Removing Stubborn Burn Stains From Your Pans

Burnt pans are a common occurrence in the kitchen, and there are several methods to tackle this issue. The type of pan you are using will determine the best method for removing burnt food. For example, cast iron pans should not be soaked or scrubbed with harsh, abrasive materials. Non-stick pans should also not be scrubbed with abrasive materials, as this can damage the non-stick coating. For stainless steel pans, a variety of methods can be used, including natural methods such as lemons, or chemical methods such as vinegar and baking soda.

Characteristics	Values
Type of Cleaner	Baking Soda, Vinegar, Lemon, Dishwasher Tablets, Dryer Sheets, Alka-Seltzer, Bar Keepers Friend, Cream of Tartar, Dish Soap, Salt, White Vinegar, Hand Sanitizer, Liquid Hydrogen Peroxide, Dishwasher Detergent, Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Vegetable Oil, Water
Type of Scrubber	Scouring Pad, Nylon Brush, Polycarbonate Plastic Scraper, Wooden Spoon, Wooden Spatula, Stiff-Bristle Brush, Sponge, Plastic Jar Lid, Plastic Scraper, Aluminum Foil, Scrub Daddy Powder, Dobie Pads, Scotch-Brite, Green Scotch-Brite, BBQ Grill Brush, Chainmail Scrubber, Plastic Scrubber, Non-Stick Surface Safe Sponge
Soak Time	2-15 minutes

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean a burnt pan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
Pour equal parts water and vinegar into the pan, ensuring that the liquid covers the bottom of the pan.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Remove the pan from the heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction.
Set the pan aside and wait until the fizzing and bubbling stop.
Discard the liquid down the drain.
Scrub the pan with a scouring pad, sponge, or nylon brush, adding more baking soda as necessary.
Rinse and dry the pan.

For a heavier-duty clean, you can also try the following:

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
Add enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 0.5 inches 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. You will get a fizzing reaction. It might be best to do this in the sink.
Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling stop.
Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary.
Rinse and dry the pan.

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Dishwasher tablets

It is important to note that you should wear gloves while doing this process as it can be abrasive. Additionally, it is recommended to use powdered dishwasher tablets, not liquid ones. The warm water will gradually dissolve the tablet as you scrub, helping it to keep its shape rather than crumble immediately. This method may use up a lot of tablets, so it could get pricey. However, it is very effective and worth the expense.

Overall, using dishwasher tablets is a quick and easy way to get your burnt pans looking like new again. It is a great option if you are short on time or don't want to use too much elbow grease.

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Boiled lemons

Step 1: Chop Up Lemons

Cut two or three lemons into quarters, or smaller pieces if needed, to ensure you have enough to cover the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Add Lemons and Water to the Pan

Place the lemon pieces in the pan and add enough water to cover the burnt area. It is not necessary to cover the lemons as they will float.

Step 3: Boil the Water

Bring the water to a rolling boil and maintain this for 5-10 minutes, or until you see food particles floating to the surface. The acid in the lemons, combined with the boiling water, will help to loosen and remove the burnt food.

Step 4: Remove Water and Lemons

Once the water has boiled for several minutes and you see food particles floating, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully discard the water and lemons. You may need to use a cloth or oven mitts to handle the hot pan.

Step 5: Rinse and Scrub the Pan

Rinse the pan with water and use a scouring pad or brush to remove any remaining burnt-on food. If necessary, add a small amount of dish soap to help with this process.

This method is simple and effective, and it will leave your pan looking and smelling fresh and clean.

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Bar Keepers Friend

How to Use:

Wet the surface of the pan.
Sprinkle on the Bar Keepers Friend powder.
For very dirty or greasy pans, scrub with steel wool first, then switch to a soft sponge or cloth.
Rub the powder in with the wet cloth or sponge.
Rinse off with clean water.
For tougher stains, make a paste with the powder and water, leave for a minute, then wash, rinse, and dry.

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Aluminium foil and baking soda

To start, rinse your dirty pot in hot water and drain. Then, sprinkle generously with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Add a few teaspoons of hot water back to your pan to form a paste with the baking soda. Next, take a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled foil and begin scrubbing. Continue scrubbing until all of the burnt debris lifts, then rinse with hot, soapy water to finish cleaning.

This method is highly effective, with the foil providing enhanced scrubbing power. It works just as well as the baking soda and vinegar method, but faster and more efficiently.

A similar method involves covering the burnt area with 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and adding a bit of water to make a paste. Then, take a piece of crumpled-up aluminium foil and scrub the pan until all food bits and stains are removed. Finally, rinse the pan with warm soapy water.