Effective Ways To Clean Pans With Burnt Food At Home

Burnt pans are a common occurrence in the kitchen, and fortunately, there are several methods to remedy this issue. The best method depends on the type of pan and the degree of burning. Non-stick pans, for instance, can be cleaned with dish detergent, while cast iron pans may require tougher methods like scraping with a flat-edged metal spatula. For stainless steel pans, a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and water is often used, with the addition of lemons or dishwasher tablets for extra potency. For all types of pans, the key is to loosen the burnt food first, then scrub with an appropriate tool, such as a scouring pad or brush.

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 scraper to remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Boil vinegar

Add enough vinegar to the pan to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch of liquid. Place the pan on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Add baking soda

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

Step 4: Wait for the reaction to subside

Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling stops.

Step 5: Discard the liquid and scrub the pan

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

Tips:

• For a less intense version of this method, fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, slowly add 2 tablespoons of baking soda, being careful as you slowly add it to the boiling water. Remove from heat and let soak for up to 15 minutes. Discard the liquid, then scrub away any remaining burnt bits with a sponge or scouring pad.
• If you are cleaning a stainless steel pan, be careful not to scrub too aggressively as this can damage the steel and scratch the pan.

Boiled lemons

Step 1: Prepare the Lemons

Quarter two or three lemons. You can also cut them into eights or slices, ensuring you have enough pieces to cover the bottom of the pan. The lemon's acidity will help remove burnt-on grime.

Step 2: Add Water and Lemons to the Pan

Place the lemon pieces in the pan and cover them with a few inches of water. The water level should be high enough to cover the burnt area of the pan.

Step 3: Bring the Mixture to a Boil

Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Bring the lemon-water mixture to a rolling boil. Continue boiling for about 5-10 minutes, or until you notice food particles floating to the surface. The boiling water and lemon juice will work together to loosen and remove the burnt residue.

Step 4: Cool, Discard, and Rinse

Once the time is up, turn off the heat and carefully remove the pan from the stove. Allow the water to cool completely. Then, discard the lemon pieces and dirty water down the drain. Rinse the pan with fresh water to remove any remaining loose particles.

Step 5: Scrub Away Leftover Bits

After rinsing, use a scouring pad or soft sponge to scrub away any leftover burnt-on food. If needed, add a small amount of dish soap to help with the process. The burnt debris should come off easily without requiring excessive force.

Benefits of Using Boiled Lemons

The boiled lemon method is an effective and gentle way to clean burnt pans. It is especially useful for removing tough, burnt-on food without the need for harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing. Additionally, lemons leave a fresh citrus scent, eliminating any unpleasant burnt odours. This method is suitable for various pan types, including stainless steel, ceramic, and copper.

Dishwasher tablets

To use dishwasher tablets, start by adding enough water to your pan to cover the burnt-on area. Then, place the pan on the stove and heat the water on medium to high heat until it boils. Let the solution boil for about two minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the water to cool. Next, carefully rub the dishwasher tablet over the burnt residue. The burnt-on food should come off immediately. Finally, rinse the pan with warm soapy water and scrub with a brush or sponge if needed.

You can also try this method by first wetting the dishwasher tablet and then rubbing it on the burnt areas of the pan. Don't forget to wear gloves when doing this. This method may take a bit longer, as you might need to heat up the water more for the tablet to start breaking down.

Dryer sheets

If you have burnt food stuck to your pans, don't worry, it can be removed with a few simple steps using dryer sheets. Dryer sheets are an effective, cheap, and easy-to-use solution for cleaning burnt pans. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Firstly, add a few drops of dish soap or detergent to your burnt pan. You can also use liquid dish soap or even a tablespoon of fabric softener for this step. While this isn't necessary, it can help enhance the cleaning power of the dryer sheet.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

Now, place a single dryer sheet in the bottom of the pan. You can use a new or used dryer sheet, but ensure it's fully submerged in the water. Then, add enough warm or hot water to the pan to cover the burnt or charred areas. The temperature of the water can vary, but hot water may provide better results.

Step 3: Let it Soak

Let the pan soak for at least 15 minutes. For tougher, more stubborn residue, you can let it soak for an hour or even overnight. The longer it soaks, the more effective the cleaning process will be.

Step 4: Wipe Away the Food

After soaking, use the dryer sheet to wipe away the burnt food. The dryer sheet will help soften the burnt-on food and loosen its grip on the pan, making it easier to remove. This step is especially useful for non-stick surfaces as it won't harm the finish.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat (if needed)

Rinse the pan with water to remove any remaining residue. If there are still some stubborn bits stuck to the pan, don't be afraid to repeat the process. You can also use a sponge or scrubber to help remove any remaining food particles.

Tips and Tricks:

• For extremely burnt-on food, consider using two dryer sheets or opting for hotter water.
• Always wash your pan with soap and water after using the dryer sheet to ensure it's fully cleaned.
• While this method is effective for most pans, it's important to note that it may not work for all types of cookware. Always check if the cleaning method is suitable for the material of your pan.

So, the next time you have a burnt pan, don't despair! Grab a dryer sheet, and your pan will be looking like new again in no time.

Aluminium foil

If you have burnt food stuck to your pan, don't worry, there are several ways to clean it! One method is to use aluminium foil. This method is best for enamel-coated, aluminium, or stainless steel cookware.

First, create a ball out of a sheet of clean aluminium foil. Next, add a layer of salt or baking soda to the bottom of the pan. Then, scrub the pan with the foil ball and rinse it well.

This method is very abrasive and should not be used on non-stick pans or seasoned cast iron pans. If you are looking for a gentler method, try using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, or a dishwasher tablet.

Frequently asked questions