Effective Cleaning Of Burner Pans: Removing Stubborn, Set-In Stains

Burnt-on food and stains on burner pans are a common problem, but there are several simple and effective DIY strategies to tackle them. The best method depends on the type of pan and the severity of the burn. Here are some of the most popular techniques to clean set-in stains in burner pans:

- Soaking with dishwasher detergent: This involves soaking the pan in hot water with a dishwasher tablet, powder, or liquid dish soap for at least 30 minutes. The charred food bits should then be easier to scrape and scrub off.

- Scrubbing with aluminium foil: Warm water and a balled-up piece of aluminium foil can be used to scrub away burnt food residue. This method is inexpensive but requires more elbow grease and should not be used on non-stick pans.

- Combining vinegar and baking soda: Filling the pan with vinegar, boiling it, and then adding baking soda creates a fizzing reaction that helps loosen grime. This method is suitable for tougher stains.

- Boiling lemons and water: Adding lemon slices to boiling water in the pan is an effective and natural way to clean burnt pans, as the citric acid in lemons helps break down burnt food stains.

- Using dryer sheets: Soaking a dryer sheet in hot water in the pan for at least an hour can help loosen burnt-on food, making it easier to scrub away.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean set-in stains in burner pans using baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar

Add enough vinegar to the pan to cover the bottom with at least 1/2 inch of liquid. Bring the vinegar to a boil in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction. It is recommended to do this over the sink.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Set the pan aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling stops.

Step 5: Discard and Scrub

Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring pad, adding more baking soda if necessary.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan clean and dry it thoroughly.

Tips:

• For a less intense cleaning method, you can fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar, bring it to a boil, then add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a scouring pad.
• If you have a cast iron pan, do not use vinegar as it can create rust. Instead, create a paste with baking soda and water and scrub with a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad.

Boiling water

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by removing as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. This can be done by scraping the pan with a spatula or scraper. It is important to note that metal tools should not be used on non-stick pans as they can damage the coating.

Step 2: Boil Water

Fill the pan with water and place it on the stove. Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a rolling boil. The amount of water added should be enough to cover the charred or stained area of the pan. Boiling water can also be combined with other cleaning agents such as vinegar, baking soda, or lemon for a more intensive clean.

Step 3: Simmer and Deglaze

Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat slightly and allow the water to simmer. This helps to loosen burnt-on food and stains. Using a spatula or scraper, gently deglaze the bottom of the pan, lifting and removing any remaining bits of burnt food.

Step 4: Cool and Scrub

After deglazing, carefully pour out the hot water into the sink. Allow the pan to cool down to room temperature. Once the pan is cool, scrub the pan with a dish brush, sponge, or scouring pad suitable for the type of cookware. For non-stick pans, use a non-scratch sponge or nylon brush to avoid damaging the coating.

Step 5: Repeat if Necessary

If there are still stubborn stains or burnt-on food, repeat the process. Alternatively, you can try making a paste with baking soda and water, applying it to the pan, and letting it sit for a few hours or overnight before scrubbing again.

Using boiling water is an effective and chemical-free way to clean set-in stains in burner pans. It may require some elbow grease and repetition, but it will help restore your pans to their original shine.

Ammonia

To clean your burner pans with ammonia, start by allowing the pans to cool completely. Place each burner pan in a separate one-gallon resealable plastic bag. Pour 1/4 cup of household ammonia into each bag—the fumes will cut through the grease and grime. Seal the bags and let the ammonia work for at least 12 hours.

When you open the bags, do so away from your face as the fumes will be strong. Remove the burner pans from the bags and dispose of the ammonia by pouring it down the drain with cold running water to dilute it. Do not dispose of the plastic bags in the trash as the fumes could create a dangerous reaction.

Wash the burner pans in hot soapy water using a sponge and a plastic scrubber for any stubborn spots. Rinse the pans thoroughly in hot water and dry them with a microfiber cloth before returning them to the stovetop.

This method is ideal for greasy burner pans with heavily burned-on food. It requires minimal scrubbing and is a great way to restore your burner pans without the use of toxic chemicals.

Dishwasher detergent

If your burner pans have set-in stains, you can use dishwasher detergent to clean them. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove Excess Food and Grease

Use a wooden spatula to scrape off as much stuck-on food as possible into the garbage. There is no need to pre-wash the pans in the sink—just scrape off the excess food.

Step 2: Check Pans for Labels

Look for a stamp on the handle or underside of the pan to determine if it is dishwasher-safe. For example, stainless steel pans are usually dishwasher-safe, but aluminium pans are not. If you are unsure, check the original packaging or the manufacturer's website.

Step 3: Fill the Sink with Hot Water and Detergent

If your pans are not dishwasher-safe, fill your sink with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing detergent that includes a grease-cutting ingredient. You can also create your own cleaning solution by mixing 1/2 cup of ammonia with one gallon of water.

Step 4: Soak the Pans

Place the burner pans in the soapy water and allow them to soak for at least 10 minutes, or longer if the stains are particularly stubborn. For chrome drip pans, you can soak them in the ammonia solution for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Scrub the Pans

After soaking, use a sponge or dishcloth to wipe down the pans. For tough stains, use a scouring pad or a stainless steel-wool pad. If needed, sprinkle the pans with baking soda before scrubbing to help remove burnt-on food.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry the Pans

Rinse the burner pans with hot water and dry them thoroughly with a microfiber or lint-free cloth. Make sure the pans are completely dry before putting them back on the stove.

Alternative Method: Use a Dishwasher Tablet

Another option for removing set-in stains from burner pans is to use a dishwasher tablet. Simply cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it up on low heat. Then, remove the pan from the heat and scrape the tablet across the burnt-on bits. Rinse and wash the pan with warm soapy water.

Lemon

To clean a burnt pan with lemons, follow these steps:

• Cut two or three lemons into quarters or thick slices.
• Place the lemon slices in the bottom of the pan.
• Add enough water to cover the entire scorched area.
• Bring the lemon water to a boil on the stove. You will see the burnt food particles coming off the bottom of the pan as the lemon floats around.
• After about 5 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let it soak while the water cools to room temperature.
• Discard the water and lemon pieces.
• Lightly scrub off any remaining grime with a soft sponge.

For extra cleaning power, you can also add a few inches of water and a cup of vinegar to the pan, bring it to a boil, and then add two tablespoons of baking soda. This will create a fizzing reaction that helps to loosen burnt food. Once the fizzing stops, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a brush or sponge.

Frequently asked questions