Cleaning Saucepan Exteriors: Tips For Sparkling Cookware

Keeping the bottom of your pans clean is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also for safety. Burnt-on stains and layers of polymerised oil can be hazardous, as they may catch fire while you're cooking or create a breeding ground for bacteria. There are several methods you can use to clean the bottom of your pans, depending on the type of pan and the severity of the stains. For burnt stainless steel pans, you can try the boiling water method, where you add water to the pan, bring it to a boil for 5-7 minutes, and then scrub away the loosened food with a sponge. Another option is to make a paste with baking soda and water, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then scrub with a non-scratch sponge. You can also use commercial cleansers like Bar Keeper's Friend, which is particularly effective on both stainless steel and cast iron pans. For non-stick pans, it's important to use a non-abrasive sponge to avoid damaging the coating. To clean the bottom of a cast iron pan, avoid using abrasive sponges as they can ruin the seasoning. Instead, rinse the pan with hot water and use kosher salt, warm water, and a soft sponge to remove any residue. Finally, always dry your pans thoroughly before storing them to prevent rusting.

Use a dishwasher tablet

Using a dishwasher tablet is an effective way to clean the bottom of a burnt sauce pan. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the Sauce Pan: Start by ensuring the pan is dry. If it has just been used, let it cool down before proceeding.
• Add a Bit of Water: Place the pan on the hob and add a tiny bit of water to the bottom of the pan. Warm it up on low heat.
• Scrub with the Dishwasher Tablet: Turn off the heat. Wearing gloves, use the dishwasher tablet to scrub the burnt-on bits. You can simply rub the tablet directly on the pan, or you can wet the tablet in warm water first to create a paste. Scrub in a circular motion, focusing on the burnt areas.
• Rinse and Wash: Once you're done scrubbing, rinse the pan and wash it with warm soapy water as you normally would.

This method is quick and efficient, usually taking just 3-5 minutes. It is also relatively mess-free, as the dishwasher tablet works as both the detergent and scouring pad. However, it's important to note that different tablets may yield varying results.

For tougher stains, you can try a slightly different approach by first filling the pan with water and adding a dishwasher tablet. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for around 10 minutes. The burnt bits should then lift away easily, leaving your pan as good as new.

Boil lemons

Boiling lemons is an easy and fragrant way to clean your saucepan, and it will leave your kitchen smelling zesty and invigorating.

First, remove any loose food or debris from your saucepan. Then, cut 2-3 lemons into quarters and place them into the pot. Add 2-3 inches of water and place the pot on the stove. Bring the water to a boil for 5-10 minutes.

After boiling, pour out the lemon water and wedges into the sink. Use a scouring pad to scrub away any remaining scorch marks.

If your saucepan is made from cast iron, you should avoid using lemons, as the acidity can create rust and deteriorate the seasoned coating. Instead, use baking soda, which is a mild abrasive and can help neutralise odours or flavours that may have burned into the pan.

Use baking soda and vinegar

To clean the outer bottom of a sauce pan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

• Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Add enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch of liquid.
• Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. You will see a fizzing reaction. It is recommended to do this over the sink.
• Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling stops.
• Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary.
• Rinse and dry the pan.

This method combines the mild abrasive properties of baking soda with the acidic properties of vinegar to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen and remove burnt food from the pan.

Use ketchup

If you want to clean the outer bottom of your saucepan, ketchup can be a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use ketchup to clean your saucepan effectively:

Step 1: Prepare the Saucepan and Work Area

Place a layer of newspaper on a flat surface near your sink or patio table. Turn the saucepan upside down and place it on the newspaper to access the outer bottom surface. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area or outdoors as the smell of ketchup can be overpowering.

Step 2: Apply Ketchup to the Outer Bottom

Using a spoon or rubber spatula, generously slather an even layer of ketchup onto the outer bottom surface of the saucepan. Make sure to cover all the areas that need cleaning.

Step 3: Let the Ketchup Sit

Let the ketchup sit and work on breaking down the grime. You can leave it for about 30 minutes to start, and then assess if more time is needed. The acid in the ketchup will help loosen and dissolve the greasy buildup and stains.

Step 4: Wipe and Scrape

After the ketchup has had sufficient time to work, use a paper towel to wipe a small area and check the progress. If the grime has not completely softened, let it sit for another 15-20 minutes. Once the ketchup has done its job, use a metal spatula or a ball of aluminum foil to gently scrape off the softened gunk, revealing a cleaner surface underneath.

Step 5: Rinse and Wash

After scraping, rinse the saucepan with warm, soapy water in the sink. Use a sponge or cloth to ensure all the ketchup and loosened grime are removed. Finally, dry the saucepan with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Additional Tips:

• Ketchup is particularly effective on copper and stainless steel pans, but it should not be used on cast iron as it may damage the surface.
• For tougher stains, you may need to reapply ketchup and let it sit for a longer period before scraping and rinsing.
• Always test a small, discreet area of your saucepan first to ensure the ketchup does not cause any discolouration or damage.

Try Bar Keeper's Friend

If you're looking to clean the outer bottom of your saucepan, Bar Keepers Friend is a great option. This bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product is ideal for stainless steel items and can also be used on other surfaces like enameled cast iron. It can effectively remove tough stains, grease, and scorch marks from the bottom of your pans.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Bar Keepers Friend to clean the outer bottom of your saucepan:

Step 1: Wet the Surface

Firstly, dampen the outer bottom of your saucepan with warm water. This will help activate the Bar Keepers Friend and create a paste-like consistency when you apply the product.

Step 2: Apply Bar Keepers Friend

Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend powder generously onto the wet surface of the saucepan. Make sure the entire area you want to clean is covered with the powder.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Allow the Bar Keepers Friend to sit on the surface for about a minute. This gives the product time to work on breaking down the stains, grease, or scorch marks.

Step 4: Scrub the Surface

Using a soft, wet cloth or a non-scratch sponge, gently scrub the surface in a circular motion. Start from the center and work your way outward. For very tough stains, you can use steel wool for the initial scrubbing and then switch to a softer sponge or cloth.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

Rinse the saucepan with clean water. If there are still some stubborn stains or marks, you can repeat the process as needed until your saucepan is clean.

Bar Keepers Friend is a highly effective and affordable solution for cleaning the outer bottom of your saucepan. It can save you from having to replace your pans, and it's easy to use. Remember to wear cleaning gloves to protect your skin, as the product is abrasive. With Bar Keepers Friend, you can bring your saucepan back to its shiny, like-new condition!

Frequently asked questions