Get Your Pans Sparkling Clean Again: Easy And Effective Methods

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several ways to clean them without too much elbow grease. The method you choose will depend on the type of pan you have, as some cleaning solutions can damage certain materials. For example, you should avoid using vinegar and lemon juice to clean cast iron pans, as the acid can create rust. Non-stick pans should not be cleaned with anything too abrasive, such as steel wool. Here are some of the most popular methods for cleaning burnt pans.

How to Get Pans Clean Again

Use vinegar and baking soda

Vinegar and baking soda are a great combination for cleaning burnt pans. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use these ingredients to get your pans clean again:

Step 1: Prepare a mixture of vinegar and water

Pour a small layer of equal parts water and white vinegar into the burnt pan. The amount of liquid should be just enough to cover the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Boil the mixture

Place the pan on the stovetop and heat the diluted vinegar until it comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for about a minute, then remove the pan from the heat.

Step 3: Apply baking soda

After draining the vinegar, sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda into the empty pan. Baking soda is abrasive and will help lift the stains and remove burnt-on food residue. Do not add the baking soda while the vinegar is still in the pan, as the goal here is to use these cleaning agents independently rather than creating a fizzy volcano reaction.

Step 4: Scrub the pan

Use a scouring pad or the scouring side of a sponge to massage the baking soda into the pan, focusing on any remaining burn marks. The abrasive nature of baking soda will help dislodge the stubborn stains.

Step 5: Rinse and wash the pan

Once you've scrubbed away the stains, rinse the pan with hot water and wash it with dish soap and a clean sponge or cloth. Dry the pan with a clean towel, and your pan will be looking clean and shiny again!

Additional tips:

If your pan has particularly stubborn stains, you can create a baking soda and vinegar paste to tackle them. Mix equal parts baking soda and hot water directly in the pan to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to the stained areas and scrub with a sponge. Rinse and wash the pan as usual. Remember to avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaning pads on non-stick or coated pans, as they can scratch the surface.

Boil lemons in the pan

Boiling lemons is an effective way to clean your pans and get rid of that stubborn, burnt-on gunk. This method works best for stainless steel pots and pans without a non-stick coating.

Step 1: Chop Up Some Lemons

Cut one or two lemons into quarters, eights, or slices—enough to cover the bottom of your pan. The more lemon you use, the stronger the cleaning power and the more pleasant the citrusy scent.

Step 2: Add Water and Lemons to the Pan

Place the lemon pieces into the pan and add enough water to cover the burnt area. Don't worry about covering the lemons; they will float!

Step 3: Bring the Lemon Water to a Boil

Place the pan on the stove and heat the lemon water until it reaches a rolling boil. You will see the burnt specks and stains start to come off as the lemons swirl around in the boiling water.

Step 4: Let the Water Cool and Dump It Out

After boiling for a few minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let the water cool down. Once it has cooled, pour out the lemons and dirty water.

Step 5: Scrub Away Remaining Grime

You will likely be left with a thin layer of residue at the bottom of the pan. Use a brush or scouring pad to scrub away this leftover grime gently.

Step 6: Rinse the Pan

Rinse the pan with clean water to wash away any remaining lemon juice and burnt debris.

Your pan should now be sparkling clean and free of any burnt smells, replaced by a refreshing lemon scent!

This method is a natural, effective way to clean your pans without the need for harsh chemicals. The acid in the lemons, combined with the boiling water, is a powerful duo for tackling even the toughest burnt-on food.

Use biological washing detergent

If you're looking to get your pans clean again, one effective method is to use biological washing detergent. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, allow the pan to cool down if it's still hot. Then, fill the pan about halfway with water. You can use hot water, which is more effective at removing stuck-on food and stains, but make sure to let the pan cool down a bit first to avoid rapid temperature changes, which can damage the pan.

Now, add one tablespoon of biological washing detergent to the water. Biological detergents contain enzymes specifically designed to break down and loosen tough, food-based stains.

Next, put the pan back on the hob and bring the water to a boil. Leave it to simmer for around 10 minutes. The heat, combined with the enzymes in the detergent, will help to loosen and lift away the burnt-on food residue.

After simmering, carefully pour out the water and allow the pan to cool down until it's safe to handle. Then, gently clean the pan with a scouring pad or sponge. You should find that the burnt-on food comes away easily.

Finally, give the pan a thorough rinse with clean water before using it again. This step is important to remove any detergent residue, which could affect the taste of your food.

Using biological washing detergent is a simple and effective way to get your pans clean and looking like new again. It's a gentle method that won't damage the pan's surface, and it's especially useful for removing stubborn, burnt-on food residue.

Soak a dryer sheet

So, you've tried and failed to scrub those burn marks off your favourite pan. Fear not, you can bring your pans back to life with just dryer sheets, dish soap, and hot water.

First, add a couple of drops of dish soap to the pan and then pour in just enough boiling, almost scalding water to cover the burnt bits. Next, add a dryer sheet—any scent will do—and let it sit for at least an hour, or even overnight for tougher jobs.

Once the timer goes off, run the pan under hot water and use the dryer sheet to scrub up any remaining burnt bits, which should now easily flake off. If there are burn marks on the bottom of the pan, allow it to sit a few inches deep in water for the same amount of time and repeat the process.

While there aren't any scientific studies behind this method, it likely works due to the dryer sheet's conditioning properties, which soften the hard scorches and make them easier to remove.

Remember, dryer sheets are a little pricey, single-use, and not the most environmentally friendly, so try to limit this hack to only the toughest stains.

Use a dishwasher tablet

Burnt pans can be a pain to clean, but a dishwasher tablet can be used to shift that stubborn, burnt-on grime with ease. This method is simple and effective, and will make light work of what can be a tedious chore.

Firstly, you will need to cover the bottom of the pan with water and warm it up on a low heat. It is important to note that this method is only suitable for steel pans, as non-stick pans can be damaged by the dishwasher tablet.

Next, remove the pan from the heat and wet the dishwasher tablet in warm water. It is important to wear gloves when handling the tablet. Then, rub the tablet in a circular motion on the bottom of the pan, focusing on the burnt areas. You may need to heat the water up a little more to help the tablet break down.

Once the tablet has completely dissolved, leave the powder residue on the pan for around 10 minutes. Finally, wash the pan in hot, soapy water as normal.

This method is a great way to remove burnt-on marks and stains from steel pans without too much elbow grease. It is a simple process that can be easily repeated if needed, and will leave your pans looking as good as new.

Frequently asked questions