Removing Hard Sugar From Pans: Quick And Easy Tricks

Burnt sugar is notoriously difficult to remove from pans. The sugar melts and caramelises at high heat, and once the pan cools down, the sugar solidifies and practically glues itself to the pan. The good news is that there are several effective methods for removing burnt sugar from pans, from natural remedies to specialised cleaning techniques.

Boiling water

Step 1: Fill the Pan with Water

First, fill the pan with water until the water level is at the same height as the burnt sugar line in the pan. Make sure that all the burnt bits are covered with water for this method to work effectively. For extremely tough stains, add a cup of vinegar to the water.

Step 2: Bring the Water to a Boil

Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat up to high. Wait for the water to reach a rolling boil, indicated by large bubbles rising to the top. Then, immediately lower the heat to a medium or low setting.

Step 3: Simmer the Water

Let the water simmer for 5-10 minutes. The hot water will melt and loosen the burnt sugar, making it easier to remove. This method is particularly useful for removing thick layers of burnt sugar from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Stir and Dissolve the Burnt Sugar

Use a silicone spatula or a wooden spoon to carefully stir the water and dissolve the burnt sugar bits from the sides and bottom of the pan. You can also use these tools to scrape away any stuck-on sugar from the sides of the pan, dipping them in hot water first to aid in dissolving the sugar.

Step 5: Drain, Cool, and Repeat if Necessary

Remove the pan from the heat and let the water cool. Stir the cooled water to dissolve any remaining sugar bits, then drain the water. Wash the pan as you normally would, or if there are still some burnt sugar bits left, rinse the pan and repeat the entire process.

Tips:

• This method is the quickest and easiest way to clean burnt sugar from your cookware and is especially suitable for non-stick pans as it does not require harsh chemicals or intensive scrubbing.
• Always exercise caution when handling hot water and pans to avoid burns.
• For very stubborn burnt sugar, you may need to repeat the boiling water process several times.

Alternative Methods:

• Soaking with baking soda and vinegar: Sprinkle baking soda on the burnt sugar stains, then add vinegar and let the fizzing reaction break down the burnt sugar. Soak for at least an hour or overnight, then scrub gently and rinse.
• Scrubbing with salt and lemon juice: Sprinkle salt over the stains, then squeeze lemon juice on top. The salt provides an abrasive effect while the lemon juice contains natural acids that help break down the burnt sugar. Scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge or brush, then rinse.
• Using a commercial degreaser: Choose a degreaser designed for removing tough stains from cookware. Follow the product instructions, and use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to scrub the pan clean.
• The heat and scrub technique: For pans that can withstand high temperatures, such as stainless steel or cast iron, heat the pan on low to medium heat to soften the burnt sugar. Use a wooden or plastic spatula to gently scrape off the sugar, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
• Using Bar Keeper's Friend (BKF): Sprinkle BKF powder on the affected area, then dampen a sponge or cloth and gently scrub in a circular motion. Rinse the pan thoroughly.
• Using hydrogen peroxide: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle and spray it on the burnt sugar stains. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or brush and rinse.
• Using fabric softener sheets: Fill the pan with warm water and place a fabric softener sheet in it. Let it soak for a few hours or overnight, then scrub with a sponge or brush and rinse.
• Using cream of tartar: Make a paste with cream of tartar and water, then apply it to the burnt sugar stains. Let it sit for a while, then scrub gently and rinse.

Baking soda

To use baking soda to remove burnt sugar from a pan, follow these steps:

• Prepare 2 cups of baking soda and enough water to cover the bottom of the pan.
• Sprinkle the baking soda onto the pan, covering the burnt sugar.
• Add water to the pan, ensuring it covers the bottom of the pan.
• Place the pan on the stove and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. For larger burns, increase the time to 30-40 minutes.
• After simmering, wash the pan as normal. The burnt sugar should fall off in bits.

This method is safe for most types of pans, but it is always important to check the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool, as they can damage the pan's surface.

For more stubborn burnt sugar, a slight variation of the above method can be applied:

• Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the burnt sugar stains.
• Add a small amount of vinegar to the pan. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a fizzing reaction that helps break down the burnt sugar.
• Allow the pan to soak for at least one hour, or overnight for more stubborn stains.
• After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to gently scrub the pan's surface until the residue lifts off.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly with water to remove all traces of baking soda and vinegar.

Bar Keeper's Friend (BKF)

Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) is a popular product for cleaning burnt-on food and stains from pans and other cookware. It is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that can be used on stainless steel, copper, glass, ceramic, and enamel-coated cast iron, among other materials. BKF is particularly effective at removing burnt-on sugar from pans. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this:

Firstly, it is important to check that the material of your pan is compatible with BKF to avoid any damage. If you are certain that it is safe to use, simply sprinkle BKF onto the surface of the pan and leave it for 2-3 minutes. Next, take a cleaning sponge and gently wipe and rub the surface in circular motions to dislodge the bits of burnt sugar. At this point, scrubbing should not be necessary as the cleaner will have already started to break down the sugar.

For more stubborn bits and bulks of burnt sugar, you can add a bit of water to the powder to create a paste. Leave the paste on for 2-3 minutes before using a sponge to make circular motions and loosen the burnt sugar from the pan. Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly with soapy water to avoid leaving any residue.

