Clean Your Pan: Removing Stubborn, Burnt Fat

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are many ways to clean them. Some methods include using baking soda, vinegar, dishwasher tablets, lemons, dryer sheets, and aluminium foil. It's important to note that some methods are better suited for certain types of pans, such as non-stick or cast iron. Additionally, it is generally recommended to minimise the consumption of burnt food, as it may be linked to potential health risks.

Use a dishwasher tablet

Using a Dishwasher Tablet to Clean a Burnt Pan

Step 1: Fill the pan with water

Cover the bottom of the pan with water and warm it up on low heat. The water should be enough to cover any burnt bits and stains on the pan.

Step 2: Add a dishwasher tablet

Drop a dishwasher tablet into the pan. Make sure to use a powdered dishwasher tablet and not a liquid one. You will need about one tablespoon of dishwasher detergent.

Step 3: Simmer the water

Place the pan back on the stove and let the water simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes. This will help loosen the burnt-on food and stains.

Step 4: Rinse and wipe the pan

After simmering, rinse the pan with warm water and wipe away any residue with a soft sponge or cleaning cloth. For any remaining burnt-on bits, use a gentle scrub with a sponge or soft brush. If the pan is non-stick, avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool as these can scratch the coating.

Tips:

• Wear gloves while scrubbing the pan to protect your hands.
• For very stubborn stains, you can let the pan sit for about 10 minutes after simmering before rinsing and washing as normal.
• This method may not be suitable for non-stick pans as the high temperature and abrasive scrubbing can damage the coating. Always test on a small, inconspicuous portion of the pan first.

Try boiling lemons

Boiling lemons is a great way to clean a burnt pot or pan and get rid of any burnt smells. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Chop Up Two Lemons

Cut the lemons into eights, quarters or slices. You need enough pieces to cover the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Add Water and Lemons to the Pan

Add enough water to cover the burnt bottom of the pan. The lemons will float, so don't worry about covering them.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Bring the water to a rolling boil. You might even see the burnt specks coming off the bottom of the pan as the lemons move around.

Step 4: Let Water Cool & Dump It Out

After removing the lemons and dirty water, you will be left with a thin brown layer at the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Scrub at the Burnt Food

Scrub the bottom of the pan lightly with a brush. All the leftover grime should fall away.

Step 6: Rinse Out Your Pot

Rinse the pan a few times. Your pot should now be as good as new!

Tips:

• This method works best for stainless steel or copper cookware.
• If your pan has a copper bottom that has gotten blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use the boiling lemons method to remove the stains and restore the shine.

Use baking soda and vinegar

To clean burnt fat off a pan using baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Step 1: Remove Food Debris

Scrape off as much burnt food from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar and Water

Fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar. Bring this mixture to a boil. You will need about 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Once the mixture is boiling, remove the pan from the heat. Then, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. A chemical reaction will occur, creating a fizzing or explosive reaction.

Step 4: Soak

Let the pan sit and soak for at least 2 minutes or up to 15 minutes. The longer you let it soak, the more burnt-on food will loosen.

Step 5: Discard Liquid

After soaking, pour out the liquid down the drain.

Step 6: Scrub

Use a scouring pad, scrub brush, or sponge to scrub away any remaining burnt bits. You can also use a nylon brush or non-scratch sponge for more delicate pans. If spots remain, make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the pan. Let the paste sit for a few minutes, then scrub again.

Step 7: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan with clean water and dry as usual.

Tips:

• This method is ideal for stainless steel pans.
• Be cautious when adding baking soda to the boiling water and vinegar mixture, as it can cause an explosive reaction.
• For more heavy-duty cleaning, you can try adding more vinegar or using a stronger acid like lemon juice.
• For burnt-on grease, try spraying the pan with oven cleaner, placing it in an airtight bag, and letting it sit for a couple of days.
• Always use a non-scratch sponge or scrubber, especially for non-stick or cast iron pans.

Soak in water

Soaking your burnt pan in water is an effective way to loosen burnt-on food, making it easy to wipe away without any deep scrubbing. The key to successful soaking is using the right product. Many people swear by the combination of water and a natural soaking agent, such as vinegar or baking soda.

Step 1: Fill the pan with water

Fill the pot or pan with about 2-3 inches of water. Make sure the water level is high enough to completely cover the burnt-on fat.

Step 2: Add a cleaning agent

You can add a natural cleaning agent such as vinegar or baking soda to the water. For a more powerful solution, use dishwasher detergent. Add about 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwasher detergent or sprinkle in powdered detergent. You can also add a few drops of dish soap if you don't have dishwasher detergent.

Step 3: Bring the water to a boil

Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a low simmer. The boiling water will help to loosen the burnt-on fat.

Step 4: Let the pan soak

Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and let the pan soak. You can let it soak for at least an hour or even overnight for particularly stubborn burnt-on fat. During this time, the cleaning agents will work to break down the burnt-on food, making it easier to remove.

Step 5: Wipe and scrub

After soaking, discard the water and use a sponge or cleaning cloth to wipe away the loosened burnt-on food. For any remaining bits of food, use a gentle scrub with a sponge or soft brush. If needed, you can also make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to stubborn areas, letting it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Remember to always use non-scratch sponges or scouring pads, especially if you have a non-stick pan, to avoid damaging the coating. With these steps, you should be able to effectively remove burnt-on fat from your pan without any harsh scrubbing or chemicals!

Use aluminium foil and baking soda

Aluminium foil and baking soda can work wonders on burnt pans. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Rinse the Pan

First, rinse your dirty pot or pan in hot water and drain it. This will help to remove any initial grime and make it easier for the baking soda to work its magic.

Step 2: Apply Baking Soda

Generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the pan. Baking soda is a great cleaner because of its high pH level, which can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. It also has mild abrasive properties, making it perfect for scrubbing away burnt-on food.

Step 3: Add Water

Add a few teaspoons of hot water back into the pan to create a paste with the baking soda. The water will help to activate the baking soda and make it more effective in removing the burnt residue.

Step 4: Scrub with Aluminium Foil

Now, here's where the aluminium foil comes in. Crumple a piece of aluminium foil into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Use this foil ball to scrub the bottom and sides of the pan. The foil provides an abrasive surface that will help lift even the most stubborn burnt-on food.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

Continue scrubbing with the foil and baking soda paste until all the burnt debris is lifted. Then, rinse the pan with hot, soapy water to finish cleaning. If necessary, you can repeat the process or apply a touch-up with additional baking soda.

Tips:

• This method works best on stainless steel and aluminium pans.
• Avoid using this method on coated surfaces like enamel or non-stick pans, as the aluminium foil may be too abrasive and damage the coating.
• Always test this method on a small, inconspicuous portion of the pan first to ensure it won't damage the surface.

Frequently asked questions