Removing Black Burn Stains From Your Pan

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several ways to clean them. One method is to use baking soda and vinegar. This involves filling the pan with equal parts water and vinegar, bringing the mixture to a boil, adding baking soda, letting it react, and then scrubbing the pan. Another method is to use dishwasher tablets, which can be rubbed on the burnt areas of the pan. A third method is to use lemons, by boiling them in the pan with water for 5-10 minutes, and then scrubbing. Other methods include using dryer sheets, aluminium foil, or specific cleaning products such as Bar Keepers Friend.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean a burnt pan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Add equal parts water and vinegar to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Turn off the heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. You will get a fizzing reaction.
• Discard the liquid down the drain.
• Use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits.
• If spots remain, apply a paste made of baking soda mixed with a little water and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Boiled lemons

To clean your burnt pan with boiled lemons, start by cutting two or three lemons into quarters or slices. You want to have enough lemon pieces to cover the bottom of the pan. Next, place the lemon pieces in the pan and fill it with a few inches of water. Bring the water to a boil and let it continue for about five minutes, or until you see food particles floating to the surface. Then, remove the lemons and pour the water down the drain. You should be left with just a thin layer of grime at the bottom of the pan, which can be easily scrubbed away with a brush or scouring pad. Finally, rinse the pan with hot, clean water.

If you want to enhance the power of the lemons, you can also add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the pan before boiling. The alkaline baking soda will react with the acidic lemon juice, creating a fizzing reaction that helps to further loosen burnt-on food.

Dishwasher tablets

To use a dishwasher tablet to clean a burnt pan, first, cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it on low heat. Remove the pan from the heat source and use the tablet to scrape away at the burnt-on bits. Finally, rinse the pan and wash with warm soapy water.

This method is mess-free and can be done in under five minutes. However, it may require using more than one tablet to fully clean the pan, and it may not remove all discolouration.

It is important to note that this method should not be used on non-stick pans as it may damage the coating.

Deglazing technique

Deglazing is a cooking technique that can be used to create a delicious sauce from the remnants of cooking meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables. It can also be used to clean a pan.

To deglaze a pan, first, prepare your dish. Sauté or roast meat, fish, or vegetables, then remove them from the pan, leaving the browned bits. Pour off any excess fat or oil. If you’re making a sauce, add any aromatic ingredients, such as shallots or fresh herbs.

Next, pour a small amount of liquid into the pan. Almost any liquid can be used to deglaze, but wine is well-suited to pans used for searing red meats, while stock complements soups and stews. You can also use citrus juices or vinegar for a tangy twist, or water for a neutral flavour.

With the pan on medium to medium-high heat, scrape the bottom vigorously with a wooden or silicone spoon or spatula as the liquid comes to a boil. Let the liquid boil briefly until it’s reduced but not completely evaporated. As it boils, continue to stir until you’ve released all the tasty browned bits from the pan. If you are deglazing with wine or another alcoholic beverage, be sure to continue cooking until the alcohol has cooked off. You can tell this has happened when the liquid becomes syrupy and the alcoholic smell has disappeared.

Finally, use the deglazed mixture as a sauce or drizzle to accompany a complementary dish, or continue building upon it with more add-ins like spices or thickening agents. For example, a pan used to sear a steak can be deglazed and used to create a rich and creamy mushroom sauce.

While you can use a nonstick pan for deglazing, it is not recommended. Deglazing works by using food that sticks to the pan and then gets caramelized. A non-stick pan prevents food from sticking and therefore does not create as much flavour.

Dryer sheets

If you've burnt your pan, don't worry – you can bring it back to life with dryer sheets, dish soap, and hot water.

First, add a couple of drops of dish soap to the pan and then pour in boiling water. You want the water to be pretty hot, but not scalding. Next, add a dryer sheet to the pan and let it sit for at least an hour, or even overnight for tougher jobs. The dryer sheet will likely soften the hard scorches, making them easier to remove. Finally, run the pan under hot water and use the dryer sheet to scrub away any remaining burnt bits. They should easily flake off.

While this method may not work for every burnt pan, it's a great fix for tough stains. Just remember to wash your pan with soap and water as usual after cleaning it with the dryer sheet.

Frequently asked questions