Effective Ways To Clean Enamel-Burned Pans At Home

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several methods to clean enamel cookware. One method involves using a combination of baking soda, water, and hydrogen peroxide. Bring this mixture to a boil in the burnt pan, then let it sit for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, scrub the pan with a sponge or scouring pad. For more stubborn stains, you can make a paste with baking soda and water or dish soap and scrub the pan with circular motions. Another method is to boil water and add vinegar and baking soda to the pan, then use a wooden spoon to nudge off the burnt-on bits.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

Step 1: Prepare the Solution

Place your pan on the stove and pour in a 1/2-inch layer of hydrogen peroxide, followed by a 1/4-cup of baking soda.

Step 2: Bring to a Boil

Turn the stove to high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Simmer and Scrape

Once the mixture starts to foam, turn off the heat and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will loosen any crusted or burnt food and help lift stubborn stains. Use a wooden spoon to gently nudge off any burnt-on bits.

Step 4: Rinse and Scrub

Empty the pan and rinse it with water. For extra cleaning power, use a wet Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Power or a similar product to scrub the bottom and sides of the pan. The burnt-on food should come off easily without needing too much elbow grease.

Tips:

• This method is particularly effective for removing burnt-on food and stains caused by tomatoes, apples, and other sugary foods.
• Be sure to use a wooden or plastic utensil when stirring and scraping, as metal can damage the enamel surface.
• Always rinse the pan thoroughly after cleaning and dry it before storing.

Alternative Methods:

If you don't have hydrogen peroxide, you can try using a baking soda and water paste. Apply the paste to the pan, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a sponge or brush.

For lighter stains, simply boiling water with a few tablespoons of baking soda can be effective. You can also add vinegar to this mixture for extra cleaning power.

For very stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the cleaning process or try a different method, such as using Bar Keeper's Friend, a gentle cleaning polish. Always test new cleaning products on a small area first to ensure they won't damage the enamel.

Baking soda and vinegar

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

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Cover the bottom of your pan with baking soda. Make sure to cover the whole surface for maximum results.

Step 2: Add Vinegar

Pour vinegar over the baking soda. You will see the two ingredients reacting with each other and fizzing.

Step 3: Add Water

Pour a cup of water into the pan. This will help the baking soda and vinegar mixture to spread and act on the whole surface of the pan.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Leave the pan to soak for a few hours. This will give the ingredients time to react with the burnt residue and loosen it.

Step 5: Scrape and Scrub

Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to gently scrape away the burnt residue. Then, use a soft-bristled brush or a sponge to scrub away any remaining residue. Be gentle to avoid scratching the enamel.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan with warm water and wipe it with a dry cloth. Make sure that all the residue and the baking soda-vinegar mixture are removed.

Your enamel pan should now be clean and shiny!

Oven cleaner

Step 1: Prepare the Oven Cleaner

Put on protective gear, such as rubber gloves and safety goggles, to shield your skin and eyes from the harsh chemicals. Then, following the instructions on the oven cleaner's label, prepare the solution. Some products may need to be diluted with water, so be sure to read the directions carefully.

Step 2: Apply the Oven Cleaner

Using a sponge or a spray bottle, apply the oven cleaner generously to the burnt areas of the enamel pan. Make sure to coat the stains thoroughly. If your pan has baked-on grease or gunk, you may need to use a scrubber or a brush to work the oven cleaner into the affected areas.

Step 3: Let It Sit

Allow the oven cleaner to sit on the pan for the amount of time specified in the product's instructions. This gives the chemicals time to break down the burnt-on residue. Depending on the severity of the stains, you may need to let it sit for a few minutes or longer.

Step 4: Rinse and Scrub

After the required time has passed, thoroughly rinse the pan with hot water to remove the oven cleaner. Then, using a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber, gently scrub the pan to remove any remaining residue. Be careful not to use metal scouring pads, as these can damage the enamel coating.

Step 5: Repeat If Necessary

If there are still stubborn stains or burnt areas, you may need to repeat the process. Reapply the oven cleaner and let it sit for a longer period, being careful not to exceed the maximum time recommended by the manufacturer. Then, rinse and scrub the pan again until it is clean.

It is important to note that oven cleaners are strong chemicals, so always use them in a well-ventilated area and follow the safety instructions on the product label. Additionally, always rinse the pan thoroughly after using oven cleaner to ensure no chemical residue remains before using the pan for cooking again.

Bleach

Step 1: Prepare the Bleach Mixture

Mix 250 ml of water with one tablespoon of bleach. It is important to get the ratio of bleach to water right, as too much bleach can damage the surface of your pan.

Step 2: Boil the Mixture

Place the mixture in a container and boil it for 15 minutes. Boiling the bleach will make it more concentrated and therefore more effective at removing burnt-on stains.

Step 3: Allow to Cool

After boiling, let the mixture cool down. Do not immerse your pan in the hot bleach mixture as it may damage the surface.

Step 4: Apply the Mixture to the Pan

Once the bleach mixture has cooled, use it to clean your burnt enamel pans. Make sure to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and use a soft washcloth or plastic scrubber to gently clean the pan.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

After cleaning with the bleach mixture, thoroughly rinse your pan with water and allow it to air-dry.

It is important to note that bleach is not suitable for cleaning all types of pans and may damage some surfaces. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions before using bleach, and avoid using steel wool or scouring pads as these can ruin the surface of your pan.

Dish soap and hot water

First, fill the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of hot water. Bring the pan to a boil. You should already see some improvement. Next, remove the pan from the heat and add a generous layer of dish soap. The amount of dish soap will depend on the size of your pan, but you want to make sure that all the burnt areas are covered. Let the pan sit for a few minutes. Finally, empty the pan and scrub with a scouring tool. If there are any remaining stubborn marks, make a paste of baking soda and a couple of drops of water. Leave the paste on the marks for a while and then scrub as normal.

Frequently asked questions