Cleaning A Saute Pan: Easy Steps For Sparkling Cookware

Cleaning a sauté pan can be a challenging task, especially if food is burnt or crusted onto it. The internet offers a wide range of tips and tricks to tackle this issue, from soaking the pan in warm, soapy water to using baking soda, vinegar, or even cola. While some methods may be more effective than others, it's important to choose a gentle approach to avoid scratching the surface of your cookware. With the right techniques and a bit of elbow grease, you can restore your sauté pan to its former glory.

Soak in warm, soapy water

To clean a stainless steel sauté pan, it is recommended to first soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a few hours. This will help to loosen any crusted-on food and make it easier to remove. If the pan has been burnt or heavily soiled, it may be necessary to soak it overnight. After soaking, use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining food particles. It is important to avoid using steel wool or copper-based scrubbers, as these can scratch the surface of the pan. Instead, opt for a non-scratch sponge or pad, which will be gentler on the surface of the pan.

For stubborn food residue or burnt-on grease, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied to the affected areas. This paste should be left on for about 10 minutes before scrubbing with a damp, non-scratch sponge. For tougher stains, a mildly abrasive cleaner, such as Bar Keeper's Friend, can be used. Apply the cleaner according to the package directions, typically by sprinkling it onto the bottom of the pan and adding a small amount of water to form a paste. Then, scrub with a wet sponge and rinse thoroughly.

In addition to the soaking and scrubbing methods mentioned above, there are a few other tips for cleaning a stainless steel sauté pan. One option is to fill the pan with water and bring it to a boil on the stove, adding a few spoonfuls of salt to the water. Let the pan sit for several hours before dumping out the water and attempting to scrub away any remaining stains with a scouring pad. This process can be repeated if necessary. Alternatively, you can try using lemon juice, white vinegar, or tomato juice in place of salt, as the acidity of these ingredients can help to remove stains.

While the above methods are effective for cleaning stainless steel sauté pans, it is important to note that some pans may be beyond repair if they have been severely burnt or damaged. In these cases, it may be best to invest in a new pan rather than spending excessive time and effort attempting to clean it.

Use baking soda

Baking soda is a versatile, natural cleaner that can be used to clean your sauté pan. It has mild abrasive properties and is alkaline, which helps neutralise acidic burnt foods. It is also a non-toxic, inexpensive household ingredient. Here are some ways you can use baking soda to clean your sauté pan:

The Deglazing Technique

First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, put the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles. Add a cup of water or a mixture of half water and half white vinegar to the hot pan and allow it to boil. As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening bits of burnt food. Pour the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan. Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and let the pan cool. Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pot bottom vigorously. Wash and dry as normal once all stains and scorched bits have been removed.

The Baking Soda and Water Method

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Make enough to cover the scorched portion of the pan. Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to coat fully. Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight, then add more baking soda and scrub with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you don't want to wait, add another quarter to half a cup of water to thin the paste, then put the pan on the stove and let it come to a boil. Remove it from the heat quickly so it doesn't burn again. Let the pan cool and wipe or scrub to remove the scorched bits.

The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Add enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least half an inch of liquid. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and add a cup of baking soda. You will get a fizzing reaction, so it's best to do this in the sink. Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling dies down. Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary. Rinse clean and dry.

The Baking Soda and Lemon Method

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Keep a thin layer of water in the pan, then sprinkle the bottom liberally with baking soda. Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan with the baking soda slurry. The combination of the acidic lemon juice and the alkaline baking soda may fizz slightly, which is a good sign. If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to help remove the stains and restore the shine.

Use vinegar

To clean a sauté pan with vinegar, you will need to use white vinegar, which is safe to use on non-stick pans, especially if they are made of standard PTFE or Teflon.

First, allow the pan to cool down completely before cleaning. Then, fill the pan with enough vinegar to cover any discoloured areas or stuck-on food. Leave the vinegar to sit for a few minutes. If there is stuck-on food, use a wooden spoon to gently scrape it off.

Next, use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the pan and remove any remaining residue. Rinse the pan with cold water and dry it with a microfiber cloth or towel.

It is important to note that you should not leave vinegar in the pan overnight, as its acidic properties may corrode and damage the surface. Additionally, never use undiluted vinegar on a non-stick pan, as it may break down its coating.

Use a scouring pad

To clean a burnt saute pan, fill the pan with a thin layer of water and place it on the stove. Bring the water to a boil and then remove the pan from the heat. Next, add two tablespoons of baking soda and, if desired, a cup of vinegar. This will create a dramatic fizz, so be careful! After the fizzing has stopped, empty the pan and scour it with a scouring pad. If there are still some stubborn marks, add some extra baking soda or make a paste with a few drops of water and leave it on the marks for a while before scouring the pan again.

It is important to note that you should not use steel wool pads or copper-based scrubbers as they will scratch the surface of your cookware. Instead, opt for a scouring pad with a handle to protect your hands. With some elbow grease and the right tools, your burnt saute pan will be looking good as new!

If you are cleaning a stainless steel saute pan, there are a few additional tips to keep in mind. Firstly, always hand dry your pans with a clean cloth to prevent water spots. If water spots do occur, swish some club soda or vinegar around in the pan, rinse, and then wipe dry. Additionally, establish a regular cleaning routine by cleaning your pans immediately after use. This will prevent stains and dried-on food from building up. For light cleaning, a soft cloth or sponge and mild detergent can be used. For more heavy-duty cleaning, a scouring pad and some baking soda or a mildly abrasive cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend will do the trick!

Avoid the dishwasher

While it may be tempting to throw your sauté pan in the dishwasher, this should be avoided. The dishwasher can ruin your pans for good, especially cast iron and non-stick pans. The intense heat and strong detergents can damage the pan's surface, compromising its non-stick properties and making it more difficult to clean in the future.

Instead, opt for hand washing your pan with warm, soapy water and a non-scratch sponge or scouring pad. If your pan has burnt-on grease or food, you can try one of the following methods to clean it:

• Soak the pan in warm, soapy water for several hours or overnight, then scrub vigorously with a scouring pad.
• Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the pan, and let it sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing with a non-scratch sponge.
• Use a mildly abrasive cleaner, such as Bar Keeper's Friend. Sprinkle it on the bottom of the pan, add a little water to form a paste, and scrub with a wet sponge.
• Fill the pan with water, add a few spoonfuls of salt, and bring it to a boil. Let the pan sit for several hours, then dump the water and try scrubbing with a scouring pad.

Always dry your pan thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots from forming. With proper care and maintenance, your sauté pan will last longer and perform better.

Frequently asked questions