Restore Your Copper Pan: Clean The Inside Of A Burned Pan

Burnt copper pans can be a challenge to clean, but with the right techniques and a bit of patience, they can be restored to their former glory. Copper is a soft, reactive metal that can easily tarnish, corrode, and scratch, so it's important to use the right cleaning methods and avoid abrasive tools. Here are some steps to clean the inside of a burnt copper pan:

- Remove any burnt food particles from the pan using a soft cloth or dish scrubber.

- Fill the pan with hot water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap. You can also add a splash of vinegar or a cup of baking soda for more effective cleaning.

- Allow the pan to soak for several hours or overnight if necessary.

- Use a non-abrasive scrubber to remove the burnt-on food.

- Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.

- If there are still stubborn stains, you can try using natural cleaning solutions like lemon juice, vinegar, or baking soda. Create a paste or mixture and apply it to the affected area, then scrub gently and rinse.

- For heavier burn marks, you may need to use chemical cleaning agents like commercial copper cleaners. Apply them to the bottom of the pan, scrub with a soft cloth, and then rinse and dry.

Soak in hot water and dish soap

Soaking your burnt copper pan in hot water and dish soap is a great first step to restoring your pan to its former glory. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this effectively:

Step 1: Prepare the Soaking Solution

Start by filling your sink or a large bucket with very hot water. The water temperature is important as you want it to be hot but still safe to handle. Add a generous amount of liquid dish soap to the water and stir the solution to create plenty of suds. You can also add a splash of vinegar to the mix, which will help boost its cleaning power.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

Submerge your burnt copper pan completely in the hot, soapy water. If your pan is too large to submerge, fill it with the hot, soapy water instead. Allow the pan to soak for several hours. The exact duration will depend on how burnt the pan is. For heavily burnt pans, you may need to let it soak overnight. Replace the water with fresh hot water if it starts to cool down.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After the pan has soaked for a sufficient amount of time, it's time to start scrubbing. Use a non-abrasive scrubber or sponge to gently scrub the burnt areas of the pan. You can also use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth if you prefer. The soaking process should have loosened the burnt-on food, making it easier to remove. If the burnt-on food is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat the soaking process.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you've removed all the burnt-on food and stains, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water. Make sure to remove any soap residue to prevent water spots from forming. Finally, dry the pan with a clean towel or soft cloth. It's important to dry the pan completely to prevent water spots and slow down the tarnishing process.

Tips and Tricks:

• For heavily burnt pans, you can add a cup of baking soda to the soaking solution to boost its cleaning power.
• If you're dealing with light burn marks, you may be able to skip the soaking process altogether and simply clean the pan with a soft cloth, hot water, and dish soap.
• Always assess the severity of the burn before deciding on a cleaning method. Heavily burnt pans may require more aggressive cleaning methods or additional steps.
• Remember to avoid using abrasive cleaning tools and harsh chemicals when cleaning copper pans, as these can scratch and damage the surface.

Use a soft cloth to scrub

Once you have soaked your burnt copper pan in hot water and removed any burnt food particles, it's time to scrub the pan with a soft cloth. It is important to avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads or steel wool as these can compromise the non-stick coating of your copper pan and scratch the surface. Instead, opt for a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub away the burnt-on food.

If your pan has heavy burn marks, you may need to use a cleaning agent in addition to the soft cloth. One option is to create a paste by mixing baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the burnt areas of the pan and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with the soft cloth. You can also try using vinegar and salt. Combine these ingredients in a spray bottle and spray liberally onto the burnt areas. Use the soft cloth to rub the mixture into the pan and scrub away the burnt-on food.

For more stubborn burnt-on food, you may need to repeat the soaking and scrubbing process several times. Always dry your copper pan thoroughly after scrubbing to prevent water spots from forming.

It is important to note that copper is a reactive metal and can be easily damaged by harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning tools. Always assess the severity of the burn and choose the appropriate cleaning method to avoid further damaging your copper pan.

