Cleaning Burnt Pan Edges: Easy And Quick Solutions

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several methods to clean them without too much elbow grease. The first step is always to remove as much burnt food and debris as possible. Then, depending on the type of pan, you can use a combination of water, vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, lemon, dryer sheets, or even cola to clean the pan. For example, one method involves boiling water and vinegar in the pan, adding baking soda, and then scrubbing with a scouring pad. Another method uses a dishwasher tablet, while another suggests using aluminium foil and baking soda to scrub away the burnt residue.

Baking soda and vinegar

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

Step 1: Boil vinegar in the pan

Add enough vinegar to the pan to cover the bottom with at least half an inch of liquid. Place the pan on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 2: Add baking soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction. It is recommended to do this in the sink as it can be quite explosive.

Step 3: Let the mixture sit

Set the pan aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling stops.

Step 4: Discard the liquid and scrub the pan

Once the reaction has stopped, discard the liquid. Use a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge to scrub the pan, adding more baking soda as necessary. Rinse the pan clean and dry it.

Alternative method:

Instead of boiling vinegar, you can also use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Let the mixture soak for up to 15 minutes. Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a sponge or scouring pad to remove any remaining burnt bits. If spots remain, apply a paste of baking soda and water and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Boiled lemons

To clean a burnt pan with boiled lemons, follow these steps:

• Cut two to three lemons into quarters or thick slices.
• Place the lemon slices in the bottom of the burnt pan.
• Add enough water to the pan to cover the entire scorched area.
• Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Continue boiling for about 5-10 minutes, or until you see food particles floating to the surface.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool.
• Once the pan is cool, discard the water and lemon slices.
• Rinse the pan with hot, clean water.
• Use a scouring pad or brush to remove any remaining stuck-on bits.

If necessary, you can repeat the process or use a mild detergent to help remove stubborn stains. This method is suitable for stainless steel, copper, and ceramic cookware. However, it is not recommended for non-stick pans as the lemon's acidity may damage the coating.

In addition to boiled lemons, there are several other natural methods for cleaning burnt pans, such as using baking soda, vinegar, or dishwasher detergent. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, but all are effective in removing burnt-on food and restoring your cookware.

Dishwasher tablets

Burnt pans can be a pain to clean, but dishwasher tablets can help shift that stubborn, burnt-on grime with ease. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use dishwasher tablets to clean your burnt pans:

Step 1: Warm the Pan

Cover the bottom of the burnt pan with a small amount of water and warm it up on low heat. This initial step helps to loosen the burnt-on food residue, making it easier to remove. Ensure that you use low heat to avoid further scorching or damaging the pan.

Step 2: Apply the Dishwasher Tablet

Once the pan is warmed up, remove it from the heat. Take a dishwasher tablet and carefully rub it across the burnt-on areas. You can use the tablet directly on the pan, or you can wet the tablet with warm water first. It is recommended to wear gloves during this process.

Step 3: Scrape and Scrub

As you rub the dishwasher tablet on the burnt areas, you may need to use a gentle scraping or scrubbing motion to help lift the grime away. You can use a gloved hand, a sponge, or a scouring pad for this step. The burnt-on food should start to come off easily.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash

After you've removed the burnt-on grime, rinse the pan with warm soapy water to remove any remaining residue and dishwasher tablet powder. Wash the pan as you normally would, ensuring that you thoroughly clean it before using it again.

Using dishwasher tablets is an effective and inexpensive way to clean burnt pans. It's important to note that different tablets may yield varying results, and some tougher stains may require additional scrubbing or multiple treatments. Always be cautious when handling hot pans, and wear protective gloves to avoid any skin irritation from the dishwasher tablets.

Deglazing technique

Deglazing is a technique used to clean a burnt pan and it can also be used to create a sauce or gravy. This method involves adding liquid to a hot pan to remove the brown, burnt bits stuck to the pan.

Firstly, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, place the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles on the surface. Next, add water or a mixture of water and white vinegar to the hot pan and allow it to boil. As the liquid simmers, use a wooden or silicone spoon, spatula, or scraper to loosen the burnt bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour the liquid down the sink and sprinkle the bottom of the pan with baking soda. Let the pan cool and then scrub the pan bottom vigorously with a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush. Finally, wash and dry the pan as you normally would.

It is important to note that you should avoid using a non-stick pan for deglazing as the main principle of deglazing is to use the stuck-on food to create flavor, and non-stick pans prevent food from sticking. It is recommended to use stainless steel, aluminum, or cast-iron cookware for deglazing.

Deglazing is a simple and effective technique to clean burnt pans and can also be used to enhance the flavors of your dish.

Baking soda and water

Step 1: Remove Food and Debris

Use a spatula or wooden spoon to remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Make a Baking Soda and Water Paste

Make a paste using 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Make sure to make enough to cover the burnt parts of the pan. For a pan bottom, try 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water.

Step 3: Apply the Paste

Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to fully coat the burnt areas. Alternatively, you can cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then add enough baking soda to create a paste.

Step 4: Let the Paste Sit

Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

After letting the paste sit, add more baking soda and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you don't want to wait, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then put the pan on the stove and heat it up until it boils. Be careful not to let it burn again! Let the pan cool and then wipe or scrub to remove the burnt bits.

Tips:

• You can also use this method to regularly wash your pans and help prevent burnt-on residue.
• For cast iron pans, do not use water and soap as they can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning. Instead, use hot water and a brush to clean, and then coat the pan with oil to help reseason and restore its non-stick surface.

Frequently asked questions