Removing Burnt Soup Stains: Quick And Easy Pan Cleaning

Burnt soup on the bottom of a pan is a common problem, but there are several ways to tackle it. Here are some methods to try:

- Baking soda and vinegar – Boil equal parts water and vinegar in the pan, then add baking soda, and let it soak. Scrub away the burnt food with a sponge or scouring pad.

- Boiled lemons – Slice lemons and place them in the pan with water, then bring to a boil. Discard the lemons and rinse the pan, using a scouring pad to remove any leftover bits.

- Bar Keepers Friend – Make a paste with Bar Keepers Friend and water, and spread it over the burnt areas. Rinse and scrub the pan.

- Aluminum foil and baking soda – Rinse the pan, then sprinkle with baking soda and add a bit of water to make a paste. Scrub with a ball of aluminum foil until the burnt food lifts off.

- Dishwasher tablet – Rinse the pan with hot water and scrub with a dishwasher tablet.

- Alka-Seltzer – Add hot water and Alka-Seltzer tablets to the pan and let it sit. Pour out the solution, add hot water and dishwashing liquid, and scrub the pan.

- Dryer sheet – Soak the pan in hot water with a dryer sheet, then use the sheet to wipe away the burnt food.

Baking soda and vinegar

Burnt soup stuck to the bottom of your pan? Don't panic! It happens to the best of us. While it may seem like a daunting task, removing burnt food from your pan is possible with a little bit of baking soda, vinegar, and some elbow grease. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting your pan looking like new again:

Step 1: Remove Excess Food

Start by scraping out as much of the burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to get rid of any loose bits.

Step 2: Boil Water and Vinegar

Fill the pan with enough water to cover the bottom, and add an equal amount of white vinegar. Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. The vinegar will help break down the burnt food.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Once the mixture is boiling, it's time to add the baking soda. Sprinkle in about two heaped tablespoons of baking soda. The baking soda will react with the vinegar, creating a fizzing, bubbling reaction. This reaction will help loosen the burnt food, making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Let it Sit and Cool

Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside. Allow the mixture to cool down for about 30 minutes. As it cools, the fizzing will stop, and you'll be left with a paste-like mixture at the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Scrub and Rinse

After the pan has cooled, it's time to scrub. Use a nylon brush, scouring pad, or the scrubber side of a washing-up pad to scrub away the burnt residue. The baking soda paste will act as an abrasive, helping to lift the burnt food off the pan. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining residue.

Step 6: Repeat if Necessary

If there are still some stubborn bits of burnt food stuck to the pan, don't worry. Simply repeat the process. You can also add a bit more baking soda for extra scrubbing power. Remember to always use non-scratch sponges or scrubbers, especially if you're dealing with non-stick or ceramic cookware.

Baking soda is a mild abrasive and has alkaline properties, which help neutralize acidic burnt foods. When combined with an acid like vinegar, it creates a fizzing reaction that loosens burnt residue. This dynamic duo is a powerful tool for tackling even the toughest burnt-on food.

So, the next time you find yourself facing a burnt pan, don't despair. Reach for the baking soda and vinegar, and get scrubbing! Your pan will be good as new in no time.

Boiled lemons

Step 1: Chop Up Two Lemons

Cut the lemons into 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. Ensure that the burnt area is covered so that the lemons can do their job.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Bring the water to a rolling boil. You may see the burnt specks coming off the bottom of the pot as the lemons float around.

Step 4: Let Water Cool and Dump It Out

After boiling, remove the lemons and dirty water. You will likely be left with a thin brown layer on the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Scrub Lightly and Rinse

Scrub the pot lightly with a brush, and all the leftover grime will come away. Rinse the pot a few times to ensure that it is clean.

Your pot or pan should now be clean and free of any burnt food or smells!

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, wet the surface of the pan, then scrub. Unlike dish soap, Bar Keepers Friend doesn't work up a lather, so you'll want to scrub with the faucet off, using just the moisture on the surface of the pan to turn the powder into a paste. If needed, add a splash of water to hydrate the powder. For very tarnished or greasy pans, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool. Once you've mostly cleared the surface of the pan, switch to a soft sponge or rag.

For a pan with burnt soup stuck to the bottom, follow these steps:

• Wet the area to be cleaned.
• Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish on the area.
• Rub it in with a soft, wet cloth.
• Rinse it off with clean water.

For tougher stains, make a paste of the cleanser with water, let it sit for a minute, then wash, rinse, and dry.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Burnt soup stuck to the bottom of a pan can be a real pain to remove. Luckily, there are a few methods that utilise aluminium foil and baking soda to get your pan looking like new again.

One method for cleaning burnt pans involves using a ball of aluminium foil and baking soda. First, rinse your dirty pot in hot water and drain it. Then, sprinkle the bottom of the pan generously with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Add a few teaspoons of hot water back to the pan to form a paste with the baking soda. Finally, use a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil to scrub the pan until all the burnt debris is removed. Finish by rinsing the pan with hot, soapy water.

Baking Soda and Water

Another method that uses baking soda involves creating a paste with baking soda and water. First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, make a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan, ensuring that it is thick enough to fully coat the pan. Let the paste sit for a few hours or overnight, then scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you don't want to wait, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then place the pan on the stove and bring it to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool before wiping or scrubbing away the burnt bits.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

For a heavy-duty clean, you can combine baking soda with vinegar. First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, add enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch of liquid. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda, which will cause a fizzing reaction. Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing to stop. Finally, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary.

Tips

• It is important to note that these methods are intended for stainless steel cookware and not those with non-stick coatings.
• Always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous portion of the pan to ensure it won't damage the surface.
• For cast iron pans, keep water, soap, and acidic items such as vinegar or lemon juice away from the pan as they can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning.

Dishwasher tablets

• Cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water.
• Warm the water on low heat.
• Remove the pan from the heat source.
• Scrape the dishwasher tablet across the burnt areas of the pan.
• Rinse the pan with warm soapy water.

This method typically takes 3-5 minutes and doesn't require any scrubbing. The dishwasher tablet acts as both a detergent and a scouring pad.

It's important to note that different dishwasher tablets may yield varying results, so it's recommended to wear gloves and test on a small area first. Additionally, this method may not completely remove all discolouration from the pan.

For tougher stains, you can try heating the water a bit more or letting the pan sit for about 10 minutes after the tablet has completely dissolved before rinsing with warm soapy water.

Frequently asked questions