Cola Cleans Burnt Pans: A Surprising Kitchen Hack

Burnt pans are a common problem for home cooks, but there are several ways to clean them without using harsh chemicals. One such method involves using cola, which contains carbonic acid, to break down stubborn stains. To clean a burnt pan with cola, simply pour the soda into the pan, leave it to soak for a few hours or overnight, then rinse and wash the pan with dish soap as normal. This method is particularly effective for pans with tough, burnt-on stains.

Pour cola into the pan and leave it to soak for a few hours or overnight

If you've got a spare can of Coke or two lying around – or maybe the dregs of a bottle that's gone flat – then why not crack it open and put it to use for cleaning? The carbonic acid in Cola is great for breaking down stubborn stains.

Pour the Coca-Cola into the burnt pan and set it aside. Leave the pan to sit for a few hours – ideally, overnight. Then, pour out the cola and rinse the pan. Finally, clean it with dish soap as normal.

Cola contains carbonic acid, which makes it excellent at cleaning away stubborn dirt and grime. It's not a particularly healthy drink, but it doesn't contain acids that are any stronger than what's already in your stomach.

This method is a great, natural way to clean your pan without the use of harsh chemicals. It's also a good option if you don't have the time to clean your pan straight after cooking, as you can leave the cola to soak in the pan for a few hours or overnight.

Rinse the pan and clean it with dish soap

Once you've poured the cola into your burnt pan and left it to soak for a few hours or overnight, it's time to rinse the pan and clean it with dish soap.

Rinsing the pan is an important step to ensure that all the cola residue is removed. Turn on your tap and let the water run until it is nice and cold. Place your pan under the running water and use your hand or a sponge to thoroughly rinse the entire surface of the pan. Make sure to pay extra attention to the burnt areas, ensuring that all the cola and loosened food particles are washed away. You may need to use a sponge or scrubber to gently scrub the burnt areas to help lift the remaining residue.

After rinsing, it's time to clean the pan with dish soap. Dish soap is a powerful degreaser and will help to remove any remaining grease or cola residue from the pan. Start by filling your sink with warm water and adding a few drops of dish soap. Use your hand or a sponge to create a soapy solution by agitating the water. Place the pan in the sink and use a sponge or scrubber to apply the soapy water to the entire surface of the pan. Again, pay extra attention to the burnt areas, scrubbing gently to lift any remaining residue. Rinse the pan one more time to remove the dish soap, and dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Your pan should now be clean and ready to use! If there are still some stubborn burnt-on areas, you can repeat the cola soaking process or try another cleaning method, such as using baking soda and vinegar or a dryer sheet.

Cola can be replaced with soda or a dishwasher tablet

If you've burnt something onto the bottom of your pan, don't despair – there are plenty of ways to clean your cookware with things you might already have in your cupboards. One method that has been known to work is to use cola. The carbonic acid in cola is great at cleaning away stubborn dirt and grime. However, if you don't have any cola to hand, you can replace it with soda or a dishwasher tablet.

Soda, or any carbonated drink, will work in the same way as cola. The carbonation is a great gunk-remover. Simply pour a glug of soda into your pan, simmer for an hour, and then rinse with hot water.

Alternatively, a dishwasher tablet is another effective option. Dishwasher tablets are packed with enzymes that break down starch and proteins in food. To use, simply cover the bottom of your burnt pan with water, heat it for a moment, and then remove from the heat. Next, scrape a dishwasher tablet around the burnt areas, rubbing in small circles until the tablet starts to dissolve. Finally, rinse and wash with warm, soapy water.

So, if you're looking to get your pans sparkling clean, give one of these methods a go!

For stainless steel pans, use a combination of baking soda and vinegar

Burnt stainless steel pans can be unsightly, but there's no need to throw them away. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean burnt stainless steel pans using a combination of baking soda and vinegar:

Step 1: Remove Debris

First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. This can be done by scraping the pan with a spatula or scraper.

Step 2: Boil Water and Vinegar

Next, put the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles. Then, add equal parts water and white vinegar to the pan and allow the mixture to boil. You can also add a small amount of dish soap to the mixture if desired.

Step 3: Deglaze and Cool

As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening any remaining bits of burnt food. Pour out the liquid and let the pan cool.

Step 4: Apply Baking Soda

Once the pan is cool, sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda. You can also make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water and applying it to the burnt areas of the pan.

Step 5: Scrub and Rinse

Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pan vigorously. If needed, add more baking soda and scrub again. Finally, rinse and dry the pan as usual.

Tips and Variations:

• For a stronger cleaning solution, use a combination of baking soda and lemon juice instead of vinegar. The acid in the lemon juice will react with the baking soda to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.
• For burnt pans with a lot of residue, let the baking soda paste sit for a few hours or overnight before scrubbing and rinsing.
• If you don't want to wait, you can boil the pan with the baking soda paste to speed up the process. However, be sure to remove it from the heat quickly to prevent the paste from burning.
• Always use a non-abrasive scrubber to avoid damaging the stainless steel surface.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove burnt-on food and stains from your stainless steel pans, leaving them looking like new again.

For cast-iron pans, use paper towels to remove excess food and oil

Cast-iron pans are beloved for their ability to retain heat and be used on the stove or in the oven. However, they can be tricky to clean, especially when food is burnt on. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean and care for your cast-iron pan:

Step 1: Use Paper Towels to Remove Excess Food and Oil

Use paper towels to wipe away any excess food and oil while your pan is still warm. This is an important first step to prevent stubborn, stuck-on food and to make the cleaning process easier.

Step 2: Rinse with Hot Water

Rinse the pan under hot water to remove any remaining loose food particles and to prepare the pan for further cleaning. Do not soak the cast-iron pan in water or put it in the dishwasher, as this may cause rusting.

Step 3: Scrub with a Non-abrasive Brush or Sponge

Use a non-abrasive brush or sponge to scrub away any remaining traces of food and oil. You can also use a small amount of mild dish soap if needed, but be sure to rinse the pan thoroughly afterward. Avoid using metal scouring pads or steel wool, as these can damage the pan's seasoning and make it more susceptible to rust.

Step 4: Dry Thoroughly

Dry the cast-iron pan thoroughly with paper towels or a clean cloth. Cast iron is highly susceptible to rust, so it is crucial to ensure that the pan is completely moisture-free. You can also place the pan on the stove over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes to ensure all water has evaporated.

Step 5: Re-season the Pan (Optional)

If your cast-iron pan has lost its seasoning due to extensive cleaning, you may need to re-season it. To do this, rub a thin layer of vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil on the pan, ensuring that every inch is coated, including the handle, walls, and bottom. Then, place the pan in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about an hour. This process, called polymerization, forms a solid layer on the pan's surface, preventing rust and creating a non-stick coating.

Tips for Preventing Burnt-on Food

• Clean your cast-iron pan immediately after each use.
• Avoid using dish soap, as it can strip away the pan's seasoning.
• Avoid cooking acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus, and vinegar, as these can also strip the seasoning.
• Store your cast-iron pan in a dry place, hanging it up or stacking it inside other pans with paper towels in between to prevent scratching.

Frequently asked questions