Clean Scorched Steel Pans: Effective Tips For Removing Stains

Burnt stainless steel pans can be a pain to clean, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done effectively. It's important to act quickly and use the right cleaning agents to remove scorch marks and burnt food without damaging the pan's surface. Here are some common methods to clean steel pans with scorched slabs:

- Using commercial cleaners like Barkeeper's Friend, which is designed to clean without scratching stainless steel.

- Boiling water in the pan to loosen stuck-on food, followed by scrubbing with a non-abrasive tool and dish soap.

- Applying a paste of baking soda and water to the pan, letting it sit, and then scrubbing and rinsing.

- Using vinegar and baking soda, by heating them together in the pan and then scrubbing to remove burnt residue.

- Soaking the pan in a solution of dish soap, hot water, and oxygen bleach liquid.

- Using coarse Kosher salt and pairing it with dish detergent and hot water or massaging it with a cut lemon.

- Soaking the pan with soap and water, adding a dryer sheet, and letting it sit for an hour to loosen the burnt-on food.

Use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend

If your stainless steel pans have scorch marks, commercial cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend can help bring them back to life. Bar Keepers Friend is a bleach-free, gentle, and effective cleaner that can remove burnt-on food and stains from metal skillets, glass and ceramic dishes, stainless steel utensils, and enamel-coated cast iron.

• Wet the pan: Start by wetting the area you want to clean. Make sure the burnt food is saturated.
• Apply the cleaner: Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend onto the bottom of the pan. You can also make a paste with the cleaner and some water.
• Scrub: Use a soft, wet cloth to rub the cleaner onto the pan. For tougher stains, use a non-abrasive scrubber and scrub in a circular motion from the center outward.
• Rinse: Wash the pan with hot, soapy water and rinse it with clean water.
• Repeat if necessary: If there are still burn marks, repeat the above steps.

Bar Keepers Friend is an excellent option for cleaning scorched steel pans as it is designed to clean without scratching or damaging stainless steel surfaces. It is also very affordable, so you can easily bring your favourite stainless steel pan back to its former glory without having to replace it.

Boil water and baking soda in the pan

To clean a scorched steel pan with boiling water and baking soda, start by removing as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, add a small mound of baking soda to the centre of the pan and cover it with about 1/4 cup of water. You might need to add more water if you have a bigger pan. Bring this mixture to a boil.

As the water boils and evaporates, it will leave a film of baking soda around the walls of the pan. When most of the water has boiled off, turn off the heat and use a long-handled brush or scouring pad to scrub away the mess. It is best to do this while the pan is still hot, so use gloves and grip the pan with a towel or oven mitt.

For bigger, tougher stains that climb up the sides of a saucepan or skillet, you can try a slightly different method. Choose a vessel that will fit your pan, such as a large stock pot for small skillets or a roasting pan for larger ones. Then, fill it with enough water to submerge or mostly submerge your pan and bring it to a boil. If you are using a large roasting pan, you can arrange it over two burners on the stovetop.

Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda, then carefully place your pan in the water. Reduce the water to a gentle boil and let the pan cook for about 15 to 30 minutes, flipping or rotating it if necessary so that all sides are boiled. You should start to see brown residue flaking off.

Using tongs and silicone oven mitts, carefully remove the pans. Then, to create an abrasive slurry to help break down the rest of the stains, add more baking soda and water to the pan and scrub while the pan is hot. You can hold onto the pan with a towel.

To truly scrape off every last bit of gunk, go at the rivets with a toothpick or a cheap paring knife.

Soak the pan in a solution of water, baking soda, and vinegar

So, you've scorched your stainless steel pan. Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to restoring your pan to its former glory by soaking it in a solution of water, baking soda, and vinegar.

First, let's gather the ingredients. You'll need water, baking soda, and vinegar. For this method, it's best to use white vinegar, as it is a great multi-purpose cleaner with disinfectant properties. You will also need a few tools, such as a pot or container large enough to submerge your pan, a stove, and a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber.

Now, let's get started with the process:

• Begin by filling your pan with water. You want to add enough water to cover the burnt or scorched areas of the pan.
• Add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to the water in the pan. The exact amount is not crucial, but a generous amount will help with the cleaning process.
• Bring the water and baking soda mixture to a boil. This step will help loosen the burnt-on food and grease.
• Once the water is boiling, remove the pan from the heat. You may notice some of the burnt residue starting to soften and lift.
• Now, add vinegar to the pan. Pour in enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan. You are looking for a ratio of about one part vinegar to three parts water.
• The mixture will start to fizz and bubble as the vinegar and baking soda react. This reaction is normal and helps break down the tough, burnt-on food particles.
• Let the pan cool. You can leave the mixture in the pan for a few minutes to allow the ingredients to continue working. The longer you let it sit, the easier it will be to remove the burnt residue.
• After the pan has cooled down, use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to gently scrub away any remaining residue. Be careful not to use too much force, as you don't want to scratch the surface of your stainless steel pan.
• Rinse the pan with clean water to remove any remaining baking soda, vinegar, and loosened food particles.
• Finally, dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel.

And that's it! Your stainless steel pan should now be clean and ready to use again. This method is a simple, effective way to remove even the toughest burnt-on food and restore your pan to its original condition.

Use a dishwasher tablet

Using a dishwasher tablet is an effective way to clean steel pans with scorched slabs. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wet the Dishwasher Tablet

Firstly, wet the dishwasher tablet by holding it under warm running water for a few seconds. This will help to activate the cleaning agents in the tablet and make it easier to apply to the pan.

Step 2: Apply the Tablet to the Burnt Areas

Focusing on the burnt-on areas, start rubbing the wet dishwasher tablet onto the bottom of the pan in circular motions. Wear gloves during this process to protect your hands. The abrasive nature of the tablet will help to break down and lift the burnt-on marks and stains.

Step 3: Add a Bit of Warm Water

If the tablet is not breaking down effectively, heat up some more warm water and apply it to the pan. This can help the tablet to dissolve and activate its cleaning properties. You may need to adjust the water temperature to find the ideal condition for the tablet to work optimally.

Step 4: Scrub the Burnt Areas

For heavily burnt areas, use the dishwasher tablet as a scrubber by holding it firmly and applying pressure as you move it in circular motions. The combination of the tablet's cleaning agents and the abrasive texture will help to dislodge the burnt-on food and stains.

Step 5: Rinse and Wash the Pan

Once you have removed the burnt marks, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue. Then, proceed to wash the pan as normal using hot soapy water and a sponge or scrubber. Ensure that you dry the pan thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots and promote longevity.

Using a dishwasher tablet is a cost-effective and relatively low-effort method to clean burnt steel pans. While it may not work for all types of pans, it is worth trying as a simple and convenient solution.

Boil water with lemon slices

Boiling water with lemon slices is an effective and eco-friendly way to clean a scorched steel pan. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Slice two to 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. Ensure the water level is just barely covering the lemons.
• Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the lemon water to a boil.
• Continue boiling for about 5 to 8 minutes. You may see food particles floating to the surface of the water.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down.
• Once the water has cooled to room temperature, discard the lemons and drain the water.
• Rinse the pan with hot, clean water.
• Use a scouring pad or brush to loosen and remove any remaining stuck-on bits.

This method utilizes the citric acid in lemons, which helps break down burnt food stains and leaves a refreshing citrus scent in your kitchen. While it may require some heavy-duty scrubbing, it is a natural and effective way to clean your scorched steel pan.

Frequently asked questions