Get Rid Of Grimy Pans: Effective Cleaning Solutions

Cleaning pans with hardened grime can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and products, it is possible to restore them to their former glory. The internet is awash with suggestions for how to tackle this issue, so it's worth experimenting to find the best method for you. One popular method is to create a paste from baking soda and vinegar, leaving it to sit for 20 minutes, and then scrubbing with steel wool. Another approach is to use a commercial oven cleaner, such as Cif, which can effectively remove burnt-on grease. For non-stick pans, it is important to avoid harsh scrubbers and instead opt for sponges or washcloths to prevent scratches and damage to the coating.

How to clear up pans with hardened grim

Soak in hot water and washing-up liquid

Soaking your pans in hot water and washing-up liquid is an effective way to clear up hardened grime. This method works best for light stains, and it is recommended to use it as soon as possible after cooking.

First, fill your sink with hot water. The water should be hot but still comfortable to touch. Then, add a good amount of washing-up liquid. You can also add a cup of vinegar to the water to help loosen the grime. Place the pan in the sink and let it soak for at least 15 minutes. If the pan has been burnt for a long time or has accumulated grime over the years, you may need to let it soak for an hour or more.

Once the pan has soaked, use a scouring pad or sponge to scrub away the grime. You can also use a toothbrush to get into any crevices or hard-to-reach areas. Scrub the pan in a continuous circular motion, applying more pressure for tougher stains. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining soap and grime.

If there are still some stubborn bits of grime left, you can create a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas. Let the paste sit for a few minutes, then scrub it off with a scouring pad. Rinse the pan again with warm water to remove any residue.

Finally, dry the pan with a clean towel before putting it away.

Use baking soda and vinegar

To clean a pan with hardened grime using baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Firstly, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, fill the pan with enough water to cover the bottom and bring it to a boil. Transfer the pan to the sink and pour in 1 cup of white vinegar. You can also use apple cider vinegar. Next, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and watch as the mixture fizzes. Leave the pan to sit for a few minutes, allowing the vinegar and baking soda to work together to lift the caked-on food residue. Finally, scrub the pan with a sponge or nylon brush, rinse with hot water, and wash with dish soap.

If there are still some stubborn stains, you can try using a baking soda and water paste. Mix equal parts baking soda and hot water directly in the pan, creating a thick paste. If the paste is too runny, simply add a little more baking soda. Use a scouring sponge to scrub the problem areas until the stains lift. Rinse the pan with hot water and wash with dish soap, then dry with a clean towel.

Try a dishwasher tablet

If you have burnt pans with harden grime on them, one way to clean them is with a dishwasher tablet. This method is simple and effective and can bring your pans back to life.

Firstly, cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it up on low heat. Then, remove the pan from the heat source. If you are using a dishwasher tablet with a wrapper, remove the wrapper and put on some gloves. Begin to rub the tablet across the burnt-on bits, focusing on the affected areas. You may need to heat the water up a little more for the tablet to start breaking down. Scrub in a circular motion and go over the really burnt parts.

The water will likely turn dark brown as it mixes with the grime, and the dishwasher tablet will also change colour. Once you are satisfied, leave the pan to sit for about 10 minutes. Then, wash the pan in hot, soapy water as normal.

This method is a quick and easy process, but it may not work for all pans. It is also not very environmentally friendly, so it should be used as a last resort for particularly stubborn stains.

Boil lemons in the pan

If you have a burnt pot or pan, don't worry—it's a common problem with a simple solution. You can restore your cookware to its former glory by boiling lemons in the pan. This method works best for stainless steel pots and pans without a non-stick coating.

First, chop up two lemons. You can cut them into quarters, eights, or slices, as long as you have enough pieces to cover the bottom of the pan. Next, add water to the pan. You want to add enough water to cover the burnt area of the pan. Don't worry about covering the lemons, as they will float!

Now, place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a rolling boil. You should see the burnt specks starting to come off the bottom of the pan as the lemons float around.

Once the water has boiled, turn off the heat and let the water cool. After dumping out the lemons and dirty water, you will likely see a thin brown layer at the bottom of the pan. This can be easily removed by lightly scrubbing the pan with a brush. Rinse the pan with water, and your cookware will be as good as new!

The acid in the lemons and the boiling water will remove even the toughest gunk. Plus, the lemons will leave your kitchen smelling fresh and citrusy.

Use aluminium foil and baking soda

To clean a burnt pan with aluminium foil and baking soda, start by rinsing your dirty pot in hot water and draining it. Then, sprinkle the pot generously with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Add a few teaspoons of hot water back to the pan to form a paste with the baking soda. Next, take a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil and begin scrubbing the pan until all the burnt debris lifts. Finally, rinse the pan with hot, soapy water to finish cleaning.

This method is likely to require some elbow grease, but it is still more effective than simply scrubbing with baking soda. For even better results, you can try combining the aluminium foil and baking soda method with the deglazing technique. Start by removing as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, put the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles. Next, add 1 cup of water or a mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 white vinegar to the hot pan and allow it to boil. As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening bits of burnt food. Pour the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan. Now, you can proceed with the aluminium foil and baking soda method described above.

If you don't have aluminium foil, you can also use a nylon brush or a non-scratch sponge to scrub the pan with a paste made of baking soda and water.

Frequently asked questions