Removing Black Stains: Restoring Your Pans To Their Former Glory

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several methods to tackle the issue. The first is to use a combination of baking soda and vinegar. This involves filling the pan with equal parts water and vinegar, bringing the mixture to a boil, and then adding baking soda. After removing the pan from the heat, the mixture should be left to soak for up to 15 minutes. The liquid can then be discarded, and the pan scrubbed to remove any remaining burnt-on bits.

Another method is to use lemons. This involves slicing two to three lemons and placing them in the dirty pan with water, bringing the mixture to a boil, and then removing the pan from the heat. Once food particles are seen floating to the surface, the lemons and water can be discarded, and the pan scrubbed to remove any remaining bits.

A third method is to use Bar Keepers Friend, a household cleaning product that can be used on a variety of surfaces. This involves making a paste with a few tablespoons of Bar Keepers Friend and water in the dirty pan, spreading the paste over the burnt debris, and letting it sit for 60 seconds. The pan can then be rinsed with hot water, and scrubbed to remove any remaining burnt-on food.

Other methods include using aluminium foil and baking soda, dishwasher tablets, dryer sheets, salt, cream of tartar, and soda.

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Remove Excess Food and Debris

Start by scraping out as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to get rid of the excess.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar in the Pan

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. The vinegar will help to loosen the burnt-on food and grease.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda to the hot vinegar. You will see a fizzing reaction as the baking soda and vinegar combine. This reaction helps to break down the burnt food and grease, making it easier to remove. It is recommended to do this step in the sink as the reaction can be quite vigorous.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Set the pan aside and wait until the fizzing and bubbling stop. The mixture will need some time to work its magic and break down the stubborn stains.

Step 5: Discard the Liquid

Once the reaction has stopped and the mixture has had time to work, carefully pour out the liquid. Be cautious as the pan and liquid will still be hot.

Step 6: Scrub the Pan

Using a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, scrub the pan to remove any remaining burnt-on food and stains. Add more baking soda to the pan as needed to create a gentle abrasive scrub. Scrub until the pan is clean and all stains are removed.

Step 7: Rinse and Dry

Once the pan is clean, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any residual baking soda and vinegar. Dry the pan completely before putting it away.

This method may require some elbow grease and patience, but it is an effective way to remove black stains from pans without using harsh chemicals. Always be careful when handling hot liquids and pans to avoid burns.

Lemon and water

First, you will need to slice two to three lemons and place them in the dirty pan. Then, add enough water to the pan to just barely cover the lemons. Place the pan on the stove and bring the lemon water to a boil for five to eight minutes. You will know the pan is ready for a final scrub when you start to see food particles floating to the surface of the water.

Remove the pan from the heat and discard the lemons and water down the drain. Rinse the pan with hot, clean water and use a scouring pad or brush to loosen and remove any remaining bits.

This method is best for stainless steel pans and may not be as effective for other types of cookware. It is also important to note that this method may require some heavy-duty scrubbing with hot water for it to be effective.

Dishwasher tablets

To use this method, start by covering the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warming it on low heat. Remove the pan from the heat source, and use a dishwasher tablet to scrape away at the burnt-on bits. Finally, rinse the pan and wash with warm, soapy water.

This method is quick and easy, and the tablet works as both a detergent and a scouring pad. However, it may be costly, as it can take two tablets to clean one pan.

Cream of tartar

The Paste Method:

Make a cleaning mixture by mixing equal parts cream of tartar and vinegar. You can adjust the consistency of the paste but make sure it is not too runny. Apply the paste to the affected areas of the pan using a piece of rag and let it sit for at least an hour. For best results, let it sit overnight. After that, scrub the pan with some elbow grease but avoid using very hard or abrasive materials. Repeat the process if necessary, and then wash the pan thoroughly with soap and cold water before using it again for cooking.

The Boil Method:

Combine 2 cups of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar in the pan and mix thoroughly with a spoon. Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Make sure there is enough solution to cover the affected area of the pan completely. Bring the solution to a boil and let it sit on the stove for at least 10 minutes before taking it off the heat. Let the solution cool in the pan, and then discard it carefully. Use a piece of cloth or a sponge to scrub the affected areas. Burnt food should come off easily. Repeat the process if necessary, especially for thick and stubborn buildup. Once you have successfully removed the burnt food, wash the pan thoroughly with soap and water.

Alternative Methods:

If you are out of cream of tartar, you can use baking soda instead. Simply make a paste of water and baking soda and use it in the same way as the vinegar and cream of tartar paste. You can also make your aluminum pans extra shiny by boiling apple peels in them. Fill the pan with water, add a handful of apple peels, and bring the water to a boil. Then, turn down the heat and let it simmer for about half an hour. Pour out the water and peels, and scrub the pan to remove scorched food and stains.

Tips for Using Cream of Tartar:

When cleaning your pans with cream of tartar, it is important to use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to avoid damaging the surface. For cast iron pans, do not use soapy water as it can ruin the seasoning. Instead, use a paper towel or cloth to wipe the pan down after using a cream of tartar concoction. Additionally, avoid using cream of tartar on Teflon pans as it may scratch the non-stick coating and release potentially toxic chemicals.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend to remove black stains from pans, first wet the surface of the pan. Then, scrub the surface with a soft, wet cloth or sponge, using Bar Keepers Friend powder and water to create a paste. For very stained or greasy pans, you can start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a softer sponge. Be sure to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin, as the powder is abrasive.

For tough stains, make a paste with the powder and water, and let it sit on the stain for about a minute before washing, rinsing, and drying the pan. Do not let the paste sit on the pan for longer than a minute. You may need to repeat the process for deeper stains.

Frequently asked questions