Cleaning Broiler Pan Grates: Removing Burn Marks

Burnt-on food and stains on broiler pans can be a pain to clean. Luckily, there are several methods to get your broiler pan grate looking as good as new. Some common household items that can be used include baking soda, vinegar, lemons, dishwasher tablets, dryer sheets, and fabric softener. For more heavy-duty cleaning, you can use oven cleaner, Bar Keepers Friend, or a Magic Eraser.

Soak the pan in a solution of vinegar and baking soda

So, you've tried your best to avoid it, but it's happened: you've burnt your broiler pan. Don't worry, it can be saved! Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to remove those stubborn burn marks using a solution of vinegar and baking soda.

First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. You can use a wooden spatula or scraper to get rid of the bulk of the burnt bits. Next, put the pan back on the stove and turn the heat on. Add a cup of water or a mixture of half water and half vinegar to the pan. Allow this to come to a boil and simmer for a few minutes. The liquid will help to loosen the burnt-on food.

Now, pour out the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan. Instead, sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and let the pan cool. The baking soda will react with any remaining acid in the pan, creating a fizzing reaction that further loosens burnt food. Once the pan is cool, use a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush to scrub the pan vigorously.

If there are still some stubborn stains, it's time to bring out the big guns: vinegar and baking soda. For this method, start by removing as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Add enough vinegar to the pan to cover the bottom with at least half an 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 a cup of baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction, so it's best to do this in the sink.

Set the pan aside and wait until the fizzing and bubbling have stopped. Pour out the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary. Rinse the pan clean and dry it with a towel.

With these methods, you can effectively remove burn marks from your broiler pan using a solution of vinegar and baking soda. It may take some time and elbow grease, but your pan will be looking good as new!

Use a non-scratch scrubber

To get burn marks out of a broiler pan grate, you can use a non-scratch scrubber. This is a gentler alternative to a metal brush or scouring pad, which can damage the finish of your broiler pan.

First, fill your broiler pan with hot water. If your broiler pan has sides, place it on a counter and fill it with water. If it's flat, put it in the sink or a plastic tub and fill it with water.

Next, squirt some dish soap into the water. A dish soap that is specially formulated to fight grease will be most effective.

Then, place a dryer sheet in the water, making sure it is covered by the water. For pans with particularly burnt-on food, use two dryer sheets. Biodegradable dryer sheets are a good option if you're eco-conscious.

Let the pan sit for at least an hour. The dryer sheet will help to loosen the food residue while it soaks. For pans with badly burnt-on food, leave it to soak for a few hours or even overnight.

Finally, rinse the pan and wipe away any remaining food residue with a non-scratch scrubber. You can also use a sponge or a washcloth to gently scrub away any remaining food.

If your broiler pan is very dirty, you may need to repeat this process a few times to fully remove the burn marks.

Try a dishwasher tablet

If you have burn marks on your broiler pan grate, one way to clean it is by using a dishwasher tablet. This method is ideal for when the burn marks are really bad.

Firstly, fill your broiler pan with warm or hot water. The hotter the water, the more effective it will be. Ensure the water covers the whole surface of the pan.

Next, add a dishwasher detergent tablet to the water. You can also add a drop of dish detergent to the water to boost the cleaning power. Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat on. Allow the water to come to a rolling boil and leave it for 5 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let the pan sit for an hour. The longer you leave it, the more effective it will be.

Finally, use a plastic spatula to scrape off any remaining burnt-on food residue. Rinse the pan with water and gently scrub it with a sponge or washcloth to remove any leftover residue.

This method is a quick and easy way to clean your broiler pan grate without using any harsh chemicals. It is important to note that you should not use this method if your broiler pan is made of cast iron, as soaking cast iron in water can ruin the pan.

Use a dryer sheet with soap and water

To clean a broiler pan with a dryer sheet and soap and water, start by filling the broiler pan with hot water. If your broiler pan has sides, fill it with water. If it is flat, place it in your sink or a large container and submerge it in hot water. Next, add some dish soap to the water to create soapy water. This will help to combat grease stains more effectively.

Now, lay a dryer sheet flat in the water, making sure that it is completely submerged. For pans with especially burnt-on food residue, use two dryer sheets. Then, let the broiler pan soak for at least one hour. For more serious grease stains, you can leave the pan to soak for longer, or even overnight.

Once the pan has soaked, remove the dryer sheets and pour out the water. If there is still residue on the pan, use a sponge or scrubber to remove it. Finally, give the pan a quick clean with some warm water and dish soap, and leave it to air dry.

Apply a paste of baking soda and water

To clean a broiler pan using a paste of baking soda and water, first ensure that the pan has cooled down. Then, sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the surface of the pan. Next, add water to the baking soda—either by spraying it on or by gently pouring it on and mixing the two together. You want to create a paste-like consistency.

Once you have your paste, cover it with wet paper towels. This will help the baking soda stay wet for longer, which in turn will help loosen and remove any baked-on grease and food residue. If your paper towels dry out, simply spray or pour a little more water on them. Leave the pan to soak for at least half an hour, but for best results, leave it for a few hours or even overnight.

After the allotted time has passed, gently scrape the dried paste into the trash. Then, bring your broiler pan to the sink and give it a thorough cleaning using a washcloth or sponge to scrub off any remaining residue. If you're using a sponge, avoid heavy scrubbing as this may scratch or damage the surface of the pan.

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