Cleaning Hacks: Removing Dark Spots From Pans

Burnt residue on pans is usually caused by a combination of overheating and not using enough oil or fat, or using the wrong type of oil or fat. To remove these dark spots, you can try a number of home remedies, such as using a combination of vinegar and baking soda, salt, cream of tartar, a dryer sheet, soda, ketchup, or dishwasher tablets. If these don't work, you can try using a melamine sponge or a commercial cleaning product such as Bar Keepers Friend, Bon Ami, or Carbon Off.

Baking soda and vinegar

First, fill your pan with equal parts water and vinegar, and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, slowly add two tablespoons of baking soda to the mixture. Remove the pan from the heat, and let the mixture soak for up to 15 minutes.

After soaking, discard the liquid down the drain, and scrub away any remaining burnt bits with a sponge or scouring pad. If there are still spots remaining, apply a paste made from baking soda and a small amount of water, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

This method can also be done by first sprinkling baking soda on the bottom of the pan and then adding enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least half an inch of liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, and add one cup of baking soda. This will cause a fizzy reaction. Once the reaction has stopped, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary.

Baking soda is a great option for cleaning burnt pans because it has mild abrasive properties, and its alkaline pH can help neutralise acidic burnt foods.

Lemon and water

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Slice two to three lemons and place them in the dirty pan. The number of lemons used may vary depending on the size of the pan.

Step 2: Boil Lemon Water

Place the pan over medium-high heat and add enough water to just barely cover the lemons. Bring the lemon water to a boil for around five to eight minutes.

Step 3: Check for Floating Particles

You will know the pan is ready for scrubbing when you start to see food particles floating to the surface of the water.

Step 4: Discard and Rinse

Once the water has boiled and particles are floating to the surface, discard the lemons and drain the water. Rinse the pan with hot, clean water.

Step 5: Scrub

Use a scouring pad or brush to loosen and remove any remaining stuck-on bits. Scrub until all burnt debris is lifted, then rinse the pan with hot, soapy water to finish cleaning.

Tips:

• This method works best for stainless steel pans.
• For tougher stains, you can also try using lemon juice with baking soda, vinegar, or dishwasher tablets.
• Always test new cleaning methods on a small, inconspicuous portion of the pan to ensure they do not damage the surface.
• Avoid using lemon and water on non-stick pans, as scrubbing can damage the coating.

Bar Keepers Friend

Step 1: Wet the Surface

Start by wetting the surface of the pan that you want to clean. You can use a damp sponge or cloth to ensure that the surface is moist enough for the next step.

Step 2: Apply Bar Keepers Friend

Sprinkle a generous amount of Bar Keepers Friend powder onto the wet surface of the pan. You can also create a paste by mixing the powder with a small amount of water before applying it to the pan.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Allow the Bar Keepers Friend to sit on the surface for a few minutes. This gives the product time to work its magic and start breaking down the dark spots and stains. For tougher stains, you can let it sit for up to 10 minutes.

Step 4: Scrub the Surface

Using a soft sponge or cloth, scrub the surface of the pan in circular motions. You can also use a non-scratch sponge or scrubber if the pan has a non-stick coating. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive pads as they can damage the surface of the pan.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once you're done scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the pan with clean water to remove any remaining residue. Finally, dry the pan with a clean cloth or towel.

It is important to note that Bar Keepers Friend is a powerful cleanser, and it should be used with caution. Always wear gloves when handling the product and avoid inhaling the powder. Do not leave it on the surface for too long, as it can cause discolouration or scratches. Additionally, do not mix Bar Keepers Friend with other cleaning products, especially bleach or ammonia, as it can create toxic fumes.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

To remove dark spots from a pan using aluminium foil and baking soda, follow these steps:

Firstly, rinse your dirty pan in hot water and leave to drain. The pan should be free from any loose food particles or residue.

Next, generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the pan. Add a few teaspoons of hot water to the pan to form a paste with the baking soda.

Now, take a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil and begin scrubbing the pan. Continue scrubbing until all the burnt debris lifts.

Finally, rinse the pan with hot, soapy water to finish cleaning.

This method is effective for cleaning burnt pans as the aluminium foil provides enhanced scrubbing power.

Dishwasher tablets

To use a dishwasher tablet to clean a burnt pan, start by rinsing the pan with hot water. Then, gently scrub the pan under warm water with the dishwasher tablet. The burnt-on food should come off immediately. Continue scrubbing until all the food debris lifts, and then rinse the pan with warm water.

This method is so effective that it is well worth the expense of using two dishwasher tablets to clean one pan. It is also a good option if you are short on time and need a quick solution.

It is important to note that this method may not work as well with non-stick pans, and it is always best to test a small, inconspicuous portion of the pan first to ensure the surface will not be damaged.

Frequently asked questions