Clean Baking Pans: Removing Stubborn Char And Burnt-On Messes

Burnt pans are a common occurrence in the kitchen, but that doesn't mean they're impossible to clean. There are several methods to tackle this issue, and most of them use ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The severity of the burn will determine the best method to use, but some of the most common approaches include using baking soda, vinegar, lemons, dishwasher tablets, dryer sheets, and even just boiling water. Each of these methods can be tailored to the type of pan you're working with, be it stainless steel, non-stick, or cast iron. So, before you throw out that burnt pan, give one of these cleaning techniques a try!

Baking soda and vinegar

This method uses affordable pantry items that most people have on hand. It's a great natural cleaning method that doesn't require any harsh chemicals.

How it works:

• Fill your dirty pan with equal parts water and vinegar. The water should be enough to cover the bottom of the pan.
• Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Remove the pan from the heat.
• Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. You will get a fizzing reaction. It might be best to do this in the sink.
• Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling dies down.
• Discard the liquid.
• Scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring pad, adding more baking soda as necessary.
• Rinse clean and dry.

Boiling water and baking soda

Step 1: Remove Excess Food

Scrape away any loose, excess food from the pan. This will make the cleaning process easier and help prevent food from becoming further baked onto the pan's surface.

Step 2: Fill the Pan with Water and Baking Soda

Fill the pan with water, ensuring the water level is slightly below the burnt area. The amount of water will depend on the size of your pan. For a full pot bottom, you may use 1 cup of water. Then, add 1/4 cup of baking soda. The baking soda will react with the burnt residue and help loosen it, making it easier to remove.

Step 3: Bring the Solution to a Boil

Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Bring the water and baking soda solution to a boil. As the solution boils, you may use a firm silicone or plastic spatula to gently lift and remove any loose burnt pieces.

Step 4: Simmer and Cool

Once the solution reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the solution to simmer for approximately 15 minutes. This prolonged heat will further loosen the burnt-on residue. After simmering, turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Wash and Scrub the Pan

After the pan has cooled, wash it as usual, gently scrubbing the surface. The burnt-on food should come off easily at this point. For stubborn residue, you may use a plastic pan scraper, which is effective yet gentle on the pan's surface. If necessary, repeat the entire process.

Tips:

• For an even more intensive cleaning, add 1/4 cup of vinegar to the water and baking soda solution. Vinegar is an acid that will react with the baking soda, creating a fizzing reaction that can help dislodge stubborn burnt-on food.
• Always use a nylon brush, non-scratch sponge, or plastic pan scraper when cleaning to avoid scratching the pan's surface.
• For regular maintenance, you can use baking soda and water to wash your pans and prevent scorch stains or burnt-on residue.

Dishwasher tablets

Burnt pans can be unsightly, and it may seem daunting to scrub them clean. However, dishwasher tablets can be used to effortlessly remove burnt-on grime.

Firstly, cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it up on low heat. Next, remove the pan from the heat and carefully rub a dishwasher tablet across the burnt-on bits. Finally, rinse and wash the pan with warm soapy water.

This method is quick and easy, and the tablet works as both a detergent and a scouring pad, making it the least messy option. It is important to note that you should use powdered dishwasher tablets, not liquid ones, and ensure you only use one tablet.

While this method may not remove every scorch mark, it will simplify the cleaning process, even for the oiliest and grimiest pans. So, if you're looking for a hassle-free way to clean your burnt baking pans, dishwasher tablets are the way to go!

Boiled lemons

First, quarter two or three lemons and place them in the pan. Then, fill the pan with a few inches of water and bring it to a boil. Continue to boil the lemons for around 5-10 minutes, or until you notice food particles floating to the surface.

After boiling, remove the lemons and pour the lemon water down the drain. Rinse the pan and use a scouring pad to scrub away any remaining burnt residue. If necessary, add some dish soap to aid the process.

This method is highly effective and requires minimal scrubbing. It is also a natural way to clean your pan, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals.

Additionally, you can use the boiled lemons to create a healthy drink. Simply let the lemon water cool down, remove the lemons, and pour the water into a cup. You can add a touch of honey to taste. Drinking warm lemon water in the morning is known to provide various health benefits, including improved metabolism, digestion, and immune system function. It is also believed to promote weight loss, improve mood, and boost energy levels.

If you want to make a larger batch of lemon water, you can follow this recipe:

• Cut 4 organic lemons into small pieces, including the peel.
• Grate 2 tablespoons of ginger or use a 3-4 cm piece of ginger root.
• Gather 4 large garlic heads.
• Blend the lemons, ginger, and garlic in a blender until you achieve a nice texture.
• Place the blended ingredients into a saucepan and add 2 litres of water.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and then turn off the heat. Allow it to cool down.
• Strain the liquid into a glass bottle and store it in the fridge.
• Drink this concoction multiple times a day, preferably on an empty stomach. You can add honey to enhance the taste.
• For optimal results, it is recommended to drink this mixture daily for 3 weeks.

Aluminium foil

Burnt pans are a common occurrence, and aluminium foil can be an effective tool for cleaning them. Here is a guide on how to use aluminium foil to clean burnt pans:

Step 1: Rinse the Pan

Start by rinsing the burnt pan with hot water to get rid of any initial grime. This will help to loosen any burnt-on food and make it easier to remove.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Soda

Generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the pan. Baking soda is a great cleaner due to its high pH level. Then, add a few teaspoons of hot water to create a paste-like consistency with the baking soda.

Step 3: Scrub with Aluminium Foil

Now, take a piece of aluminium foil and crumple it into a ball about the size of a chicken egg. This ball of foil will act as your scrubbing tool. Scrub the bottom of the pan with the foil, using circular motions or back-and-forth movements. You may need to apply a bit of pressure, but you shouldn't have to scrub too hard.

Step 4: Rinse and Repeat

Rinse the pan with warm, soapy water to remove the baking soda paste and any loosened debris. If there are still some burnt-on marks or stubborn residue, repeat the process. Create a new baking soda paste and scrub again with the aluminium foil until the pan is clean.

Tips and Precautions:

• This method works best for stainless steel and aluminium pans.
• Avoid using this method on coated pans, such as enamel or non-stick cookware, as the aluminium foil can be too abrasive and damage the coating.
• While aluminium foil is a great option for quick and effective cleaning, it may not be suitable for very heavy-duty burns or deeply charred pans. For more stubborn stains, you might need to try alternative methods or combine it with other cleaning agents like vinegar or dish soap.

Frequently asked questions