Erase Burn Marks: Restore Your Pans' Pristine Condition

Burnt pans are a common problem, but they can be remedied with a few simple steps. The key is to act quickly and not let the stains sit for too long, as they may become more difficult to remove. There are several methods to remove burn marks from pans, including using vinegar and baking soda, deglazing, or even a dishwasher tablet. These methods can help remove the discolouration and unpleasant odours that come with burnt pans.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean a burnt pan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

First, fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar. Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. For a heavy-duty clean, you can skip the water and simply boil vinegar in the pan.

Once the mixture is boiling, remove the pan from the heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction. It is a good idea to do this step over the sink, as the reaction can be quite dramatic.

Next, set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing to stop. Then, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring pad. If there are any remaining burn marks, add more baking soda and scrub again.

Finally, rinse and dry the pan as normal.

An alternative method is to first boil the water and vinegar mixture, then pour it down the sink and add the baking soda to the empty pan. This avoids the "dramatic fizz" that can occur when combining vinegar and baking soda.

Boiled lemons

To clean burn marks from the bottom of your pans using boiled lemons, follow these steps:

• Cut two to three lemons into quarters or thick slices.
• Place the lemon pieces in the bottom of the burnt pan.
• Add enough water to the pan to cover the entire scorched area.
• Place the pan on the stove and bring the lemon water to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Boil for five to ten minutes, or until you see food particles floating to the surface.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool.
• Once cool, discard the lemon pieces and the water.
• Rinse the pan with hot, clean water.
• Use a scouring pad or brush to remove any remaining stuck-on bits.

The citric acid in lemons helps break down burnt food stains and leaves a refreshing citrus scent in your kitchen. This method is a win-win, as it is both effective and natural. While it may not be as quick as some other methods, it is still a great option for removing burn marks from pans without harsh chemicals.

Dishwasher tablets

If you're looking to clear burn marks from your pans with dishwasher tablets, here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Cover the bottom of your burnt pan with a small amount of water. Turn on the heat and warm the pan gently. This will help loosen any burnt-on food and make it easier to remove.

Step 2: Scour with the Dishwasher Tablet

Once the pan is warm, remove it from the heat. Take a dishwasher tablet and begin to gently scour the burnt areas with it. The abrasive nature of the tablet will help lift and remove the burnt residue.

Step 3: Rinse and Wash

After scouring with the dishwasher tablet, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining food particles and residue from the tablet. Finally, wash the pan with warm, soapy water to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned.

Tips and Tricks:

• It is recommended to wear gloves when handling dishwasher tablets as they can be harsh on the skin.
• For best results, use a dishwasher tablet that is known to perform well, such as Finish Powerball Tablets.
• While scouring, the dishwasher tablet will start to dissolve, especially when in contact with warm water. To maintain its shape and effectiveness, try to keep the tablet as dry as possible.
• For heavily burnt pans, you may need to use more than one dishwasher tablet to fully remove the burn marks.

Using dishwasher tablets is an effective and quick way to remove burn marks from pans. It is a convenient method as it requires minimal additional materials and can be completed in just a few minutes.

Bar Keepers Friend

• Wet the area to be cleaned.
• Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish on the wet surface.
• Rub it in with a soft, wet cloth.
• Rinse it off with clean water.

For tougher stains, make a paste of the cleanser with water, let it sit for a minute, and then wash, rinse, and dry.

It is important to note that Bar Keepers Friend is an abrasive product, so it is recommended to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin while scrubbing.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

First, rinse your dirty pan in hot water and drain it. Then, generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda onto the burnt areas. Add a few teaspoons of hot water back to the pan to form a paste with the baking soda. Next, take a piece of aluminium foil, crumple it up into a ball, and begin scrubbing the paste all around the pan until all the burnt food bits and stained areas are clean. Rinse the pan with warm soapy water and scrub with a scouring pad if needed.

This method only takes around 3 minutes and is a great way to put a random extra piece of foil to good use. You can also use the same ball of foil to clean a few pans.

Baking soda is a great go-to for cleaning burnt pots and pans because 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.

Frequently asked questions