Simple Ways To Clean Tarnish From Your Pans At Home

Cleaning tarnish from a pan can be a tricky task, especially if you're dealing with burnt-on stains or discolouration. The good news is that there are several effective methods to tackle this problem, and most of them use common household items. Whether you're cleaning stainless steel, aluminium, or cast iron, there's a solution for you. So, if you're ready to roll up your sleeves and get scrubbing, read on for some handy tips to make your pans shine like new!

Use vinegar to clean tarnish from a pan

Vinegar is one of the most effective general cleaners, and it also works well to shine up and clean pans. Straight vinegar is not always recommended, so it is advisable to test it on a small area first if you are unsure about the pan you are attempting to restore.

To make an effective cleaning solution, mix one part white vinegar to one part water. This creates an acidic solution that can be used in several ways to clean tarnished pans. For example, use a clean cloth dipped in the vinegar and water solution to scrub away discolouration and sanitise the exterior of a pan.

For pots that are caked with residue, boil a solution of water and vinegar and pour it into the cookware item. Let it sit in the pot or soak the item for 30 minutes before cleaning it off with a damp sponge.

You can also add two tablespoons of cream of tartar to half a cup of vinegar. Add a quart of water to the pan and bring it to a boil. Let the solution roil for 10 minutes before removing from the heat and draining. Allow the pot to cool and then wash it with soap and hot water.

Vinegar can also be used to clean stainless steel pans. Simply pour it into the pan, swirl it around, and the rainbow stains will disappear. You can also use a rag to wipe the vinegar up the sides of deeper pots.

Try baking soda and a wooden spoon

Baking soda is a versatile natural cleaner that can be used to clean tarnish from a pan. It has mild abrasive properties and its alkaline pH can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. It can also combine with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food and make it easier to remove. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean tarnish from a pan using baking soda and a wooden spoon:

Step 1: Remove burnt food and debris

Start by scraping off as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Use a wooden spatula or a similar tool to remove the debris without scratching the pan's surface.

Step 2: Boil water in the pan

Fill the pan with enough water to cover the bottom surface by about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Turn on the stove and bring the water to a boil. For a larger pan, you may need up to 1 cup (240 mL) of water or more. For a griddle or shallow pan, a smaller amount of water will suffice.

Step 3: Add vinegar to the pan

Once the water is boiling, carefully transfer the pan to the sink. Keep the hot water in the pan and pour in 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar. If you don't have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar will also work. The vinegar will help neutralise odours and loosen baked-on food residue.

Step 4: Add baking soda to the pan

Add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of baking soda to the pan. Keep the pan in the sink to avoid messy overflows when adding the baking soda. The baking soda and vinegar will react and start to bubble and fizz. This reaction will help lift caked-on food residue.

Step 5: Let the mixture sit

Let the mixture of vinegar and baking soda sit for a few minutes while the pan cools down. The fizzing reaction will work to loosen and lift any stubborn residue from the pan.

Step 6: Scrub the pan

After a few minutes, use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture in the pan. Gently scrub the inside of the pan with the wooden spoon, focusing on any stained or scorched areas. The wooden spoon will provide a gentle abrasive action without scratching the pan's surface.

Step 7: Empty and wash the pan

Once you have finished scrubbing the pan, carefully empty the mixture down the sink. Rinse the pan with hot water and wash it with dish soap and a clean sponge or scrubber. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean dish towel or cloth.

Additional tips:

• If there are still some stubborn stains or residue, you can make a baking soda paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and hot water. Apply this paste directly to the stained areas and scrub with a sponge or nylon brush.
• For non-stick pans, be careful not to use abrasive tools or pads as these can damage the non-stick surface. Instead, use a nylon brush or non-scratching sponge.
• Always wear protective gloves and eye protection when handling hot water and cleaning chemicals.

Lemon and salt can revive tarnished pans

Lemon and salt can be used to revive tarnished pans, especially copper cookware. This method is effective, easy, and uses ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens.

To clean a tarnished pan with lemon and salt, cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt onto the cut surface. Then, scrub the pan with the lemon, applying more salt as needed. This method works instantly, and the copper will be gleaming again in no time.

If you are concerned about scratching delicate pans, an alternative method is to squeeze the lemon juice into a bowl and mix it with salt to form a paste. This paste can then be applied to the pan with a spoon and scrubbed with the lemon. For stubborn stains, let the paste sit for about 30 minutes, scrubbing periodically.

After removing the tarnish, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly. For an extra shine, buff the pan with a dry, clean cloth.

Lemon and salt are effective in removing simple patina or minimal stains from use. However, it may not be suitable for pans with lacquered or delicate finishes, as it can damage them.

Use a dishwasher tablet

If you're looking for a way to clean tarnish from a pan, one method that works surprisingly well is to use a dishwasher tablet. This method is particularly useful if you already have a dishwasher and therefore have these tablets to hand.

The first step is to wet the dishwasher tablet in warm water. Then, wearing gloves, start scrubbing the bottom of the pan with the tablet, focusing on the burnt areas. You may need to heat the water a little more to get the tablet to break down effectively. Scrub in a circular motion, going over the burnt parts until they start to lift. You'll see the water in the pan turn dark brown, and the tablet will also change colour.

Once the tablet has completely dissolved, let the pan sit for about 10 minutes. Then, wash the pan in hot, soapy water as normal. You may need to give the pan a proper scrub with a sponge or scouring pad to remove any remaining burnt-on bits.

This method is a quick and easy way to clean a burnt pan, and it's definitely worth a try if you have dishwasher tablets at home. However, it may take more than one tablet to fully clean a very dirty pan, and some pans may require an additional scrub even after using the dishwasher tablet.

Try a paste of water and baking soda

If you have a scorched pan with burnt food, you can use baking soda and water to get the job done.

First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. You'll want to make enough to cover the scorched portion of the pan. For a full pot bottom, try one cup of baking soda and one-third of a cup of water.

Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to fully coat the area. Alternatively, you can cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then add enough baking soda to create a paste.

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 one-quarter to one-half 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—you don't want it to burn again! Let the pan cool and wipe or scrub to remove the scorched bits.

You can also use baking soda in this way to wash pots and pans regularly and help prevent scorched stains or burnt-on residue.

Frequently asked questions