Removing Oil Burn Stains From Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Burnt-on oil stains on pans are a common problem, and there are various methods to tackle them. The type of pan you're dealing with will determine the best approach. For stainless steel, products like Bar Keepers Friend are recommended, while cast iron may require removing the seasoning and reseasoning. Non-stick pans are trickier, and some suggest they are ruined once burned. However, some sources suggest using Bon Ami, or a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and mild dish soap. This can be applied as a paste or boiled in the pan with water. Another method is to use a dryer sheet, soaking the pan in water with the sheet for about an hour. For heavily stained pans, a large container of vinegar and water with dissolved baking soda can be used for submerging the pan.

Rinse the pan with hot water

Rinsing your pan with hot water is the first step in removing burnt-on oil stains. This initial rinse will help to remove any loose gunk or grime on the pan and expose the burnt layer underneath. If there is only a thin layer of food residue, hot water may be enough to dissolve the oils.

Filling your pan with hot, soapy water and letting it soak is an effective way to loosen burnt-on residue. This method requires less scrubbing than others and is gentle on your pan's finish. You can also bring the water to a boil for a few minutes to help further loosen the residue.

If you're looking for a natural, chemical-free way to clean your pan, try filling it with equal parts water and vinegar and bringing it to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Let the mixture soak for up to 15 minutes. The baking soda and vinegar will react and work to dissolve the fatty-acid resins that have built up on your pan. After soaking, discard the liquid and scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits with a sponge or scouring pad.

For heavily stained pots and pans, create a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda in a large container. Submerge your pan in the mixture, ensuring that every part is covered. Let it sit, and the baking soda slurry will work to dissolve and lift away any traces of burnt oil, food, and other stains. The vinegar will also help to degrease and soften hardened food bits.

Apply baking soda and vinegar

To remove oil burn-in stains from your pans, you can try the following method using baking soda and vinegar. This is a great natural cleaning method that doesn't require any harsh chemicals.

First, fill your dirty pan with equal parts water and vinegar. Bring this mixture to a boil. For a large pot or pan, you can use 1 cup of water or a mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 white vinegar.

Once the mixture is boiling, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and remove the pan from the heat. You will see a fizzing reaction as the baking soda combines with the vinegar. This reaction helps to loosen burnt food and makes it easier to remove.

Let the mixture soak for up to 15 minutes. The longer you let it soak, the more effective it will be. After soaking, discard the liquid down the drain.

If there are still some stubborn spots or burnt-on bits, you can make a paste with baking soda and a little water. Apply this paste to the remaining stains and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again. Use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining residue.

Finally, rinse the pan clean and dry it as usual. Your pan should now be free of oil burn-in stains!

Soak in a vinegar and water solution

Soaking your pans in a vinegar and water solution is an effective way to remove oil burn-in stains. This method is especially useful for heavily stained pots and pans.

To start, fill a large container with a mixture of vinegar and water. The ideal ratio is 20% vinegar and 80% water. Dissolve some baking soda in the solution and then submerge your pan, ensuring that every part of the pan is covered by the liquid. Allow the pan to soak for a few hours or even overnight. The baking soda slurry will work to dissolve and lift away any traces of burnt olive oil, baked-on food, and other stains on your pan. The vinegar will also help to degrease the pan and soften any hardened food bits.

After soaking, use a soft brush or sponge to scrub away any remaining stains. For stainless steel pans, use a scouring pad or scrubbing pad. If needed, add more baking soda to the pan to help remove the gunk. Baking soda is a gentle yet abrasive scrubber.

Finally, wash the pan with dish soap and water to remove any remaining oil and baking soda residue. Let the pan dry or place it on an open stove to quickly evaporate the moisture. Allow the pan to cool before storing it away.

Scrub stains with a soft brush or scouring pad

Once you've rinsed your pan with hot water and applied a baking soda paste or vinegar solution, it's time to scrub away those burnt-on stains! For non-stick pans and sensitive cookware, opt for a soft brush to gently scrub away the softened stains. This will help prevent scratches on the pan's surface. If you're dealing with a stainless steel pan or other stainless-steel cookware, it's best to use a scouring pad or scrubbing pad. These pads are designed to handle tougher stains without damaging the surface of your cookware.

When using a soft brush, ensure that the bristles are soft and flexible. This will help prevent any scratching or damage to the pan's surface. Soft brushes with natural bristles or silicone bristles are ideal for this purpose. As you scrub, focus on areas with visible stains and apply gentle pressure. Move the brush in circular motions to lift away the stains effectively.

For scouring pads, choose a non-scratch pad designed for cookware. These pads are usually made from synthetic materials that are tough on stains but gentle on the pan's surface. Again, focus on the stained areas and apply firm, even pressure. Move the pad in circular or back-and-forth motions to dislodge the stains effectively. Remember to be gentle, as too much pressure can still damage the pan's finish.

If you're dealing with stubborn stains that seem resistant to your initial efforts, there are a few additional techniques you can try. First, try adding more baking soda to the pan before scrubbing. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can provide extra scrubbing power without damaging the pan. You can also try using a chain mail scrubber, which is a specialised tool designed to remove tough, burnt-on stains without scratching the pan.

By following these steps and choosing the right tools, you'll be well on your way to effectively removing those oil burn-in stains from your pans!

Wash with dish soap

Once you've removed the burnt stains from your pans, it's important to wash them thoroughly with dish soap to ensure all traces of oil, grease, and any cleaning products are gone.

Fill your sink with warm water and add a generous amount of mild dish soap. Using a sponge or soft brush, scrub the pan all over, making sure to cover the base and sides. If your pan has a long handle, be sure to wash that too, as it can collect grease and oil splatter. Pay particular attention to the edges of the pan, as burnt-on residue can collect in these areas and be more difficult to remove.

Rinse the pan with clean water to remove any soap suds and check that all stains have been removed. If you can still see some stains, you may need to repeat the cleaning process or try a different method.

Finally, dry your pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or kitchen towel. It's important to ensure the pan is completely dry before putting it away, as this will help prevent rust and extend the life of your cookware.

Washing your pans with dish soap after removing burnt-on stains is an important final step to ensure your cookware is clean and safe to use for your next meal.

Frequently asked questions