Try natural cleaning solutions

Natural cleaning solutions are a great option for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning a burnt copper pan. Here are some effective methods that use common household items and ingredients:

Lemon and Salt

Cut a lemon in half and dip it in a dish of kosher salt, ensuring the cut surface is covered. Then, rub the lemon onto the burnt areas of the pan. The acidic lemon juice and abrasive salt will help remove stubborn stains. After scrubbing, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a large bucket or sink, ensuring the copper pan can be fully immersed. Bring the mixture to a boil and then let it cool. Stir in a generous amount of baking soda—you may need a whole box! After soaking the pan in this solution for several hours, use a dish scrubber to remove any remaining residue. Finally, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Fabric Softener

Fill a container large enough to fit your copper pan with water and add a few squirts of fabric softener. Allow the pan to soak for about an hour, and then pour out the water and scrub the pan. If the copper item is cookware, be sure to wash it again with mild dish detergent, rinse, and dry.

Aluminium Foil

First, soak the copper pan in water for a few minutes. Then, take a ball of aluminium foil and scrub the stained areas. For more stubborn stains, take breaks and repeat the process as needed.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Soak a cloth in apple cider vinegar and then use it to scrub the burnt copper pan. Rinse the pan with clean water and dry it with a towel.

Ketchup

Cover the burnt areas of the pan with an even coat of ketchup. Let it sit for about half an hour, and then dampen a cloth and scrub the copper. Rinse off the ketchup with clean water and dry the pan.

Apply chemical cleaning agents

If your copper pan has a thick crust of burnt-on food, you may need to use chemical cleaning agents to remove it. Here are some methods you can try:

Commercial Copper Cleaner

Apply a commercial copper cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend, to the bottom of the pan. Scrub gently with a soft cloth, then rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth. Be cautious when using this type of product, as it can be harsh on your hands and possibly on your copper pan.

Baking Soda and Water

Sprinkle a teaspoon or two of baking soda onto the burnt surface of the pan and cover it with water. Boil the mixture until it dries, then repeat the process a couple of times without heating after the final addition of water. Scrub the pan while it is still wet and warm. For more stubborn stains, repeat the process.

Washing Soda

If the baking soda method does not work, try using washing soda (sodium carbonate) instead. Follow the same process as for the baking soda method.

Caustic Soda

As a last resort, you can try using caustic soda (sodium hydroxide, drain cleaner) to remove the burnt-on food. Fill the pan with water and add caustic soda, being sure to wear gloves and eye protection. The water will get warm as the caustic soda dissolves, and you may see the crust start to crack and come away from the pan. Be very careful with this method, as caustic soda can etch the copper.

Dry and polish

Drying and polishing are the final steps in cleaning a burnt copper pan. After washing your copper pan with soapy water and a soft cloth, it is important to dry it thoroughly to prevent water spots from forming. Use a clean towel to dry the pan, and then use a soft cloth to polish it. You can use a commercial copper cleaner or a natural clay-based cleaner to polish the pan and restore its shine. It only takes a minute to polish the copper pan and it is worth it!

• Use a clean towel to absorb any remaining water or moisture on the pan. Ensure that you dry the pan thoroughly, including the handles and exterior surfaces.
• For polishing, you can use a commercial copper cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend, or a natural clay-based cleaner, such as Earth Brite. Apply a small amount of the cleaner to a damp cloth or sponge and gently polish the pan using circular motions.
• If using a commercial copper cleaner, rinse the pan with warm water after polishing to remove any residue.
• If using a natural clay-based cleaner, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove all of the clay paste.
• After rinsing, use a soft, dry cloth to buff the pan to a shine.
• You can also use lemon juice and baking soda to create a natural, homemade polish. Combine two teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice with two tablespoons of baking soda to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the bottom of the pan and rub it into the copper until the burn marks are removed.
• For lacquered copper pans, avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools. Simply wash the pan with hot, soapy water, rinse well, and dry with a soft cloth.

Frequently asked questions