Cleaning Burnt Candy From Steel Pans: Easy Steps For Sparkling Steel

Burnt stainless steel pans can be a real headache to clean, but there are several methods to tackle this problem using common household items. One popular method is to use baking soda, which can be mixed with water to form a paste or combined with vinegar to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food. Another option is to use a powdered cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend, which is more effective at tackling tough stains. For lighter stains, baking soda is a decent alternative. Other creative solutions include using cola, lime juice and salt, or even ketchup, which can effectively break down copper oxide formed when burning food. So, the next time you burn your stainless steel pan, don't panic – try out some of these tips to get your pan looking like new again!

Deglaze with water or vinegar

Deglazing is a simple process that can be done with any liquid, including water or vinegar. It involves adding liquid to a hot pan to remove the brown, caramelized bits stuck to the bottom.

To deglaze with water, first, remove the burnt candy from the pan and pour out any excess liquid. Return the pan to the heat and add a small amount of cool or room-temperature water. As the water heats up, use a spatula or a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan vigorously. Keep scraping until all the burnt bits have come off.

If you want to use vinegar to deglaze, the process is similar. First, remove the burnt candy and any excess liquid from the pan. Then, add a small amount of vinegar to the pan and heat it up. As the vinegar heats up, use a spatula or a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan until all the burnt bits are loosened.

It is important to note that when deglazing with any liquid, including water or vinegar, you should avoid using a non-stick pan. This is because the goal of deglazing is to release the caramelized bits stuck to the pan, and non-stick pans are designed to prevent this from happening. Instead, use stainless steel, aluminum, or cast-iron cookware for deglazing.

Use a dishwasher tablet

Burnt candy in a stainless steel pan can be a real headache to clean, but a dishwasher tablet can be a simple and effective solution. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a dishwasher tablet to tackle that stubborn burnt candy:

• Start by wetting the bottom of your pan with warm water. This will help activate the dishwasher tablet and create a soapy solution.
• Take a dishwasher tablet and wet it slightly with warm water. The warmth will help the tablet dissolve more effectively.
• Begin rubbing the tablet onto the burnt areas of the pan. The abrasiveness of the tablet will help dislodge the burnt candy. Be sure to wear gloves during this process to protect your hands.
• You may need to heat up the water a bit more to accelerate the breakdown of the tablet. The tablet will start to dissolve and form a paste-like consistency.
• Using circular motions, scrub the burnt areas vigorously. Pay close attention to the really burnt parts and repeat the process if needed.
• You will notice the water in the pan turning dark as the dishwasher tablet starts to break down the burnt residue.
• Once the tablet has completely dissolved and you've scrubbed the pan thoroughly, let the pan sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the detergent to further penetrate and loosen any remaining burnt candy.
• After the waiting period, give the pan a proper wash with hot, soapy water. Use a soft sponge or scouring pad to remove any remaining residue.
• Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel.

Using a dishwasher tablet is a cost-effective and relatively easy way to clean burnt stainless steel pans. While it may not work perfectly on all types of pans, it is definitely worth trying, especially for stubborn burnt-on candy. Remember to always wear gloves and be cautious when handling hot water and dirty pans.

Boil with hydrogen peroxide

Boiling with hydrogen peroxide is an effective way to clean burnt stainless steel pans. It is a powerful oxidizing agent that breaks down the chemical bonds in burnt sugar, making it easier to remove from the pan's surface. It also has a mild bleaching effect, which can help remove any discolouration caused by the burnt candy.

To clean your burnt pan with hydrogen peroxide, first, fill the bottom of the pan with about half an inch of hydrogen peroxide. Then, place the pan on the stove and bring the liquid to a boil. You may want to open a window at this stage as the process can start to smell. Once the hydrogen peroxide is boiling, reduce the heat and let the liquid simmer for about 10 minutes. The stains should then come off with minimal effort. You can use a wooden spoon to gently dislodge any remaining burnt bits.

While hydrogen peroxide is generally safe to use on most types of pans, it is always good to test it on a small area first to ensure it does not damage the finish of your pan. It is also important to wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling hydrogen peroxide, as it can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Additionally, make sure to properly dilute the hydrogen peroxide and avoid mixing it with other cleaning products to prevent dangerous chemical reactions.

Scrub with baking soda

Burnt candy can be a challenge to clean, but it's not impossible. Here's a detailed guide on how to tackle it using baking soda:

Step 1: Create a Baking Soda Paste

Start by creating a paste with baking soda and a small amount of water. The paste should be thick enough to adhere to the burnt areas of your pan. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help lift away burnt-on residue without damaging the stainless steel surface.

Step 2: Apply the Paste

Using a sponge or cloth, apply the baking soda paste generously to the burnt areas of your pan. Make sure all the affected areas are covered. You can also use a spatula to spread the paste evenly.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Allow the paste to sit on the pan for several hours or even overnight. This gives the baking soda time to work on breaking down the burnt candy residue. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be at loosening the burnt residue.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After letting the paste sit, it's time to scrub. Use a fresh, soft sponge or a slightly abrasive scouring pad for this step. Apply some elbow grease and scrub in a circular motion, focusing on the areas with burnt candy. The baking soda paste should help lift and remove the burnt residue without damaging the pan's surface.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

Rinse the pan with warm water to remove the paste and any loosened residue. If some burnt candy remains, don't be afraid to repeat the process. Reapply the baking soda paste, let it sit, and scrub again. You can also try using a slightly more abrasive scouring pad for tougher residue.

Tips and Precautions:

• Always test a small area first to ensure the baking soda doesn't affect your pan's finish.
• Avoid using steel wool or highly abrasive scrubbers as they can scratch your stainless steel pan.
• For extremely tough residue, you can try combining baking soda with vinegar. After applying the baking soda paste, sprinkle vinegar onto the pan. The reaction will create bubbles that can help loosen burnt-on candy.
• Always dry your pan thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots and promote a longer lifespan.

Use cream of tartar

Burnt stainless steel pans can be effectively cleaned with cream of tartar. This is because cream of tartar is a mildly abrasive substance that can dig into burnt food and loosen it without damaging the pan's surface. It is also slightly acidic, which helps break down the burnt food.

To clean your burnt stainless steel pan with cream of tartar, first, scrape off as much of the burnt food as you can using a spatula or plastic scraper. Then, you can use either the paste method or the boiling method. For the paste method, mix cream of tartar and water until you get a spreadable consistency. Cover the bottom of the pan with the mixture and let it sit overnight. In the morning, scrub the pan, and the burnt food should come off. For the boiling method, combine 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar in the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, discard the water and scrub the pan with hot, soapy water.

Cream of tartar can also be used to clean other things in your kitchen, such as appliances, grout, and drains.

Frequently asked questions