Cleaning Pans With Gravy: Easy And Effective Methods

Cleaning pans with gravy stuck to them can be a challenging task. The process often involves scraping, scrubbing, and soaking, but it doesn't have to be a torturous experience. There are several methods to clean a gravy-encrusted pan, some of which use common household items like baking soda, vinegar, cola, and even ketchup. The key is to loosen the burnt-on food, deglaze the pan, and then scrub away the residue. With the right techniques and a bit of elbow grease, you can restore your pans to their sparkling glory.

Use a can of cola

If you've burnt your gravy and are left with a stubborn mess, don't despair! You can use a can of cola to clean your pan. Here's what you need to do:

Firstly, take your burnt pan and pour in a can of cola—a well-known brand like Coke or Pepsi is best. Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Bring the cola to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, remove the pan from the heat and pour out the cola. Then, simply wash the pan with hot water. The burnt gravy should rinse away easily, but if needed, repeat the process.

Cola is an effective cleaner because it contains carbonic acid, which helps to break down and remove stubborn dirt and grime. So, the next time you're facing a burnt pan, don't throw it away—reach for a can of cola instead!

This method is not only simple but also effective. It will save you time and money, and you'll be left with a clean pan and a pleasant cola scent!

Boil water and scrub

Boiling water and scrubbing is an effective way to clean pans with gravy. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, deglaze the pan by adding some hot water. This will help to dissolve any stuck-on food or gravy residue. You can also use a spatula or paper towel to remove excess oil or food particles before adding water. It is important to let the pan cool down before fully submerging it in water, as a sudden change in temperature can cause the pan to warp.

Next, fill the pan with water and place it on the stove. Add a small amount of dish soap or a few tablespoons of baking soda, which can help to break down tough stains and neutralise acidic burnt foods. Turn on the burner and bring the water to a boil. As the water boils, use a spatula or scraper to loosen any remaining bits of burnt food or gravy.

Once the water has boiled for a few minutes, remove the pan from the heat and pour out the water. Be careful not to spill any remaining hot water, as it can cause burns. Let the pan cool down slightly, and then fill it with fresh water and a small amount of dish soap. Use a sponge, washcloth, or soft scour pad to scrub the pan and remove any remaining residue.

For tougher stains, you can also try using a combination of vinegar and baking soda. After removing as much food residue as possible, add enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Then, remove the pan from the heat and add baking soda, which will create a fizzing reaction. Set the pan aside until the fizzing stops, then discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge.

Finally, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining soap or cleaning solution. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel or tea towel before storing it away.

Use baking soda and vinegar

To clean pans with gravy using baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Firstly, remove as much gravy and debris from the pan as possible. You can do this by scraping the pan with a spatula or scraper. Next, add enough water to the pan to cover the bottom and bring it to a boil. Transfer the pan to the sink and add a cup of white vinegar. You can also use apple cider vinegar if you don't have white vinegar.

Now, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and watch the pan as the baking soda and vinegar react, creating a fizzing and bubbling effect. This chemical reaction is what helps to loosen the burnt-on food. Let the pan sit for a few minutes while it cools down. The fizzing action, combined with the mild abrasive properties of baking soda, will effectively lift caked-on food residue.

Once the pan has cooled, scrub the inside vigorously with a scouring sponge or nylon brush, focusing on stained or scorched areas. You will be surprised at how much grime comes off! After scrubbing, empty the pan and rinse it with hot water. Then, wash the pan with dish soap and a clean sponge or brush. Finally, dry the pan with a clean dish towel.

If there are still some stubborn stains or residue, you can create a baking soda and water paste. Mix equal parts baking soda and hot water directly in the pan until you have a thick paste. If the paste is too runny, add a little more baking soda, and if it's too dry, add a splash more water. Scrub the problem areas with a scouring sponge until the stains lift. You may need to add more paste as you go.

Finally, empty the pan and wash it normally with dish soap and a clean sponge. Rinse with hot water and dry with a clean dish towel. Your pan should now be free of gravy stains and ready for your next cooking adventure!

Deglaze the pan

Deglazing is a cooking technique that involves adding liquid to a hot pan to remove bits of food, called fond, stuck to the bottom. This technique is often used to create a sauce or gravy. Here is a step-by-step guide to deglazing a pan:

First, you will need something to deglaze, such as the fond left from cooking a piece of meat, vegetables, or tomato paste. It is best to remove the main food item, such as a steak or chicken thigh, from the pan before deglazing.

Next, slowly add your chosen deglazing liquid to the hot pan. Be cautious, as the liquid will generate a lot of hot steam. It is important to use a suitable liquid for deglazing. While many options are available, such as wine, vinegar, beer, cider, juice, or water, dairy products should be avoided as they can easily curdle.

Using a wooden spoon or spatula, scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen and lift the fond into the liquid. Continue to scrape until you have removed as much of the fond as possible.

Bring the liquid in the pan to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. This step helps to concentrate the flavour of the liquid and cook off any alcohol if you have used it. Continue simmering until the liquid reaches your desired consistency.

Taste a small amount of the fond to check for burning. If it tastes burnt, discard the liquid and fond, as using it will make your sauce or gravy bitter. To avoid this issue in the future, try reducing the heat or cooking for a shorter time.

Once you are happy with the flavour and consistency of the liquid, pour it into a sink and do not dry or wipe the pan.

Deglazing is a simple yet effective method for incorporating those delicious, flavourful fond bits into your sauces and gravies.

Use Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product ideal for stainless steel items, though it can be used on other things too, such as enamel cast iron. It can remove tough stains, tarnish, mineral deposits, and rust from most surfaces. It also protects the surfaces of your pans, helping to prevent them from tarnishing and rusting in the future.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, start by wetting the surface of the pan. Then, sprinkle the powder onto the pan and scrub with a soft sponge or rag. Unlike dish soap, Bar Keepers Friend doesn't work up a lather, so you'll want to scrub with the faucet off, using just the moisture on the surface of the pan to turn the powder into a paste. If needed, add a small splash of water to hydrate the powder.

For a very tarnished or greasy pan, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool. Once you've mostly cleared the surface of the pan, switch to a soft sponge or rag.

Rinse the pan well once you've finished cleaning (the product recommends not letting it sit on the surface for longer than a minute, but you can scrub for longer than that).

If you have particularly sensitive skin or are scrubbing a lot of pots, wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin. This product is abrasive!

• Dampen the pan in warm water.
• Make a paste using Bar Keepers Friend and water.
• Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to the pan.
• Let it sit for one minute. Do not let the paste sit any longer.
• Rub the paste in a circular motion from the centre outward.
• Wash in hot soapy water.
• Rinse and repeat as needed.

Bar Keepers Friend can be used to clean the bottom of your pots and pans, too. Set the pot or pan bottom-up in the sink and sprinkle the bottom with water. Shake Bar Keepers Friend all around the bottom and scrub in a circular motion. Rinse and repeat as needed.

Frequently asked questions