Cleaning Burnt Pepsi: Restoring Your Pan's Former Glory

Burnt pans are a common problem, and there are many ways to tackle this issue. The first step is to remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, depending on the type of pan, you can try different methods to get rid of the burnt residue. For stainless steel or aluminium pans, a paste of baking soda and water can be applied to the burnt area and scrubbed off. For non-stick pans, a mixture of baking soda, water, and dishwashing liquid can be used. Lemon juice or vinegar can also be added to the baking soda paste to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food. For cast iron pans, baking soda and water can be used, followed by re-seasoning with vegetable oil. Other methods include using dryer sheets, dishwasher tablets, or aluminium foil to scrub off the burnt residue.

Baking soda and water

Step 1: Remove Food Debris

First, use a spatula or scraper to remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Make a Baking Soda and Water Paste

Next, make a paste by mixing three parts baking soda with one part water. You can adjust the quantities as needed to cover the burnt portion of the pan. For example, use one cup of baking soda and one-third cup of water for a full pot bottom.

Step 3: Apply the Paste

Now, generously apply the paste to the burnt areas of the pan. Ensure that the paste is thick enough to fully coat the surface. Alternatively, you can cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then add enough baking soda to create a paste.

Step 4: Let the Paste Sit

Let the baking soda and water paste sit for a few hours or even overnight. This will give it time to work its magic and loosen the burnt residue.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

After the waiting period, add more baking soda and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or a non-scratch sponge. If you're in a hurry and don't want to wait, there's an alternative approach. Simply add a quarter to a half cup of water to the paste, then place the pan on the stove and bring it to a boil. Be careful not to let it burn again! Let the pan cool down, and then wipe or scrub to remove the scorched bits.

Tips:

• Baking soda is a mild abrasive that helps remove stubborn burnt food. Its alkaline nature also neutralizes acidic burnt foods.
• You can use the baking soda and water paste not only for cleaning but also for regular washing of your pots and pans to prevent scorch stains and burnt-on residue.
• Always use a non-scratch sponge or brush when cleaning to avoid damaging the pan's surface.

Deglazing

• Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Put the pan back on the stove and heat until a droplet of water sizzles.
• Add water or a mixture of water and vinegar to the hot pan and allow it to boil. You can also use other liquids such as stock, wine, juice, or beer.
• As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening the burnt food.
• Pour the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with baking soda and let the pan cool.
• Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pot bottom vigorously.
• Wash and dry the pan as normal once all stains and scorched bits have been removed.

Boiled lemons

Clean Your Microwave

Grease stains and splatters make a mess in your microwave. To clean it, microwave a solution of lemon juice and water for three to five minutes on high power. Let the steam loosen any stubborn stains, and then wipe the microwave clean.

Clean Your Stovetop

If you have burnt debris or stuck-on food scraps on your stovetop, you can remove them with lemon juice and baking soda. Cut your lemons in half and squeeze the juice all over your stovetop. Use the lemon half as a scrubber. Then, sprinkle baking soda over the lemon juice and cover the stovetop with a warm wet towel for 30 minutes. Finally, wipe the surface clean.

Clean Your Cutting Board

When slicing garlic or chopping onions on a cutting board, tough stains and smells can be left behind. To clean it naturally, rub a cut lemon on the surface and let the cutting board soak for 20 minutes before rinsing.

Clean Your Garbage Disposal

If the odor in your garbage disposal has you pinching your nose, try dropping in half a lemon along with a tablespoon of baking soda. This eliminates odors quickly.

Clean Your Dishwasher

Place a lemon wedge in the top rack of your dishwasher and run it to freshen up the appliance.

Clean Your Refrigerator

Does your refrigerator have a lingering odor? Freshen it up by placing a sliced lemon or a cotton ball soaked in lemon juice in the fridge to absorb odors and leave a pleasant scent.

Clean Your Taps, Pots, and Furniture

Rub kitchen and bathroom taps with the peel or the cut side of half a lemon. Wash and dry with a soft cloth to shine and remove spots. This also works to brighten any dull pots, pans, and cutlery.

Clean Your Mirrors and Glass

Mix lemon juice with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on your mirrors or glass, and then wipe them down with a microfiber cloth to get rid of any stains and markings.

Clean Your Whites

Add half a cup of lemon juice to your next wash cycle of white laundry. Lemon is a great whitening agent, and it also works wonders on bloodstains.

Dishwasher tablets

• Cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it gently on the stove.
• Remove the pan from the heat source.
• Take a dishwasher tablet and carefully rub it over the burnt areas. The warmth of the pan will help the tablet dissolve slightly, aiding the cleaning process.
• Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining Pepsi residue and tablet residue.
• Wash the pan with warm, soapy water to complete the process.

This method is an effective way to remove burnt-on Pepsi, but it's important to note that it may not be suitable for non-stick or cast-iron pans. Always check the care instructions for your specific pan before proceeding.

If you don't have dishwasher tablets, there are alternative methods you can try. One option is to use a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Create a paste with these ingredients, apply it to the burnt areas, and let it sit for a while before scrubbing. Another approach is to use lemons. Cut lemons in half, squeeze the juice into the pan, and use the lemon halves to scrub the burnt areas.

Aluminium foil

This method is a faster and more effective version of the baking soda and vinegar method. The aluminium foil provides enhanced scrubbing power to help remove burnt-on food from your pans.

Frequently asked questions