Get Rid Of Black Stains On Pans: Easy Cleaning Methods

Burnt pans are a common problem for cooks of all skill levels. Luckily, there are several methods for removing black stains from pans, ranging from DIY solutions to commercial cleaners. For lighter stains, a mixture of baking soda and water can be applied to the pan and scrubbed off. For tougher stains, commercial cleaners such as Bar Keepers Friend can be more effective. In some cases, it may be necessary to boil water and baking soda in the pan or submerge the pan in a larger pot of boiling water and baking soda to remove stubborn grime.

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. It is important to get rid of as much residue as you can before proceeding to the next steps.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar in the Pan

Add enough white 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. The acid in the vinegar will help break down the burnt food and stains.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add one cup of baking soda. The baking soda will react with the vinegar, creating a fizzing reaction. This reaction helps loosen burnt food and stains. It is recommended to do this step in the sink as the reaction can be quite vigorous.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Set the pan aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling stops. The longer you let it sit, the more effective it will be. The mixture will work its magic by continuing to break down the burnt residue.

Step 5: Discard the Liquid

Once the reaction has subsided, carefully pour out the liquid from the pan. Be cautious as the liquid will be hot. You may want to use oven mitts or tongs to handle the pan.

Step 6: Scrub the Pan

Using a nylon scrub brush or a scouring pad, scrub the pan to remove any remaining stains or burnt-on food. Add more baking soda to the pan and scrub as needed. The mild abrasive properties of baking soda will help remove stubborn stains.

Step 7: Rinse and Dry

Finally, rinse the pan with clean water to remove any remaining residue. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or towel. Your pan should now be free of black stains and looking as good as new!

This method is effective for removing black stains from various types of pans, including stainless steel and aluminum. It is important to note that for non-stick pans, you should avoid using metal tools or scrubbing pads as they can damage the non-stick surface. Instead, opt for a nylon brush or a non-scratch sponge.

Lemon water

To clean your burnt pans with lemon water, start by slicing two to three lemons and placing them in the dirty pan. Cover the lemons with water and place the pan on the stove. Bring the lemon water to a boil for five to eight minutes. You'll know the pan is ready when you start to see food particles floating to the surface of the water.

Once boiled, remove the pan from the heat and discard the lemons and lemon water. Rinse the pan with hot water and use a scouring pad or brush to remove any remaining residue.

While this method may require a bit more scrubbing than some other techniques, it is a natural, inexpensive way to clean burnt pans without the use of harsh chemicals.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, first, wet the surface of the pan. Then, scrub the surface with a soft sponge or cloth, using the moisture on the pan to turn the powder into a paste. If needed, add a small amount of water to the powder to make a paste. For very tarnished or greasy pans, you can start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a soft sponge.

It is important to note that Bar Keepers Friend is abrasive, so it is recommended to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin when scrubbing. Additionally, do not let the product sit on the surface for longer than a minute, but you can scrub for longer.

Cream of tartar

The Paste Method

To use the paste method, make a cleaning mixture by mixing cream of tartar with vinegar in equal parts until you get a paste-like consistency. You can adjust the consistency but ensure that it is not too runny. Apply this paste to the affected areas of the pan using a piece of rag and let it sit for at least an hour. For best results, it is recommended to let it sit overnight. After letting it sit, scrub the pan with a damp, non-scratch sponge. You may need to put in some elbow grease to scrub off the stains. Repeat the process if necessary, and then wash the pan with soap and cold water before using it again.

The Boil Method

For the boil method, make a cleaning solution by pouring around 2 cups of vinegar into the pan and adding 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar. Mix the solution thoroughly with a spoon. Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat, ensuring that the solution covers the affected area completely. Bring the solution to a boil and let it boil for at least 10 minutes before taking it off the heat. Let the solution cool down, and then discard it carefully. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the affected areas. The burnt food should come off easily. Repeat the process if necessary, especially for thick and stubborn buildup. Once you have removed the burnt food, wash the pan with soap and water.

Additional Tips

Dishwasher tablets

To clean your burnt pan with a dishwasher tablet, simply grab a tablet and rinse your dirty pan with hot water. Then, gently scrub the pan under warm water with the dishwasher tablet. Continue scrubbing until all the food debris lifts, and then rinse the pan with warm water.

Although this method is highly effective, it can be costly, as it may take up to two tablets to clean one pan. However, it is well worth the expense, as it produces impressive results.

This method is also versatile, as it can be used to clean not only pans but also ovens.

Frequently asked questions