It is important to note that BKF is a powerful cleanser, so it is recommended to wear gloves when using the product and to avoid leaving it on surfaces for too long, as it can cause discolouration and scratches.

Hydrogen peroxide

Burnt sugar can be a challenge to remove from pans, but hydrogen peroxide is a good way to remove those stubborn stains without scrubbing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use hydrogen peroxide to clean burnt sugar from a pan:

Step 1: Prepare the Hydrogen Peroxide and Stove

Firstly, gather your supplies. You will need hydrogen peroxide and access to a stove. It is important to ensure you have enough hydrogen peroxide to cover the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Boil the Hydrogen Peroxide

Add the hydrogen peroxide to the pan, covering the bottom of the pan by about half an inch. Place the pan on the stove and turn it on to medium heat. Allow the solution to reach a boil. Make sure the room is well-ventilated, as boiling hydrogen peroxide can create an unpleasant smell.

Step 3: Simmer the Solution

Once the solution has reached a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Keep the pan on the stove until the sugar softens and starts to lift off.

Step 4: Cool the Pan

After simmering, turn off the stove and let the pan cool down. It is important to exercise caution when handling hot pans to avoid burns.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

Once the pan is cool enough to handle, use a cleaning sponge or scrub brush to gently scrub away any remaining burnt sugar. The sugar should come off easily without needing to apply too much force.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue from the hydrogen peroxide. Dry the pan completely with a clean towel to prevent water spots and ensure it is ready for its next use.

It is important to note that hydrogen peroxide can be irritating to the skin and eyes, so always wear protective gloves and eyewear when handling it. Additionally, always follow the instructions on the product label and test a small area of the pan first to ensure the hydrogen peroxide does not damage the surface.

Vinegar

Boiling Method

This method is the quickest way to clean burnt sugar from pans and requires less effort than scrubbing. It is also the best way to clean non-stick pans as it does not use harsh cleaners or intensive scrubbing.

• Fill the pan with water up to the point where the cookware is stained with burnt sugar.
• For particularly tough stains, add a cup of vinegar to the water.
• Place the cookware on the stove and let the water simmer.
• Bring the water to a boil and then immediately lower the heat.
• Let the pan simmer for 5-10 minutes.
• As the hot water boils, it melts the sugar, making it easier to remove.
• Stir the water to dissolve the burnt sugar bits from the sides and bottom of your cookware.
• Carefully use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to scrape away the stuck burnt sugar from the sides of the pan, dipping the tool in hot water to dissolve the sugar easily.
• Drain the water and repeat the process if necessary.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

This method does not use any harsh chemical cleaners and is safe to apply to any pot or pan.

• Fill the pan with water and vinegar just enough to cover the burnt sugar bits.
• Gradually add in a cup or two of baking soda and stir to combine.
• The mixture should bubble slightly. This reaction is important for lifting the stains out of your pots and pans.
• Simmering vinegar will work better on heavy stains but is optional.
• Let the solution sit overnight. As it sits, the vinegar softens the sugar while baking soda helps to lift out stains left behind.
• The next day, the water should take on an amber-brown hue.
• Drain the solution but do not rinse the pan.
• Use a cleaning sponge to gently scrub the remaining burnt sugar bits from the pan until you can no longer see or feel any remaining bits.
• Be careful when scrubbing non-stick pans as you may end up removing the non-stick coating.
• Rinse out your pan and wash as normal with some dish soap and warm water.
• Use a new cleaning sponge if the previous one has been stained with burnt sugar.
• Make sure to wash the outside of the pan as well.
• Rinse and repeat the process for any remaining stains.
• Make a paste using equal parts vinegar and salt.
• Apply it directly to the burned area.
• Wait about 15 minutes before wiping away the paste with a damp cloth or sponge.

Soaking with Baking Soda and Vinegar

• Fill the pan with hot water, ensuring the water level is sufficient to cover the burnt sugar area.
• The hot water helps to soften the residue, making it easier to remove.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the burnt sugar stains, ensuring even coverage.
• Next, add a small amount of vinegar to the pan. As the vinegar reacts with the baking soda, you will notice a fizzing reaction.
• This effervescent reaction helps to break down the burnt sugar and loosen its grip on the pan's surface.
• Let the pan soak for a minimum of one hour. For more stubborn stains, consider leaving it to soak overnight.
• This extended soaking period allows the combination of baking soda and vinegar to work, gradually loosening the burnt sugar residue.
• After the soaking time has elapsed, take a non-abrasive sponge or cloth and gently scrub the pan's surface.
• The soaked burnt sugar should have softened, making it easier to remove.
• Continue scrubbing until the residue lifts off the pan.
• Once you have successfully scrubbed away the loosened burnt sugar, rinse the pan thoroughly with water.
• Ensure that all traces of baking soda and vinegar are removed.
• Add 1 cup of vinegar, or as much as you need to cover the bottom of the pan.
• For a faster method, place the pan on the stove and let the vinegar simmer gently for 15 minutes.
• Then, set the pan aside and allow it to cool.
• Once it is cooled, use a sponge to scrub the pan and get the stain removed.
• If you do not want to heat up the vinegar in the pan, you can leave it overnight.
• Simply add enough vinegar to the pan and then set it aside.
• The next day, scrub the pan. Not only will the stain come out, but the pan will be shiny as well.

Please note that you should always exercise caution when handling hot pans and ensure thorough rinsing before using them again.

Frequently asked questions