Restore Your Pans: Removing Stubborn Brown Stains

Burnt pans are a common problem for cooks of all skill levels, but there are several ways to get them looking as good as new. The first step is to identify the cause of the discolouration. In the case of brown stains, these are usually caused by oil or grease that has burned onto the pan. To remove these stains, you can try a number of household products, including baking soda, vinegar, cream of tartar, fabric softener, cola, ketchup, oven cleaner, or Bar Keepers Friend. Each of these products can be used in different ways, but a common method is to create a paste with water and scrub it into the pan with a scouring pad or ball of aluminium foil. With these tools in your arsenal, you'll be able to keep your pans in tip-top shape!

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Firstly, fill the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of water. Place the pan on the stovetop and bring the water to a boil. This initial step will help loosen any burnt-on food or stains.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda

Once the water is boiling, remove the pan from the heat. Now, add baking soda (also known as bicarbonate of soda) to the pan. Be prepared for some fizzing and bubbling! The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar is what gives this cleaning method its power.

Step 3: Add Vinegar

After adding the baking soda, pour in some white vinegar. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a foaming cleaner that can cut through grease and grime. The exact amount of vinegar to use can vary, but a typical ratio is 1 cup of vinegar to 2 tablespoons of baking soda.

Step 4: Soak and Scour

Let the pan sit for a few hours to allow the solution to work its magic. The longer you let it soak, the easier it will be to remove stubborn stains. After soaking, use a scouring pad or a non-abrasive sponge to scrub away the residue. If necessary, you can add a bit of dry baking soda for extra scrubbing power.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

If there are any remaining super stubborn marks, make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the marks and let it sit for a while. Then, rinse the pan and scour it again.

Step 6: Final Wash and Dry

Finally, wash the pan with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly. Your pan should now be free of brown stains and looking much cleaner!

This method is effective for a variety of pans, including stainless steel, non-stick, and ceramic. It's a chemical-free, inexpensive, and relatively low-effort way to get your pans sparkling again.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, first, wet the surface of the pan. Then, make a paste with the powder and water and apply it to the pan with a soft cloth or sponge. Use a soft cloth or sponge to rub the paste in a circular motion from the centre of the stain outwards. Finally, wash the pan in hot soapy water and rinse. This process can be repeated as needed.

Lemon and baking soda

To use this cleaning method, first, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, keep a thin layer of water in the pan and sprinkle baking soda liberally over the bottom. Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan, creating a baking soda slurry. If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use the same method to remove the stains and restore the shine.

Once you have scoured the pan, remove the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary. Finally, rinse the pan clean and dry it with a cloth.

If your pan has super stubborn marks that won't come off, you can also make a paste with baking soda and a couple of drops of water. Leave the paste on the marks for a while, and then clean as normal.

Soaking in hot water

First, fill your sink or a large pot with hot water. Make sure the water is hot but not boiling, as you don't want to burn yourself. Then, add a generous amount of dish soap to the water and stir it to create some suds. Next, place the stained pan in the sink or pot and let it soak for at least 15-30 minutes. The longer you let it soak, the more effective it will be at loosening the brown stains.

After the pan has soaked, take a sponge or scrub brush and dip it in the soapy water. Use the sponge to gently scrub the brown stains on the pan. If the stains are particularly stubborn, you can make a paste from baking soda and water and apply it to the stains before scrubbing. The coarse texture of the baking soda will help to break down the stains without damaging the pan.

Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the pan with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a towel. Your pan should now be free of brown stains and looking as good as new!

This method is simple and effective, and it doesn't require any harsh chemicals or expensive cleaning products. It may take a bit of elbow grease, but it is a safe and gentle way to clean your pans and remove those unsightly brown stains.

Oven cleaner

To use oven cleaner to remove brown stains from your pan, follow these steps:

• Spray the oven cleaner on the bottom of the pan.
• Let it sit for 5 minutes to an hour.
• Scrub the pan using a sponge or scrubby pad.

It is important to note that oven cleaner may not be effective in removing all stains, and there are other methods that may be more successful, such as using Bar Keepers Friend or a paste made from baking soda and water.

Frequently asked questions