The Best Way To Clean Your Pans At Home

Cleaning pans can be a tedious task, especially when food is burnt and stuck to the surface. The best methods for cleaning burnt pans involve the use of household ingredients or cleaners that can cut through grease and lift away grime. While the specific approach may vary depending on the type of pan, the goal is always the same: to remove stuck-on residue and restore the pan's shine. Non-stick pans, for instance, require gentler methods to avoid scratching the surface, whereas stainless steel pans can withstand more abrasive techniques. So, whether it's a simple wash with soap and water or a more intensive cleaning session with baking soda and vinegar, keeping your pans clean and well-maintained will ensure they last for years to come.

Baking soda and water

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. For burnt-on food or tough stains, you can try heating the pan on the stove until a droplet of water sizzles, then adding water or a mixture of water and vinegar to the hot pan and allowing it to boil. This will help loosen the burnt-on food. Pour out the liquid and do not dry or wipe the pan.

Step 2: Apply Baking Soda and Water

Cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water. Alternatively, you can sprinkle baking soda directly onto burnt-on food or stains. Then, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the water to create a thin paste. You can also make a paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water directly in the pan and applying it to the affected areas. The paste should be thick enough to fully coat the scorched portion of the pan.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Let the mixture sit for several hours or even overnight. This gives the baking soda time to work on the stains and loosen burnt-on food. If you don't want to wait, you can add more water to thin the paste and then boil the mixture in the pan. Be careful not to burn the pan again.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After the mixture has cooled, use a nylon brush, non-scratch sponge, or scouring pad to scrub the pan vigorously, focusing on the stained or scorched areas. For cast iron pans, do not use soap as it can affect the pan's seasoning. The mild abrasive properties of baking soda will help remove stubborn stains and burnt-on food.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat if Necessary

Rinse the pan with warm water and wash it with dish soap and a clean sponge or brush. If there are still some stains or burnt-on food, you can repeat the process.

Baking soda is a non-toxic, inexpensive household ingredient that can effectively clean your pans without damaging their surfaces. By following these steps, you can keep your pans looking like new!

Boiling lemons

Step 1: Prepare the Lemons

First, you will need to cut up two or three lemons into slices or wedges. The width of the lemon slices does not matter, as long as you are using the whole lemon. The amount of lemons you use will depend on the size of your pan; you will want enough lemon slices to cover the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Add the Lemons to the Pan

Place the lemon slices in the pan and cover them with a few inches of water. You will want to add enough water to the pan so that it reaches a depth of about two to three inches.

Step 3: Bring the Water to a Boil

Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Allow the water and lemons to come to a rolling boil. The boiling water and lemons will work together to loosen and lift the burnt-on food particles from the pan. You may even see the burnt specks coming off the bottom of the pan as the lemons swim around.

Step 4: Remove the Pan from the Heat and Allow it to Cool

Once the water has been boiling for about five to ten minutes, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool. This may take a while, depending on how much water you used and how hot it became.

Step 5: Dump Out the Water and Lemons, and Scrub the Pan

Once the pan has cooled, dump out the water and lemons. If there are any leftover burnt pieces, add some dish soap and scrub the pan with a brush or scouring pad. Rinse the pan with hot, clean water.

Benefits of Using Boiled Lemons to Clean Pans

In addition to being an effective way to remove burnt-on food, boiling lemons can also help to eliminate any burnt smells from your pans and replace them with a fresh, sweet citrus scent. This method is also very affordable, as it only requires a couple of lemons and some water. It is also a more natural alternative to using harsh chemicals to clean your pans.

Dishwasher tablets

Firstly, fill the pan with enough water to cover the burnt areas. It is important to use powdered dishwasher tablets, not liquid ones. Turn the hob on to a medium heat and let the water simmer for around 10 minutes. The water should not be boiled.

Next, remove the pan from the heat and carefully rub the dishwasher tablet over the burnt areas. You may need to wet the tablet with warm water first to get it to start breaking down. It is important to wear gloves while doing this.

After scrubbing, leave the pan to sit for a few minutes before rinsing out and washing as normal with hot, soapy water.

This method is not recommended for non-stick pans as the high-temperature water can wear down the non-stick coating.

Deglazing technique

Deglazing is a cooking technique that not only helps create a delicious sauce but also cleans the pan. It involves adding a liquid to a hot pan to remove the brown, flavorful bits stuck to the pan after cooking at a high temperature. This technique can be used to clean the pan after cooking or in the middle of cooking to create a sauce.

• After sautéing or roasting a piece of meat, fish, or vegetables, remove it from the pan.
• Pour off any extra fat.
• If you are making a sauce, add any aromatic ingredients such as shallots or fresh herbs.
• Pour a small amount of liquid into the pan, such as wine, stock, or juice. The liquid does not have to be cold, but it should be poured while the pan is still hot.
• With the pan on medium to medium-high heat, scrape the bottom with a wooden or silicone spoon or spatula vigorously as the liquid comes to a boil.
• Let the liquid boil briefly until it's reduced but not completely evaporated. As it boils, continue to stir until you've released all the tasty browned bits from the pan.
• If you are deglazing with wine or another type of alcohol, continue cooking until the alcohol has cooked off. You will know it's cooked off when the liquid becomes syrupy and the alcohol smell has disappeared.

It is important to note that you should avoid using a non-stick pan for deglazing, as the ingredients won't stick and caramelize, resulting in a loss of flavor. Cast-iron and stainless steel pans are most likely to need deglazing. Additionally, avoid deglazing with dairy products as they can easily curdle.

Non-abrasive tools for non-stick pans

Non-stick pans are a staple in most kitchens. They are coated with a thin layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is the most slippery material in existence. This coating allows food to brown on the surface of the pan without sticking to it, meaning less oil is required.

To preserve the non-stick coating, it's important to use the correct tools. The non-stick coating is delicate, so using an abrasive utensil material (like a stainless steel spatula) can scratch or even chip the coating, reducing the pan's non-stick properties.

The best utensils for non-stick pans are made from the following materials:

• Wood: Wooden utensils are rigid yet malleable, so they can break up food without scratching the pan. They are also natural and widely available. However, they require more maintenance than other materials and can be cumbersome for flipping.
• Silicone: Silicone utensils are incredibly durable, heat-safe, and flexible, making them perfect for non-stick pans. They can also withstand high temperatures without melting or releasing chemicals. However, some silicone utensils are made of two pieces that may come apart over time.
• Nylon: Nylon utensils are rigid yet flexible and typically dishwasher-safe. They are also very affordable. However, they can leave scuffs and scratches on the pan and may melt at high temperatures.
• Hybrid: Hybrid utensils combine stainless steel and silicone, offering the best of both worlds. They are sturdy and versatile, but they tend to be more expensive.
• Miusco 5-piece set: This set includes utensils with FDA-approved, BPA-free silicone heads and natural Acacia hardwood handles.
• NexGadget 30-piece set: This nylon and silicone hybrid set includes a variety of utensils to cover all your kitchen needs.
• Tuilfil Kitchen Utensils Set: This colourful silicone set will brighten up your kitchen and encourage the whole family to get involved in cooking.
• StarPack Ultra Flexible: This starter pack includes three different-sized turner spatulas, perfect for any job. The ultra-thin and flexible design makes it easy to get under food without breaking it up.
• Farberware Classic Nylon Tools: This classic set includes all the essential kitchen utensils and is constructed from nylon to protect your non-stick pans.

Frequently asked questions