Cleaning Hacks: Removing Black Residue From Pans

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several ways to clean them effectively. Before cleaning your pans, it is important to test the method on a small, inconspicuous portion to ensure it won't damage the surface. It is also worth noting that some methods are intended for stainless steel cookware and not those with non-stick coatings.

One method is to use a dishwasher tablet. Grab a dishwasher tab and rinse the dirty pan with hot water. Then, gently scrub the pan under warm water with the dishwasher tab. Scrub until all the food debris lifts, and then rinse with warm water. This method is effective and convenient if you already own a dishwasher, but it can be pricey as it may take a couple of tablets to clean one pan.

Another method is to use baking soda and vinegar. Fill your dirty pan with equal parts water and vinegar and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, add two tablespoons of baking soda, remove from the heat, and let it soak for up to 15 minutes. Discard the liquid, and then scrub away any remaining burnt bits with a sponge or scouring pad. If spots remain, apply a paste made of baking soda and a little water, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub again. This method is affordable and uses pantry items that most people have on hand. However, it may require heavy scrubbing and a longer soaking time.

A third method is to use Bar Keepers Friend, a household cleaning product that can be used on various surfaces. First, run your dirty pan under hot water and drain it. Then, wearing rubber gloves, make a paste by rubbing a few tablespoons of Bar Keepers Friend with the residual water in the pan. Spread the paste over the burnt debris and let it sit for 60 seconds. Rinse the pan with hot water, and then use a sponge, brush, or scouring pad to scrub away the loosened burnt-on food. Repeat the process if needed for any stubborn spots. This method works quickly and effectively, making it a favourite among cleaning enthusiasts.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean black dirt off a pan using baking soda and vinegar, start by removing as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Next, add enough vinegar to the pan to cover the bottom with at least 1/2 inch of liquid. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. This will create a fizzing reaction. It's best to do this in the sink. Set the pot aside and wait until the fizzing and bubbling stop. Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary. Finally, rinse and dry the pan.

Another method is to fill your sink with hot water and add 1/2 cup each of baking soda and vinegar. Submerge your dirty pan and let it soak for 30-60 minutes. Then, scrub off the grime with a scouring pad, the rough side of a scrubby sponge, or steel wool. After buffing the entire surface and loosening all the residue, wash the pan with dish soap and warm water, then dry.

You can also use baking soda and vinegar to clean the bottom of a pan. Sprinkle the surface of the pan generously with baking soda. Combine 1 cup of hot water and 1/3 cup of vinegar and pour the solution into the pan. The baking soda and vinegar will fizz for a moment. Let the pan soak for a few hours. Scrape the surface with a spatula or other suitable scraper and continue to soak. Finally, wash the pan with straight baking soda and a scrubbing brush.

Boiled lemons

Step 1: Prepare the lemons

Quarter two or three lemons and place them in the pan. If you don't have fresh lemons, you can also use leftover lemon peels and squeezed lemons.

Step 2: Boil the lemons

Fill the pan with water, ensuring that the lemons are fully submerged. Turn on the stove and bring the water to a boil.

Step 3: Let the lemons work their magic

Let the lemon water boil for approximately 5-10 minutes. You will know that the pan is ready for the next step when you start to see food particles floating to the surface.

Step 4: Remove the lemons and rinse the pan

Once the desired amount of time has passed, turn off the stove and carefully discard the lemons and hot water down the drain. Rinse the pan with hot, clean water.

Step 5: Scrub away any remaining bits

Use a scouring pad or brush to loosen and remove any remaining stuck-on bits. If necessary, add a small amount of dish soap to aid in the removal of stubborn residue.

Additional Tips:

• This method is most effective when used on stainless steel cookware.
• Always exercise caution when handling hot water and lemons to avoid burns.
• For tougher burnt-on food, you may need to repeat the process or try a different cleaning method.
• To prevent future burnt pans, pay close attention to the food you are cooking, especially when sugar is involved as it tends to burn easily.
• Act quickly when a pan gets burnt to increase the chances of successful cleaning and reducing the amount of scrubbing required.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, first, wet the surface of the pan. Then, sprinkle the powder onto the pan and scrub with a soft cloth or sponge. It is important to note that Bar Keepers Friend does not lather up like dish soap. You should scrub with the faucet off, using just the moisture on the pan to turn the powder into a paste. If needed, you can add a small amount of water to hydrate the powder. For very stained or greasy pans, you can start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a soft sponge or cloth.

It is recommended to wear gloves when using this product, as it can be harsh on the skin. You should also rinse the product off the pan after one minute to avoid discolouration and scratches.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Cleaning a Burnt Pan with Aluminium Foil and Baking Soda

Method

Rinse your dirty pan in hot water and drain. Then, sprinkle generously with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Add a few teaspoons of hot water back to your pan to form a paste with the baking soda and then begin scrubbing with a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled foil. Continue scrubbing until all of the burnt debris lifts, then rinse with hot, soapy water to finish cleaning.

Tips

• This method is like the \"deluxe\" version of the baking soda and vinegar method. It works just as well but faster and more effectively, thanks to the foil for enhanced scrubbing power.
• This is a great way to put a random extra piece of foil to good use. For example, if you used some to cover a casserole dish while baking, save it for this cleaning hack.
• You can use the same ball of foil to clean a few pans.
• This method makes your pans look brand new and is the best out of several tested.
• You don’t need to press hard at all — just scrub as you would with a washcloth.
• Use this method often because it leaves your stainless pots and pans looking like they just came off the assembly line.

Dishwasher tablets

If you're looking to remove black residue from your pans, dishwasher tablets are an effective solution. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use dishwasher tablets to tackle burnt-on food and stains:

Using Dishwasher Tablets to Clean Burnt Pans:

• Cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water: Start by adding a little water to the pan, just enough to cover the bottom surface.
• Warm the pan on low heat: Place the pan on the stovetop and heat it gently. This will help loosen any burnt-on food and make it easier to remove.
• Remove from heat and scrape the tablet: Take the pan off the heat. Take a dishwasher tablet and, with a gloved hand, scrape it over the burnt or stained areas. The abrasive nature of the tablet will help lift away the residue.
• Rinse and wash with warm soapy water: Once you've scraped away the burnt bits, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining residue. Finally, wash the pan with warm soapy water as you normally would, ensuring that all traces of the dishwasher tablet are gone.

Tips for Using Dishwasher Tablets:

• It is recommended to use Finish Powerball Tablets, as they have been proven effective in cleaning burnt pans.
• Keep the plastic coating on the tablets while scrubbing for better results.
• Using warm water will help dissolve the tablet gradually, allowing it to retain its shape and making it easier to handle.
• Depending on the severity of the burnt-on food, you may need to use more than one tablet to thoroughly clean the pan.
• Always wear gloves when handling dishwasher tablets, as prolonged contact with moisture can cause them to dissolve quickly.
• For cast iron and non-stick pans, use a non-scratch sponge or cloth to avoid damaging the coating.

Frequently asked questions