Easy Cleaning Hacks: Removing Black Marks From Pans

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are many ways to clean them. Some methods include using a dishwasher tablet, boiling water and vinegar with baking soda, lemons, aluminium foil and baking soda, and Bar Keepers Friend. Each method varies in terms of effectiveness, time, and ease. For example, the dishwasher tablet method is highly effective and takes less than five minutes, while the boiling water and vinegar with baking soda method takes 25 minutes and requires a lot of elbow grease. It's important to note that these methods are intended for stainless steel pans, not those with non-stick coatings.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean black marks off your pans with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Step 1: Remove Food Debris

Start by scraping off as much food debris as possible from the pan.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar

Next, fill the pan with enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch of liquid. Place the pan on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction. It is recommended to do this over the sink as the reaction can be quite dramatic.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Set the pan aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling stops.

Step 5: Discard Liquid and Scrub

Once the reaction has stopped, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring pad. Add more baking soda if necessary.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan clean and dry it with a towel.

Boiled lemons

Step 1: Fill your pan with water and add two to three lemons' worth of quarters, peels, or squeezed lemons. You can also quarter the lemons and place them in the pan.

Step 2: Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes or until you start to see food particles floating to the surface. The boiling action will help loosen and remove burnt-on food.

Step 3: Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove. Let the water cool down to room temperature. As the water cools, the lemon and its acidic properties will continue to work on breaking down any remaining burnt food particles and stains.

Step 4: Once the water has cooled, discard the lemons and water. Use a soft sponge or scouring pad to gently scrub away any remaining grime or grease from the pan's surface.

Step 5: Rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water to remove any lemon residue.

Using boiled lemons is a natural and effective way to clean your pans and remove black marks. It is important to note that this method may require some scrubbing, especially for stubborn stains. However, with some elbow grease and the power of lemons, you can bring your pans back to life!

Bar Keepers Friend

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Dampen the pan in warm water. This will help the Bar Keepers Friend stick to the surface and get to work on those stubborn stains.

Step 2: Make a Paste

Create a paste by mixing Bar Keepers Friend powder with a small amount of water. The paste should be thick enough to adhere to the pan but still spreadable.

Step 3: Apply the Paste

Using a soft cloth or sponge, apply the paste to the black marks on the pan. Make sure to cover all the stained areas generously.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Allow the paste to sit on the pan for about 10 to 15 seconds. This gives the Bar Keepers Friend time to start breaking down the stains. Don't leave it on for too long, as it may cause discolouration or scratches.

Step 5: Scrub Gently

Gently scrub the paste in a circular motion, working from the centre of the pan outwards. You can use a soft cloth, sponge, or non-scratch scrubber pad for this step. Avoid using abrasive materials or metal scouring pads, as they may damage the pan's surface.

Step 6: Rinse and Repeat

Rinse the pan with warm, soapy water to remove the paste and loosened stains. If any marks remain, repeat the process until your pan is sparkling clean!

Important Tips:

• Always wear gloves when using Bar Keepers Friend to protect your skin.
• Do not mix Bar Keepers Friend with other cleaning products, especially bleach or ammonia, as it can create toxic fumes.
• Bar Keepers Friend should not be used on non-stick pans, cast iron, granite, marble, wood, fabric, leather, or painted surfaces.
• Always rinse the pan thoroughly after using Bar Keepers Friend to avoid any residue or discolouration.

Dishwasher tablets

If you're looking to remove black marks from your pans with dishwasher tablets, here's a step-by-step guide:

• Start by covering the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water.
• Place the pan on low heat for a short time.
• Remove the pan from the heat source.
• Take a dishwasher tablet and, with a gloved hand, scrape it over the burnt areas. You can leave the plastic coating on the tablet to help it retain its shape as you scrub.
• Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue.
• Wash the pan with warm, soapy water to complete the process.

This method is highly effective and can deliver impressive results in less than five minutes. While it may require using more than one dishwasher tablet, it is a quick and efficient way to remove burnt-on food and restore your pans to their former glory.

It is important to note that this method is recommended for stainless steel pans and not those with non-stick coatings. Always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won't damage your pan's surface.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

First, rinse the dirty pot or pan in hot water and drain. Then, generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda onto the pan. Add a few teaspoons of hot water to create a paste. Begin scrubbing the paste around the pan with a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil. Continue scrubbing until all the burnt debris lifts, then rinse the pan with hot, soapy water to finish cleaning.

This method is a quick and effective way to clean burnt pans. It is also a good alternative to using harsh chemicals.

Frequently asked questions