Restore Your Pans: Removing Carbon Build-Up

Carbon buildup on pans is a result of high temperatures impacting fats and oils used for cooking. Burnt food and leftover bits of food can be hard to clean, and over time, these streaks and spots can build up. There are several methods to remove carbon buildup from pans, including using a carbon-breaking agent, vinegar and baking soda, or cream of tartar. Other methods include using toothpaste, coarse salt, or sour orange juice.

Use a carbon breaking agent spray

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to remove carbon buildup from your pans, a carbon-breaking agent spray is a great option. This method can save you a lot of time and effort compared to other cleaning approaches.

What to Look for in a Carbon-Breaking Agent Spray

When choosing a carbon-breaking agent spray, opt for a product that is specifically designed to remove carbon buildup from cookware or metal surfaces. Look for sprays that are safe to use on the type of pan you have, such as aluminium or stainless steel. Some sprays may not be suitable for non-stick coatings, so always check the product's specifications and instructions before use.

How to Use a Carbon-Breaking Agent Spray

Before using the spray, ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area as these products typically have strong fumes. If possible, work outdoors or in an area with good airflow. It is also recommended to wear protective gear, such as rubber gloves and eye protection, to shield yourself from the chemicals.

To use the spray, simply apply it directly to the affected areas of your pan. You can either spray it on or brush it on with a paintbrush. Let the product sit for at least 15 minutes, or longer if there is significant carbon buildup. The spray will start working immediately, breaking down and dissolving the carbon deposits.

After the recommended time has passed, rinse the pan thoroughly with cold water. Use a brush or scrubbing pad to remove any remaining residue. If necessary, repeat the process for heavily soiled pans.

Benefits of Using a Carbon-Breaking Agent Spray

Carbon-breaking agent sprays are a fast and effective way to remove carbon buildup without the need for vigorous scrubbing. They are ideal for busy individuals who want a hassle-free solution to restore their cookware. These sprays can save you time and effort, and they are also relatively affordable, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.

Products to Consider

There are several carbon-breaking agent sprays available on the market, such as CARBON-OFF!® Heavy Duty Carbon Remover and Discovery Products Carbon Off Cleaner. These products are known for their effectiveness in dissolving carbon buildup and have received positive reviews from users. However, always exercise caution and follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Try vinegar and baking soda

If you have a burnt pan with carbon buildup, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help remove it. This method is especially useful for stainless steel, aluminium, non-stick, and ceramic pans.

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 pour in 1 cup of baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction. Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing to stop.

Once the reaction has ceased, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary. Finally, rinse and dry the pan.

For non-stick pans, you can also mix baking soda and water to remove lingering food smells and flavours. Cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of water and sprinkle baking soda over the water to create a thin paste. Let the pan sit for several hours, then rinse and wash.

For more stubborn stains, boil a solution of 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup of water in the pan. Let the pan cool, then rinse the stain with straight baking soda and scrub with a non-stick-safe nylon brush.

For ceramic pans, you can also soak the pan in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes before sprinkling baking soda and scrubbing away the residue with a sponge. For persistent stains, create a paste by sprinkling the pan with baking soda and adding a small amount of water. Let the paste sit for 30 minutes, then scrub away the residue.

You can also use this method to clean the copper bottoms of pans. Simply turn the pan upside down and sprinkle baking soda over the bottom. Pour vinegar over the baking soda and use a lemon half as a scrub brush to scrub the bottom of the pan. Rinse the pan thoroughly and dry it with a cloth.

Apply cream of tartar

If you want to use cream of tartar to clean your pans, you can follow these steps:

The Paste Method:

• Clean the pan with soap and water to remove any loose bits of food, grease, or hardened carbon.
• Make a paste with cream of tartar and water. You can adjust the consistency of the paste but make sure it's not too runny.
• Apply the paste to the affected areas of the pan using a piece of rag.
• Let the paste sit for at least an hour. For best results, let it sit overnight. The cream of tartar will loosen the food stuck to the pan and its mild bleaching properties will get rid of baked-on stains.
• Scrub the pan with the same piece of cloth you used to apply the paste. You may need to put in some elbow grease here. Avoid using very hard or abrasive materials to scrub.
• Repeat the process if necessary.
• Once you're satisfied with the cleaning, wash the pan thoroughly with soap and cold water before using it for cooking again.

The Boil Method:

• Combine 2 cups of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar in the pan. Mix thoroughly with a spoon.
• Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Make sure you have enough solution to cover the affected area of the pan completely.
• Bring the solution to a boil and leave it on the stove for at least 10 minutes.
• Let the solution cool down in the pan. The scorched food will loosen, making it easier to scrub.
• Once the solution has cooled, discard it carefully.
• Use a piece of cloth or a sponge to scrub the affected areas. Burnt food should come off easily.
• Repeat the process if needed. For especially thick and stubborn buildup, let the solution boil for a few extra minutes.
• Once you've removed all the burnt food, wash the pan thoroughly with soap and water. Your pan will be as good as new!

Combine baking soda and vinegar

If your pans have a carbon buildup, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar will help remove it. This method is especially useful for stainless steel and aluminium pans.

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 half an inch of liquid. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and pour out the vinegar. Next, add a generous amount of baking soda to the pan—you should see a fizzing reaction. Leave the pan until all the fizzing has stopped. Finally, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary. Rinse and dry the pan as normal.

You can also try a variation of this method by first sprinkling baking soda over the bottom of the pan and then slowly pouring vinegar over the powder until it bubbles over the carbon stains. Let the mixture sit until the bubbling has ceased, then scour the pan with the baking soda and vinegar mixture.

Clean with toothpaste

Toothpaste can be used to clean scorched frying pans without the need for a scouring brush. First, squeeze a generous amount of toothpaste in a circular motion around the centre of the cooled burned residue. Next, take a damp sponge and work the toothpaste into the black residue, working outwards in a firm circular motion until the entire pan has been covered. Place the pan under a hot tap and continue to wipe in a circular motion. The burnt residue should slowly start to come away. Finally, continue wiping until the pan is completely clean.

This method was shared on the Facebook group 5-Minute Crafts and has received hundreds of comments, with many followers vowing to try it for themselves. People were impressed by the hack, with one commenting: "May try that next time, I (usually) just throw the pan". Another wrote: "I use liquid laundry detergent".

Frequently asked questions