Easy Clean-Up: Getting Anything Off A Pan

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are many ways to tackle the issue. Some methods include using a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and water; boiling lemons; using dishwasher tablets; or even a dryer sheet. Some methods are more effective than others, and some are more time-consuming, but all of them can help to remove burnt-on food and restore your pans to their former glory.

Soak in hot water

Soaking your pan in hot water is a great way to get anything off it. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

Prepare the Pan for Soaking

Before you start soaking, it's important to fill the pan with water and bring it to a boil for 5-7 minutes. This will help loosen any burnt-on food and make it easier to remove. If you're dealing with a lot of built-up residue, you can also add a cup of vinegar to the water before boiling. Once the water has boiled, turn off the heat and discard the liquid.

Soak the Pan

Now it's time to fill the pan with warm to hot water. Make sure the water covers the sides of the pan as well. Let the pan soak for 15-20 minutes or until the food starts to loosen. If you didn't get a chance to soak the pan right after cooking, don't worry! You can still add hot water and let it soak overnight. Then, simply wash it in the morning.

Scrub the Pan

After soaking, use a sponge or scrubber to remove any remaining food particles. You can also use a soft-bristled brush or a nylon brush for more stubborn residue. For cast-iron pans, avoid using abrasive scrubbers and opt for a plastic scrubber or a chainmail scrubber designed for cast-iron cookware. If you're dealing with baked-on gunk, you can also make a paste with baking soda and water and use a scrubber to remove the residue.

Repeat if Necessary

If there is still some burnt-on food or stains, you can repeat the process. Fill the pan with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Bring it to a boil for 10-15 minutes and then discard the hot solution. Sprinkle the remaining burnt food with baking soda and scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the pan thoroughly, and your pan should be good as new!

Use dishwasher detergent

If you're looking for a way to get anything off a pan, one method is to use dishwasher detergent. This method is best for most pots and pans except non-stick and cast-iron cookware.

To use this method, add enough water to cover the burnt-on area and add a dishwasher detergent tablet. Place the pan on the stove and heat the solution on medium to high heat until the water boils. Allow the solution to boil for two minutes, then remove the pan from the heat source and let the water cool. Finally, scrub the pan with a brush or sponge and rinse it well.

This method is effective for removing burnt-on food from pots and pans. However, it is important to note that dishwasher detergent should not be used on non-stick pots and pans as the salts and chemicals in the detergent can corrode the non-stick coating.

If you don't have a dishwasher tablet, you can also try using a mixture of water and vinegar, or baking soda and vinegar, to remove burnt-on food from your pans.

Try a dryer sheet

If you have burnt your pan, don't worry—you can get it off in no time. Soaking a burnt pot in hot water can help, but it might not be strong enough. A strange but true option is to use a new or used dryer sheet because the silicone coating on the dryer sheet will help soften burnt food.

Here's how to do it:

• Create a soaking solution: Add enough hot water to cover the burnt-on food and add a dryer sheet.
• Allow the pan to soak: Wait at least one hour or, for tough, stuck-on residue, soak overnight.
• Wipe away the food: Use the dryer sheet to wipe away the food without harming the finish of non-stick surfaces.
• Wash the pot or pan: Once you've gotten rid of the burnt remains, wash your pot or pan with soap and water as you normally would.

This method has been floating around online for a while, supposedly helping people remove stubborn baked-on food from glass and pans alike. However, it doesn't always work. Some bits of food may come off the top layer, but the really stubborn stuff may still cling to the bottom of the pan. If this happens, you can try increasing the soak time and possibly adding in a second or third dryer sheet.

Use baking soda

Baking soda is a versatile, inexpensive, and non-toxic household cleaner that can be used to clean burnt pans. Its mild abrasive properties and 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.

The Baking Soda & Water Method

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Make enough to cover the scorched portion of the pan. For a full pot bottom, try 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water.
• Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to fully coat the burnt area.
• Alternatively, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, then add enough baking soda to create a paste.
• Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, add more baking soda and scrub with a nylon brush or scouring sponge.
• If you don't want to wait, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then put the pan on the stove and let it come to a boil. Remove it from the heat quickly so it doesn't burn again. Let the pan cool, then wipe or scrub to remove the scorched bits.

The Baking Soda & Vinegar Method

• Remove as much 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 from heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. You will get a fizzing reaction.
• Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling dies down.
• 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.

The Baking Soda & Lemon Method

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Keep a thin layer of water in the pan, then sprinkle the bottom liberally with baking soda.
• Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan with the baking soda slurry. The combination of the acidic lemon juice and the alkaline baking soda may fizz slightly.
• If your pan has a copper bottom that has gotten blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to help remove the stains and restore the shine.

The Deglazing Technique

• Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Put the pan back on the stove and heat until a droplet of water sizzles.
• Add 1 cup of water or a mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 white vinegar to the hot pan and allow to boil. Use more liquid if you have a large pot or pan.
• As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the pan, loosening bits of burnt food.
• Pour the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and let the pan cool.
• Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pot bottom vigorously.
• Wash and dry as normal once all stains and scorched bits have been removed.

For Non-Stick or Ceramic Pans

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, then sprinkle the pot with baking soda to create a paste.
• Let the mixture rest for several hours or overnight, then scrub with warm water and a non-stick surface-safe sponge or nylon brush.

For Cast Iron Pans

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda, then add 2-3 tablespoons of water until it is moist but not a liquid. You want the consistency of a sandy paste.
• Scrub the pan with a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad. Do not add soap. The baking soda is a mild abrasive that will help remove stubborn burnt-on food, and its alkalinity will help neutralise odours or flavours that may have cooked into the pan.
• Rinse and repeat if necessary to remove any remaining burnt food. The more you scrub, the more of the good seasoning you will remove, so don't overdo it.
• Fully dry the cast iron pan, then rub with vegetable oil applied to a paper towel. Coat the bottom of the pan and up the sides.
• Place the pan on a stove burner and heat over medium-low heat for about an hour, or place it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the same amount of time. The pan may smoke as it seasons, so turn on your vent hood to prevent setting off smoke detectors.

Try Bar Keeper's Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular product for cleaning cookware and has been used and endorsed by many homeowners, hobbyists, musicians, and professional cleaners. The product is especially useful for tackling tough, baked-on food residue and can be used on stainless steel, copper, and ceramic cookware.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, simply sprinkle the cleanser across the surface of the pan or onto a damp sponge. Then, use the damp sponge to gently rub the surface in a circular motion. After about a minute, rinse the cleanser away. If necessary, the process can be repeated. Finally, use a soft cloth to buff the pan to a shine.

Many customers have praised Bar Keepers Friend for its effectiveness in removing burnt-on food from pans without scratching the surface. It is also well-loved for its ability to make stainless steel cookware and sinks look brand new and stain-free.

Bar Keepers Friend is available in powdered and liquid formats, and can be purchased online or at local hardware stores.

Frequently asked questions