Remove Bad Smells From Pans: Quick And Easy Methods

Burnt pans are a common problem in the kitchen, and the smell can be hard to get rid of. Luckily, there are several household items that can help to absorb and lift the bad smell from your pan. Here are some methods to try:

Use baking soda

Baking soda is a great natural cleaner that can be used to eliminate bad smells from your pans. It is amphoteric, meaning it can react with both acidic and alkaline substances, neutralising the molecules that cause odours.

To use baking soda to remove smells from your pans, first dampen the pan with tap water. Then, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda into the pan and spread it around with your fingers. Leave the baking soda on the pan for about 10 minutes to absorb the odours. After 10 minutes, scrub the pan with a dampened scrubber or sponge, then rinse the pan with water.

For stubborn smells, you can also try making a paste with baking soda and water, and coating the inside of the pan with it. Leave the paste to sit overnight, then wipe it away with a damp cloth. You can also add a few tablespoons of vinegar to the paste, which will react with the baking soda to break it down and release carbon dioxide gas, helping to lift dirt from the pan.

If the smell is still lingering, repeat the process as necessary until the smell is gone.

Use vinegar

Vinegar is a great option for removing bad smells from pans. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use vinegar effectively:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Before using vinegar, ensure the pan is clean and free of any food residue. Wash the pan with hot water and dish soap, scrubbing away any stuck-on food particles. Rinse the pan thoroughly and dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Step 2: Create a Vinegar Solution

Fill the pan with water and add one cup of white vinegar. The amount of water can vary depending on the size of the pan, but aim for a 1:1 ratio of water to vinegar. Stir the solution gently to mix the water and vinegar.

Step 3: Simmer the Solution

Place the pan on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium. Allow the solution to simmer gently for about 10 minutes. The vinegar will help to neutralize and eliminate any lingering odours in the pan.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After simmering, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down slightly. Using a soft sponge or scrubber, scrub the inside of the pan, including the sides and bottom. The vinegar solution will have loosened any remaining residue, making it easier to remove.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once you've scrubbed the pan, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any traces of vinegar and food odours. Dry the pan completely with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Step 6: Repeat if Necessary

If the bad smell persists, you can repeat the process as needed. Fill the pan with water and vinegar, simmer, scrub, and rinse again until the odour is gone.

Tips for Using Vinegar:

• For an extra boost of odour-fighting power, add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the vinegar solution before simmering. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and will enhance the effectiveness of the vinegar.
• If you're concerned about the strong smell of vinegar, you can dilute it by adding more water to the solution. This may require a longer simmering time, but it will help reduce the intensity of the vinegar odour.
• Always use caution when handling hot liquids and pans to avoid burns.

Boil lemons

Boiling lemons is a popular home remedy for neutralising bad odours and replacing them with a pleasant citrus scent. However, some sources claim that this is ineffective, and it is better to use an air freshener to mask unpleasant smells.

If you want to try boiling lemons to get rid of a bad smell in a pan, start by washing the outside of a lemon rind under running water, then cut the lemon into quarters. Place two cups of water into the offending pan and add the lemon pieces. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool completely.

Once the lemon water has cooled, strain the solution through a fine strainer into a bowl. Add half a cup of baking soda to the strained liquid and mix until the powder has dissolved. Allow the solution to cool, then pour it into a spray bottle. Finally, spray the solution into the air in the room where the pan was located.

Use salt

Salt is a great natural deodorizer and can be used in several ways to get rid of bad smells in pans. One way is to sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of salt into the pan, spread it around with your fingers, and leave it for about 10 minutes to absorb the odour. After this, scrub the pan with a damp scrubber or sponge and rinse the salt out.

Another method is to boil salt water in the pan on the stovetop for about 10 minutes. This will neutralise the bad smells and loosen any gross food particles. It is important to reseason the pan after using this method, as salt can dehydrate iron and cause corrosion.

Additionally, salt can be combined with other natural deodorizers like lemon or vinegar to clean the pan. For example, you can pour some coarse salt into the pan and use a cut lemon to scrub the salt around, or you can boil a mixture of salt and vinegar in the pan to remove the odour.

Use denture cleaning tablets

Denture tablets are an excellent way to get rid of bad smells from pans. They contain many of the same ingredients as household cleaners, such as baking soda, bleach, and other cleaning agents.

To use denture tablets to clean your pans, follow these steps:

• Fill your pan with warm water. The amount of water will depend on the size of your pan, but ensure it is enough to fully cover the bottom and sides, where bad smells often linger.
• Add 2-3 denture tablets to the water. The fizzing action will help to loosen and lift away any unpleasant odours.
• Allow the tablets to dissolve and work their magic. For lightly soiled pans, a few minutes should be enough. For heavier stains and more stubborn smells, let the solution sit for up to 10 minutes.
• Once the fizzing stops, use a sponge or scrubber to wipe down the pan. Spread the solution around the entire pan, ensuring all surfaces are coated.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water.
• Repeat the process if necessary. For pans with heavy soiling or strong odours, you may need to repeat the above steps a few times.

Denture tablets are a great, cost-effective way to clean your pans and remove bad smells. They are also useful for cleaning a variety of other items, such as coffee and tea stains from mugs, removing clogs from drains, and even sanitising your toothbrush!

Frequently asked questions