Removing Black Burn Stains From Stainless Steel Cookware

Burnt stainless steel pans can be saved with a few household staples and a bit of elbow grease. Baking soda, water, and white vinegar are all you need to remove the blackened, crusty, burnt food from the bottom of your pan. First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, make a paste with baking soda and water, or use vinegar and water, and apply it to the burnt areas. Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight, and then scrub with a nylon brush or scouring pad. If you're in a hurry, you can also try boiling the mixture in the pan and then scrubbing. With a bit of time and effort, your burnt stainless steel pan will be looking good as new!

Baking soda and vinegar

Burnt-on stains on stainless steel pans are a common problem, but they can usually be removed with household items such as baking soda and vinegar. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get your pans looking like new again using this method:

Step 1: Remove Excess Food and Debris

Start by scraping out as much of the burnt food from the pan as possible. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to dislodge any large pieces of food that are stuck to the pan.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar in the Pan

Next, add enough white vinegar to the pan to cover the bottom 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 break down the burnt-on food.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. The baking soda will react with the vinegar, creating a fizzing and bubbling reaction. This reaction will help to loosen the burnt-on food. It is recommended to do this step over the sink, as the reaction can be quite vigorous.

Step 4: Let the Pan Sit

Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop. The pan should be allowed to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Discard the Liquid and Scrub the Pan

Once the pan is cool, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring pad. Add more baking soda to the pan if needed to create a mild abrasive that will help remove stubborn stains.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly with water to remove any remaining vinegar and baking soda. Dry the pan with a clean towel or leave it to air dry.

This method may require some elbow grease and may need to be repeated for heavily burnt pans. However, it is an effective way to remove burnt-on stains and restore the shine to your stainless steel pans.

Dishwasher tablets

To remove burnt-on black residue from the bottom of a stainless steel pan using dishwasher tablets, follow these steps:

• Cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water.
• Place the pan on a stove and warm it over low heat.
• Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove.
• Take a dishwasher tablet and scrape it across the burnt residue.
• Rinse the pan and wash it with warm, soapy water.

This method is effective and quick, taking only 3-5 minutes. However, it may use up more than one dishwasher tablet per pan and could be considered expensive. It is also recommended to keep the plastic coating on the tablet while scrubbing.

Boiled lemons

First, remove any loose food or debris from the pan. This is important to ensure that the treatment reaches the burnt parts of the pan directly.

Next, cut two to three lemons into quarters. The number of lemons may vary depending on the size of your pan and the extent of the burn. Place the lemon wedges directly into the pan.

Then, add two to three inches of water to the pan. The water level should be just enough to cover the lemons.

After that, place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Bring the water to a boil. Continue boiling for about five to ten minutes. You will start to see food particles floating to the surface, and that is a good sign.

Once the time has passed, remove the pan from the heat and carefully pour out the remaining water and lemon wedges into the sink. Be cautious as the water will be hot.

Finally, use a scouring pad or brush to scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits. If needed, add a small amount of dish soap to help with the process. Rinse the pan with hot, clean water, and dry it thoroughly.

Your burnt stainless steel pan should now be clean and ready to use again. The boiled lemon method is simple, effective, and leaves your pan smelling fresh.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Burnt-on food in a pan can be a real nightmare to clean, but it's possible to get your stainless steel pans looking brand new again with some baking soda and aluminium foil.

First, rinse the pan with hot water to get rid of any initial grime. Then, add a few teaspoons of hot water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the pan to form a paste. Crumple a piece of aluminium foil into a ball about the size of a golf ball or chicken egg. Use the foil ball to scrub the paste all over the bottom of the pan. The abrasiveness of the foil will help to lift the burnt-on food. Keep scrubbing until all the burnt debris has lifted, then rinse the pan with hot, soapy water.

You may need to repeat the process, as the baking soda will get dirty quickly and make it difficult to see which areas still need attention. However, this method is an effective way to clean burnt stainless steel pans without the need for harsh scrubbing or toxic chemicals.

Bar Keepers Friend

Burnt residue on the bottom of stainless steel pans can be a challenge to remove, but Bar Keepers Friend offers an effective solution. Bar Keepers Friend is a well-known brand of cleaning products that has been trusted by homeowners, professionals, and businesses for decades. Their range includes all-purpose cleansers and polishes, as well as specialised cleaning kits for various surfaces, including stainless steel.

To use Bar Keepers Friend on a burnt stainless steel pan, follow these steps:

• Choose the appropriate Bar Keepers Friend product for your pan. They offer a Cookware Cleanser & Polish, as well as a Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish.
• Sprinkle the product onto the burnt area of the pan.
• Add a small amount of water to create a paste.
• Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently scrub the paste over the burnt area. For heavily burnt areas, you may need to apply a little more elbow grease.
• Rinse the pan with warm water to remove the paste and any remaining burnt residue.
• If necessary, repeat the process until the burnt residue is completely removed.

Frequently asked questions