dishwasher can shorten their lifespan. The harsh detergents and abrasive action of the dishwasher can cause nicks, scratches, and discolouration. This is especially true for non-stick pans, where the coating can wear out and break down, rendering them no longer non-stick. Cast iron pans can also be damaged in the dishwasher, as they will rust and lose their seasoning.

It's not necessary

Non-stick pans, in particular, are usually quite easy to clean by hand, with just a few swipes of a soapy brush and some hot water. So, putting them in the dishwasher is not only unnecessary but also a waste of water, energy, and soap.

It can affect the performance of the pans

Dishwasher detergents can be quite strongly scented, and this can be absorbed into non-stick pans, affecting the taste and odour of your food. For stainless steel pans, the dishwasher can dull the finish, requiring additional elbow grease to restore the shine.

It can cause issues with handles and seals

The high temperatures and aggressive washing action of dishwashers can cause handles to loosen and seals to come off. This is not only inconvenient but also unsafe, as it can lead to leaks and spills.

It's not always effective

While dishwashers are great for removing stuck-on food and grease, they don't always get pans sparkling clean. Burnt-on residue may require some extra scrubbing by hand, even after a dishwasher cycle.

In summary, while it may be tempting to put your pans in the dishwasher, it's usually best to hand-wash them. This will help prolong their lifespan, maintain their performance, and avoid any potential damage or issues. So, roll up your sleeves, grab a sponge, and give those pans some TLC!

Use baking soda and water to clean the pan

To clean a burnt pan with baking soda and water, you'll need to first remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, make a paste with three parts baking soda to one part water. You'll want to make enough of this paste 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.

Now, liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to fully coat the surface. If you prefer, you can also cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, then add enough baking soda to create a paste.

Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight. If you're short on time, you can add a quarter to a half cup of water to thin the paste, then put the pan on the stove and bring it to a boil. However, be sure to remove it from the heat quickly so that it doesn't burn again!

Let the pan cool, then wipe or scrub to remove the burnt bits. You can also add more baking soda at this stage and scrub with a nylon brush or scouring sponge.

This method can also be used to wash pots and pans regularly and help prevent scorched stains or burnt-on residue.

Use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend

If you're looking for a commercial cleaner to help tackle your black and grimy pans, Bar Keepers Friend could be your new best friend. This bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product is ideal for stainless steel items and can also be used on enameled cast iron. It can remove rust, tarnish, mineral deposits, and tough stains from most surfaces, and it also helps to protect your pans from future tarnishing and rusting.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, start by wetting the surface of your pan. Then, with the faucet off, scrub the surface with a soft, wet cloth or sponge—you don't need to create a lather here. If your pan is very tarnished or greasy, you may want to begin scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a softer sponge. You can add a little more water if necessary to create a paste.

For tough stains, create a paste with water and Bar Keepers Friend, leave it on the stain for about a minute, and then wash, rinse, and dry the pan.

Bar Keepers Friend is a great option for those tough, burnt-on stains, and it can be used on a variety of surfaces, from metal skillets to glass and ceramic dishes. It's a powerful cleaner with 50% more grease-cutting detergents than other Bar Keepers Friend cleansers, so it's sure to give your pans a brilliant shine.

Just be sure to wear kitchen gloves when using this product, as it can be abrasive on the skin, and always rinse your pans well after cleaning.

Dry pans immediately after washing

Drying your pans immediately after washing is crucial to prevent rusting, especially for cast iron pans. Leaving your pans to air-dry may lead to water spots, which can be unsightly and challenging to remove. Therefore, it is best to dry them by hand with a clean, soft cloth or towel.

For cast iron pans, it is essential to dry them immediately and thoroughly to prevent rusting. Applying a thin layer of vegetable oil or cooking spray after washing and drying can also help protect the pan's surface.

Additionally, allowing your pans to cool down before washing is equally important. A sudden transition from hot to cold can cause thermal shock, warping, and cracking. This can result in an uneven pan bottom, making it challenging to cook evenly.

To summarise, always let your pans cool down, then wash, dry, and, for cast iron pans, apply a thin coat of oil or cooking spray. This routine will help maintain the quality and longevity of your pans.

Frequently asked questions