Clean Stubborn, Baked-On Food Off Your Pans Easily

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several ways to tackle the issue. Here are some methods to remove baked-on food from your pans:

- Using baking soda and water

- Boiling vinegar and water in the pan, then adding baking soda

- Soaking the pan in hot water and dish soap, then scrubbing with a ball of aluminium foil

- Using a dishwasher tablet

- Soaking the pan with a dryer sheet

- Boiling lemons in the pan

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Remove Large Food Particles

Use a spatula or scraper to remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Boil Water and Vinegar

Add enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Bring the water to a boil, then place the pan in the sink. Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the hot water. You may also use apple cider vinegar.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the pan. The baking soda and vinegar will react and start to bubble and fizz.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Let the mixture sit for a few minutes. The fizzing action will help lift caked-on food residue.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

Using a scouring pad, scrub sponge, or nylon brush, scrub the inside of the pan vigorously, focusing on stained or scorched areas.

Step 6: Rinse and Wash

Empty the pan and rinse with hot water. Wash with dish soap and a clean sponge or nylon brush. Then, dry the pan with a clean dish towel.

Tips:

• For heavier-duty cleaning, add enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch of liquid before boiling. After removing from the heat, add 1 cup of baking soda, which will cause a fizzing reaction.
• For aluminium or aluminized steel pans, use equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Submerge the tray into a sink filled with hot water and soak for 30-60 minutes. Then, wipe away dirt and grime with a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth, and clean with regular soap and water.
• For non-stick pans, sprinkle the pan with baking soda and pour vinegar over it so that the powder fizzes. Let the pan stand for 30 minutes, then gently scrub any remaining grease. Rinse and dry the pan.

Dishwasher tablets

Step 1: Rinse the Pan

Rinse the pan with hot water to remove any loose food particles. This will help you assess the extent of the baked-on food and ensure that the dishwasher tablet can work directly on the problem areas.

Step 2: Add Water and a Dishwasher Tablet

Fill the pan with enough water to cover the burnt-on area. The amount of water needed will depend on the size of the pan and the severity of the baking. Then, add a dishwasher tablet to the pan.

Step 3: Boil the Solution

Place the pan on the stove and heat it over medium to high heat. Continue heating until the water reaches a rolling boil. This will help dissolve the baked-on food and activate the cleaning power of the dishwasher tablet.

Step 4: Allow the Solution to Work

Once the water has reached a boil, remove the pan from the heat source and let the solution cool down. This step is important, as it allows the dishwasher tablet to continue working on the baked-on food without the risk of evaporation. The exact time will depend on how long it takes for the water to cool, but aim for at least a few minutes.

Step 5: Scrub and Rinse the Pan

After the solution has cooled, use a brush or sponge to scrub the pan and remove any remaining food particles. Pay close attention to the edges and corners of the pan, as baked-on food can accumulate in these areas. Once you have scrubbed the pan thoroughly, rinse it with warm water to remove any residual cleaning agents and food particles.

Tips for Best Results:

• It is recommended to use this method for most types of pots and pans, except non-stick and cast-iron cookware.
• For heavily soiled pans, you may need to use two or more dishwasher tablets to achieve the desired results.
• Always wear gloves and handle the pan with care, as it will be hot during the boiling step.

Boiled lemons

Step 1: Cut two or three lemons into quarters or slices. You need enough lemon pieces to cover the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Fill the pan with water, ensuring that the water level is high enough to cover the burnt area. It is not necessary to cover the lemons, as they will float.

Step 3: Place the lemon pieces in the pan and bring the water to a boil. Boil for 5-10 minutes, or until you notice food particles floating to the surface.

Step 4: Turn off the heat and let the water cool down.

Step 5: Discard the water and lemons. Rinse the pan and use a scouring pad or brush to remove any remaining burnt-on food particles.

For particularly stubborn stains, you can also try combining boiled lemons with other cleaning agents like baking soda or vinegar. Here is a modified version of the above method that includes baking soda:

Step 1: Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Keep a thin layer of water in the pan and sprinkle baking soda liberally over the bottom.

Step 3: Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan, combining it with the baking soda to create a slurry. The combination of acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda may cause a slight fizzing reaction, which is normal and effective for cleaning.

Step 4: If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to remove the stains and restore the shine.

Step 5: Rinse the pan and scrub away any remaining burnt-on food particles.

With these methods, you can effectively clean your burnt pans using the power of boiled lemons!

Aluminium foil

To create the foil scrubber, use a sheet of clean aluminium foil to form a ball. This can then be used instead of a sponge or brush to scrub pans after using another method to loosen the burnt-on food.

Soaking

The chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda is a popular way to clean burnt pans. Coat the bottom of the pan with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar, then bring the solution to a boil. Turn off the heat and set the pan aside. Sprinkle in baking soda—the burnt food will start to fizz. Scrub the burnt food off with a scouring pad.

For stubborn stains, make a paste with baking soda and a few drops of water. Apply the paste all over the pan and wait several hours.

Wash away scorch marks with powdered dish detergent and water. Add a tablespoon of powdered dish detergent to the pan and add just enough water to bring the solution to a boil. Boil for 15 minutes, then turn off the heat and discard the water. Scrub the pan with a heavy-duty scrub sponge.

Lemon juice and hot water offer a natural way to dissolve burnt-on food. Chop up two lemons and cover the bottom of the pan with the lemon slices. Pour in enough water to cover the bottom of the pan and bring the water to a boil. Wait for the water to cool, then dump it out and scrub away grime with a kitchen brush.

Salt and dish detergent create a slightly abrasive household cleaner. Coat the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of salt, then pour in enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Add a few drops of liquid dish detergent and scrub away burnt food with a dish brush.

The citric acid in Alka-Seltzer is effective for dissolving food. Pour enough water into the pan to cover the burnt area and bring it to a boil. Drop in three to six Alka-Seltzer tablets, depending on how much crust or stubborn stains there are. Turn off the heat and let the Alka-Seltzer fizz up. Wait one hour, then add a few drops of liquid dish detergent to a heavy-duty scrub sponge and wipe away the burnt food.

Dishwasher tablets are formulated to fight food stains. Fill the pan halfway with water and drop in a single dishwasher tablet. Bring the water to a boil and wait 10 minutes. Pour out the hot water and let the pan cool down, then scrub away scorched crust with a scouring pad.

Frequently asked questions