Cleaning Burnt Sugar Syrup: Easy Pan-Cleaning Tips

Burnt sugar is notoriously difficult to remove from pans. This is because the sugar melts, caramelises, and changes from a solid to a liquid on high heat. Once the pan cools down, the burnt sugar solidifies and practically glues itself to the pan. However, there are several methods to remove burnt sugar from pans without damaging the pan or requiring too much effort.

Boiling water method

The boiling water method is an effective way to get rid of burnt sugar syrup on pans. It is also the quickest way to clean burnt sugar from your cookware and requires less effort than scrubbing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, fill the pan with water to the point where the cookware is stained with burnt sugar. For tough stains, you can add a cup of vinegar to the water. Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Make sure you stir the water to dissolve the burnt sugar bits.

Once the water is boiling, immediately lower the heat and let the pan simmer for 5-10 minutes. The hot water will melt the sugar, making it easier to remove. This method is particularly effective in removing thick layers of burnt sugar from the bottom of the pan.

After simmering, carefully use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to scrape away any stuck-on burnt sugar from the sides of the pan. Dip the tool in hot water to help dissolve the sugar more easily.

Finally, remove the pan from the stove and let the water cool. Stir the cooled water to dissolve any remaining sugar bits, then drain the water. Wash the pan as you normally would, or if there are still some burnt bits, rinse and repeat the process.

This method is especially useful for non-stick pans as it does not involve harsh cleaners or intensive scrubbing, which could damage the non-stick coating.

Baking soda and vinegar

Burnt sugar can be a challenge to remove from pans, but there are a few methods that can help. One such method involves using baking soda and vinegar. Here is a detailed guide on how to remove burnt sugar syrup from pans using these two common household ingredients:

Step 1: Fill the Pan with Water and Vinegar

Start by filling your burnt pan with water and vinegar. Make sure you use enough liquid to completely cover the burnt sugar bits. For this step, you can use white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or any other type of vinegar you have on hand.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda

Gradually add in a cup or two of baking soda, stirring as you pour it in. You should see the mixture start to bubble and foam slightly. This chemical reaction is important as it helps to lift the stubborn burnt sugar stains out of your pan.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Let the baking soda and vinegar solution sit in the pan overnight. During this time, the vinegar will work to soften the hardened sugar, while the baking soda will help to lift out any stains left behind by the burnt sugar. By the next day, you should see that the water has turned an amber-brown colour.

Step 4: Drain and Scrub

After letting the solution do its work, drain it from the pan. Do not rinse the pan just yet. Use a cleaning sponge or a nylon brush to gently scrub away any remaining burnt sugar bits. Be careful when scrubbing non-stick pans, as you don't want to remove the non-stick coating.

Step 5: Wash as Normal

Once you've removed the bulk of the burnt sugar, rinse out your pan and wash it as you normally would with some dish soap and warm water. Be sure to use a new cleaning sponge if the previous one was stained with burnt sugar, to prevent transferring any remaining stains back onto the pan.

Tips and Variations:

• For heavier stains, you can create a thick paste using vinegar and baking soda and use it to spot-treat the burnt areas of the pan.
• If you don't want to wait overnight, you can simmer the vinegar and water mixture on the stove for 15 minutes, then let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing.
• For lighter stains, you can omit the vinegar and simply use a mixture of baking soda and water.
• Always be cautious when handling hot liquids and when scrubbing to avoid any accidental damage to your skin or the pan's surface.

Hydrogen peroxide

Step 1: Prepare the Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. This solution can be adjusted based on the size of your pan and the amount of burnt sugar.

Step 2: Apply the Solution to the Burnt Sugar

Spray the solution onto the burnt sugar and let it sit for a few minutes. The hydrogen peroxide will start to break down the chemical bonds in the burnt sugar, making it easier to remove.

Step 3: Scrub the Burnt Sugar

Using a scrub brush or sponge, gently scrub the burnt sugar away. The sugar should come off with less effort due to the chemical breakdown caused by the hydrogen peroxide.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Rinse the pan with water to remove any remaining sugar and hydrogen peroxide residue. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Precautions and Considerations

• It is important to wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling hydrogen peroxide, as it can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
• Always read and follow the instructions on the product label, and test a small area of the pan first to ensure that the hydrogen peroxide does not damage the surface.
• Hydrogen peroxide is generally safe for most types of pans, but it is best to check the manufacturer's instructions, especially for non-stick coatings.
• Boiling hydrogen peroxide can create an unpleasant smell, so ensure the room is well-ventilated by opening windows or turning on vents.
• Do not mix hydrogen peroxide with other cleaning products, as this can create dangerous chemical reactions.

By following these steps and precautions, you can effectively use hydrogen peroxide to remove burnt sugar syrup from your pans without causing damage to the cookware.

Fabric softener sheets

If you've burnt sugar syrup in a pan, don't panic—there are several methods you can use to clean it. One of these is to use fabric softener sheets.

To use fabric softener sheets to clean burnt sugar syrup from a pan, follow these steps:

• Fill a quarter of the pan with water.
• Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil.
• Take the pan off the heat.
• Add one fabric softener sheet to the water.
• Leave the pan to soak for a few hours or overnight.
• Remove the sheet from the pan.
• Scrub the pan with a cleaning sponge to remove the burnt-on sugar.
• Wash the pan with warm soapy water to remove any residue.

Bar Keeper's Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular cleanser for removing burnt-on sugar from pans. It is a powerful cleanser that can be used on stainless steel, copper, brass, ceramic tile, and glass. However, it is not suitable for non-stick pans, gold, silver, pewter, anodized aluminium, mirrored surfaces, wood, or cast iron.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, follow these steps:

• Wet the pan: Make sure the pan is wet before applying the cleanser.
• Apply Bar Keepers Friend: Sprinkle the powder on the burnt areas of the pan.
• Add more water: Sprinkle a little more water to create a paste that covers the stain.
• Rub the paste: Using a soft cloth or sponge, rub the paste in a circular motion until the stain is removed. Be sure to rub firmly, but the stain should wipe away quickly.
• Rinse and repeat: Rinse the pan clean and check for any remaining stains. If necessary, repeat the process.

It is important to note that Bar Keepers Friend is a powerful cleanser, so it should not be left on the pan for too long (no more than one minute) to avoid discolouration and scratches. Additionally, always wear gloves when using this product and avoid mixing it with other cleaning products, especially bleach or ammonia, as it can create toxic fumes.

Frequently asked questions