The Best Way To Clean Pans Without Water

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several ways to clean them without using water. One method is to use baking soda and vinegar, bringing the mixture to a boil and then letting it sit for up to 15 minutes before scrubbing. Another option is to use a dishwasher tablet, which can be scraped across the burnt pan and then rinsed with warm soapy water. For lighter stains, baking soda can be effective, and for tougher stains, Bar Keepers Friend is a good option. Additionally, aluminium foil and baking soda can be used to scrub away burnt residue.

Soap and water

General Cleaning

Wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel, then hand-wash with soap and water. The dishwasher can damage your pan over time. Use a nylon dish brush or soft sponge and towel dry immediately to avoid water spots.

Tough Stains

Fill the pan with a mixture of vinegar and water and bring to a boil. Then scrape off stains with a wooden spoon or nylon dish brush.

What to Avoid

Steel wool pads or abrasive cleaners can scratch the surface of your stainless steel pan.

Other Methods

There are several other methods for cleaning pans without water, including using baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, Bar Keepers Friend, dishwasher tablets, aluminium foil, and dryer sheets.

Vinegar and baking soda

Step 1: Remove Burnt Food and Debris

Start by scraping out as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Use a spatula or a wooden spatula to loosen and remove the stuck-on food. It is important to do this while the pan is still hot, as it will be easier to remove the food residue. Be careful not to burn yourself during this process.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

Put the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles. Then, add a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to the pan. You can also use a mixture of half water and half white vinegar. Allow this mixture to boil and simmer in the pan. As it simmers, use the spatula or scraper to deglaze the pan, loosening and lifting the burnt-on food.

Step 3: Apply Baking Soda

Pour out the liquid from the pan into the sink. Do not dry or wipe the pan at this stage. Instead, sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda onto the bottom of the pan. The pan should still be hot, which will help activate the cleaning power of baking soda.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

Allow the pan to cool down before proceeding. Once it has cooled, use a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush to scrub the pan vigorously. The combination of vinegar and baking soda will create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food and makes it easier to remove. Scrub until all the burnt-on food and stains are gone.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once you have removed all the stains and scorched bits, rinse the pan with clean water and dry it thoroughly. Your pan should now be clean and ready to be used again!

Additional Tips:

• Always wear cleaning gloves when handling baking soda and vinegar to protect your hands.
• For tougher stains, let the baking soda sit on the pan for a few hours or overnight before scrubbing.
• If you're cleaning a cast iron pan, avoid using water, soap, or acidic items like vinegar or lemon juice, as these can create rust and damage the pan's seasoning.

Boiled lemons

To clean a pan with boiled lemons, start by slicing two to three lemons into quarters, eighths, or slices. Place the lemon slices in the pan, covering the bottom of the pan. If you are cleaning a pan with high sides, you may need more lemons to ensure the bottom is covered. Next, fill the pan with enough water to cover the burnt areas of the pan—you don't need to cover the lemons as they will float. Bring the water to a rolling boil for five to ten minutes. You will see the lemons swimming around in the water and the burnt food beginning to lift.

Once the water has boiled, turn off the heat and let the water cool. Pour out the lemons and dirty water. You may need to give the pan a light scrub with a brush or sponge to remove any remaining grime. Rinse the pan with hot, clean water. This method is simple and effective, and it will leave your pan fresh and clean.

You can also use lemons in combination with baking soda to clean pans. To do this, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Keep a thin layer of water in the pan and sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda. Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan with the baking soda and water. The combination of the acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda will create a fizzing reaction, which is a good sign as it means the two are working together to lift burnt-on food.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

First, rinse the dirty pan with hot water and then drain it. Next, sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda onto the pan. Add a few teaspoons of hot water to the pan to form a paste with the baking soda. Then, take a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil and begin scrubbing the pan with it. Continue scrubbing until all the burnt debris lifts off the pan. Finally, rinse the pan with hot, soapy water to finish cleaning.

This method is more effective and faster than using baking soda and vinegar, and it doesn't require as much scrubbing. It is important to note that you should not use this method on aluminium or non-stick pans, as it will cause scratches.

Dishwasher tablet

Using dishwasher tablets is an effective way to clean burnt pans without the need for soaking or scrubbing. This method is also useful if you want to avoid cluttering your kitchen counter with pans soaking after burning.

Firstly, cover the bottom of the pan with water and warm it on low heat. Then, remove the pan from the heat and carefully rub the dishwasher tablet—ensuring it is the powdered kind, not liquid—over the burnt areas. You may need to wet the tablet with warm water first to get it to start breaking down.

The burnt-on grime should lift off with ease. Rinse the pan with warm soapy water and wash as normal. You may need to use two tablets for one pan, so this method could be considered pricey. However, it is worth it for the time and effort saved.

This method can also be used for hob-safe roasting tins.

Frequently asked questions