Restore Brown Pans To Silver Shine

If your pans have gone from silver to brown, it's likely that they have been scorched and stained. But don't worry, there are several methods you can try to get them back to their original shine.

One of the simplest solutions is to scrub away the stains with some crumpled-up aluminium foil. If that doesn't work, you can try making a paste from baking soda and water, or using a commercial cleaning powder like Bar Keepers Friend or Bon Ami. For really tough stains, you might need to try something stronger, like oven cleaner or hydrogen peroxide.

With a bit of trial and error, your pans should be looking as good as new in no time!

Use Bar Keeper's Friend

If your pans are looking a little brown and dingy, Bar Keepers Friend can help you achieve that fresh, shiny, new pan look. The process is simple:

Wet your pan, then shake on a little Bar Keepers Friend powdered cleanser. Sprinkle on a little more water to make a paste that covers the stain you're trying to remove. Use a soft cloth or rag to rub the paste in a circular motion from the centre outward. Rinse and repeat as needed.

Bar Keepers Friend is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product, ideal for stainless steel items (though it can be used on lots of other things too). It can easily remove rust, tarnish, mineral deposits, and tough stains from most surfaces. It also protects the surfaces of your pans, helping to prevent them from tarnishing and rusting in the future.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Don't leave Bar Keepers Friend on for too long. For most applications, letting it sit for one minute is enough, and any longer could cause discolouration and scratches.
• Don't mix Bar Keepers Friend with other cleaning products, as it is an acid, and combining it with bleach or ammonia could create toxic fumes.
• Always wear gloves when cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend to protect your skin.
• Don't use Bar Keepers Friend on non-stick surfaces, cast iron, granite, marble, wood, fabric, leather, or painted surfaces.
• Don't leave Bar Keepers Friend unrinsed. Make sure to thoroughly rinse your pan after use.
• Don't use Bar Keepers Friend dry. Always mix the powder with water.

Now you can bring your favourite pans back to life!

Try a paste of baking soda and water

To get brown pans back to silver, you can try a paste of baking soda and water. This method is ideal for removing burnt-on food and tough stains from non-stick, stainless steel, ceramic, and cast iron pans.

First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Next, make a paste by mixing baking soda and water in a ratio of 3:1. The paste should be thick enough to fully coat the burnt portion of the pan. For a full pot bottom, try 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water. Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. Alternatively, you can cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then add enough baking soda to create a paste.

Let the paste sit for a few hours or overnight. If you don't want to wait, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then place the pan on the stove and bring it to a boil. Quickly remove the pan from the heat to prevent burning. Let the pan cool, then wipe or scrub to remove the scorched bits.

For stubborn stains, you can also try boiling a solution of baking soda and water in the pan. Add 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup of water to the pan and bring it to a boil. Let the pan cool, then rinse the stain with straight baking soda and scrub with a non-stick-safe nylon brush.

Use a cloth dipped in undiluted white vinegar

If you're looking to get your brown pans back to silver, one method is to use a cloth dipped in undiluted white vinegar. This can be an effective way to remove grease and oil stains from your pans.

First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Next, dip a cloth into undiluted white vinegar and rub it onto the stains. You can also try using a steel scrubbing pad to help remove the stains. If the stains are particularly stubborn, you may need to let the vinegar sit on the pan for a few minutes before scrubbing. Finally, rinse the pan clean and dry it with a towel.

This method is a simple and inexpensive way to clean your pans, as vinegar is a versatile and affordable household item. It's important to note that you should not use vinegar on non-stick pans, as it can damage the coating.

For heavier stains, you can also try combining vinegar with baking soda. First, pour a small layer of equal parts water and vinegar into the pan and bring it to a boil. After boiling for a minute, remove the pan from the heat and pour out the liquid. Then, add a tablespoon of baking soda and use a scouring pad to scrub away any remaining marks. Finally, rinse and dry the pan as usual.

By following these steps, you can effectively use a cloth dipped in undiluted white vinegar to clean your brown pans and restore their silver shine.

Try a paste of cream of tartar and water

If you want to get your brown pans back to silver, one method you can try is using a paste made from cream of tartar and water.

Cream of tartar is a byproduct of the winemaking process, left behind in the barrels. It is an acid that creates a chemical reaction when combined with baking soda. It is frequently used by chefs to stiffen egg whites and prevent sugar from crystallising.

Like baking soda, cream of tartar is slightly abrasive, allowing it to dig into burnt food and loosen it without damaging the pan's surface. It is also slightly acidic, which helps to break down burnt food.

To use this method, first, scrape off as much of the burnt food as you can using a spatula or plastic scraper. Then, mix cream of tartar and water until you get a spreadable paste. Cover the bottom of the pan with the paste and let it sit overnight. In the morning, scrub the pan and the food should come off.

If you prefer, you can also try boiling the burnt food away. Combine one cup of water with two tablespoons of cream of tartar and pour the mixture into your pan. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Then, discard the water and scrub the pan with hot, soapy water.

Cream of tartar can also be used to clean stainless steel surfaces, remove stains from aluminium pans, shine copper pots and kettles, and buff out scratches on plates.

Soak in cola

Soaking your pans in cola is an effective way to remove burnt-on stains. The carbonic acid in cola is strong enough to break down burn marks without ruining non-stick coatings.

To start, remove any waste food from the pan and dispose of it. Next, pour boiling water into the pan to dislodge some of the burn marks. Then, pour out the boiling water and fill the pan with cola, ensuring that all the burnt areas are covered. Boil the cola in the pan, then turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool down. You can leave the cola in the pan for a few hours or overnight. When the cola is cold, pour it out and start to scrape away the scorch marks with a plastic scraper.

If there are any remaining burnt patches, grab a steel wool pad or plastic mesh scourer that has been soaked in warm water and washing-up liquid. Gently massage the burnt patches with the scourer, then rinse away the debris. Finally, clean the pan again with some soapy water to remove any lasting grime.

Repeat the process if necessary.

Frequently asked questions