Restore Your Burnt Pan: Easy Tricks To Try At Home

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several ways to fix them. The best method depends on the type of pan and the severity of the burn. Non-stick pans, for example, require special care to avoid damaging the coating. Before attempting any cleaning method, it is important to remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Common household items such as baking soda, vinegar, lemons, and dishwasher tablets can be used to clean burnt pans. For more stubborn stains, commercial cleaning products like Bar Keepers Friend, Bon Ami, and Carbon Off are popular options.

Deglazing

To deglaze a pan, first empty all ingredients and drain excess fats from the cookware. Then, add a deglazing liquid of your choice. You can use wine, beer, spirits, lemon juice, white vinegar, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or anything else that could add flavour to your dish. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or something that won't damage the cookware. You can then make a sauce with the contents or pour it over the food you've just cooked.

If you're trying to clean the bottom of the pan after a meal, adding hot water and stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula can be enough to scrape out what is stuck to the cookware. If deglazing doesn't work to clean the pan, you can try other methods such as using baking soda, vinegar, or dishwasher tablets.

Boiling with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda

Firstly, remove any remaining food from the pan and clean it as you normally would. You can also try deglazing, which involves adding a liquid such as wine, lemon juice, or vinegar to the pan while it is still hot, and then scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any stuck-on food.

Next, pour about half an inch of hydrogen peroxide into the bottom of the pan. Add about a quarter of a cup of baking soda to the pan. There will likely be some fizzing as the two ingredients react.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 10 to 30 minutes. During this time, you can stir the mixture with a wooden spoon to help loosen any burnt-on food.

Finally, scrub the pan as you normally would. If some stains persist, repeat the process or try using a copper or metal scrubber for more stubborn stains.

This method is particularly effective for stainless steel pans but is not recommended for cast ironware.

Using Bon Ami powder

Bon Ami powder is a non-toxic, gentle abrasive cleaner that can be used to clean burnt pans. It is safe and effective for most non-decorative hard surfaces, including pots and pans (excluding non-stick cookware). Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Bon Ami powder to clean a burnt pan:

Step 1: Deglaze the Pan

Before cleaning the burnt pan, it is important to remove any stuck food from the bottom. This can be done through a process called deglazing. Simply add a liquid of your choice, such as wine, beer, lemon juice, or vinegar, to the pan while it is still under heat. Stir to release the stuck food, and then scrape with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Step 2: Hand Wash the Pan

After deglazing, hand wash the pan with dish soap and water to remove any remaining food or grease. Make sure to rinse the pan thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Sprinkle Bon Ami Powder

Once the pan is clean, sprinkle Bon Ami powder over the remaining burned area. Make sure there is enough moisture in the pan to create a paste. You can do this by wetting the surface of the pan and your sponge or cloth before applying the powder.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

Using a scouring pad or wet sponge, gently scrub the pan in circular motions. You may need to apply some pressure and scrub for a few minutes to remove the burnt residue. If the burnt area is small, you can also try using a wet cloth or sponge to rub the powder onto the surface.

Step 5: Rinse the Pan

Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly with water to remove any remaining Bon Ami powder and residue. Make sure to dry the pan completely before using it again.

It is important to note that Bon Ami powder should not be used on enameled cast ironware or decorative surfaces as it may cause scratching. Always test the product on an inconspicuous area first if you are unsure about its suitability for a particular surface.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend to clean a burnt pan, first, wet the surface of the pan. Then, sprinkle on a generous amount of the powder and scrub with a sponge or cloth. For very dirty or greasy pans, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a softer sponge. Be sure to scrub with the faucet off, using just the moisture on the surface of the pan to turn the powder into a paste. If necessary, add a small amount of water to hydrate the powder.

For tougher stains, make a paste with the powder and water, and let it sit on the stain for about a minute before scrubbing and rinsing. It is recommended that you do not let the paste sit for longer than a minute. Finally, rinse the pan well with clean water.

Dishwasher tablets

Burnt pans can be unsightly, and it may seem daunting to scrub them clean. However, using dishwasher tablets can be an effective way to remove burnt-on grime. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use dishwasher tablets to clean your burnt pans:

Step 1: Warm the Pan

Cover the bottom of the burnt pan with a small amount of water and warm it up on low heat. This will help loosen the burnt-on food and grime, making it easier to remove. Ensure that you use low heat to avoid further scorching or damaging the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Dishwasher Tablet

Remove the pan from the heat and turn off the stove. Carefully take a dishwasher tablet and wet it with warm water. You can also wet the pan itself with warm water. It is important to wear gloves during this process to protect your hands.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

Using the wet dishwasher tablet, start scrubbing the bottom of the pan, focusing on the burnt areas. Scrub in circular motions and apply firm but gentle pressure. The dishwasher tablet will act as both a detergent and a scouring pad, helping to break down the burnt-on food and grime.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Once you have finished scrubbing, let the pan sit for a few minutes. This will allow the dishwasher tablet residue to continue working on the burnt-on grime. You may notice the water in the pan turning dark as the residue breaks down and lifts away the burnt-on food.

Step 5: Rinse and Wash

After a few minutes, rinse the pan with warm water to remove the dishwasher tablet residue. Then, wash the pan with warm soapy water as you normally would. You can use a sponge or scouring pad to ensure that all the residue is removed.

It is important to note that this method may work better for some pans than others. Additionally, it is recommended to use powdered dishwasher tablets rather than liquid ones. Always be cautious when handling burnt pans as they can be hot, and avoid using this method on non-stick pans as it may damage the coating.

Frequently asked questions