Cleaning White Pans: Removing Burn Marks

Burnt pans are a common occurrence in the kitchen, and there are several ways to tackle this issue. The first step is often to soak the pan in hot water, but this may not be sufficient on its own. A range of household products can aid the process, including baking soda, vinegar, lemons, Alka-Seltzer, dishwasher tablets, and even cola. For scrubbing, tools such as a scouring pad, sponge, nylon brush, or aluminium foil can be used. The exact methods vary depending on the type of pan, with cast iron pans requiring special care. With the right approach, even badly burnt pans can be restored to a usable state.

Baking soda and vinegar

The baking soda and vinegar method is a great way to clean burnt pans without using harsh chemicals. It is also a very affordable method as it uses ingredients that most people have in their pantry. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use this method to clean your burnt pans:

Step 1: Boil Vinegar and Water

Fill your dirty pan with equal parts water and vinegar. Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. This will help to loosen the burned-on food.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda

Once the mixture is boiling, carefully add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the pan. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down. You can slowly add the baking soda to the boiling water to avoid an explosive reaction between the baking soda and vinegar.

Step 3: Soak the Pan

Let the pan soak for up to 15 minutes. During this time, the mixture will continue to work on loosening the burnt-on food. You may start to see some of the charred bits floating to the surface.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After soaking, discard the liquid down the drain. Use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits. If there are still some spots left, create a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water and apply it to the pan. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Tips:

• Be careful when mixing baking soda and vinegar as it can cause a somewhat explosive reaction.
• If you are dealing with burnt food on cast iron pots and pans, avoid exposing them to prolonged soaking or harsh scrubbers.
• For non-stick pans, avoid using abrasive cleaners and scouring supplies.

Deglazing technique

The deglazing technique is a great way to remove burn marks from your pans. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Start by removing as much of the burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Use a spatula or scraper to get rid of the remnants.
• Place the pan back on the stove and turn on the heat.
• Add a cup of water or a mixture of half water and half white vinegar to the pan. Use more liquid if you have a larger pot or pan.
• Allow the liquid to come to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening and scraping away the burnt food.
• Pour the liquid down the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan generously with baking soda and let the pan cool.
• Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pan vigorously to remove any remaining stains or scorch marks.
• Finally, wash and dry the pan as you normally would once it is clean.

The deglazing technique is an effective way to remove burnt food and stains from your pans. By using a combination of heat, water, and vinegar, you can loosen and scrape away the burnt remnants. Following up with baking soda helps to further remove any stubborn stains and restore your pan to its original state.

Lemon cleaning

To clean a burnt pan with lemons, first, wash the pan with hot water and dishwashing liquid to remove as much burnt-on food as possible. Rinse the pan thoroughly. Next, add just enough hot water to the pan to cover the bottom, and then add a generous amount of baking soda—at least a quarter of a cup. Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side of one half to scrub the pan. The combination of acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda will create a fizzing reaction, which helps to loosen burnt-on food. Rinse the pan well and repeat the process if necessary.

For pans with copper bottoms that have become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use the same method to remove stains and restore shine.

Dishwasher tablet

To use a dishwasher tablet to clean a burnt pan, start by covering the bottom of the pan with water and warming it up on low heat. Then, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully rub the tablet in small circles around the burnt areas until it starts to dissolve. Finally, rinse and wash the pan with warm, soapy water.

It is important to note that you should use powdered dishwasher tablets, not liquid ones. Also, be sure to wear gloves when handling the tablet, as it can be abrasive to the skin.

This method is simple and quick, taking only a few minutes to complete. It is also relatively inexpensive, with dishwasher tablets costing under 50 cents each.

While this method is effective, it may not completely remove all burnt-on marks, and some discolouration may remain. For best results, use Finish Powerball Deep Clean tablets and leave the plastic coating on the tablets while scrubbing.

Aluminium foil

To clean your pan with aluminium foil, first, rinse your dirty pot in hot water and drain it. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the burnt spot—you'll need about two tablespoons. Next, add a few teaspoons of hot water back to your pan to form a paste with the baking soda. Now, scrub the paste with a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil. Continue scrubbing until all the burnt debris lifts, then rinse with hot, soapy water to finish cleaning.

If you're looking for a more intense clean, you can also try adding a dishwasher tablet to your pan after you've scrubbed it with the foil. Simply cover the bottom of your burnt pan with water, heat it for a moment, then scrape a dishwasher tablet around any burnt areas, rubbing in small circles until the tablet starts to dissolve. Rinse and wash with warm, soapy water.

Frequently asked questions