Stainless Steel Savior: Removing Stubborn Burn Marks

Burnt stainless steel pans are a common problem for cooks of all skill levels, but there are many ways to tackle the issue. Some methods involve using household products like baking soda, vinegar, and dishwasher tablets, while others use more unconventional items like cola, lime juice, and salt. The key to success is choosing the right tools and techniques for the type and degree of burn. While some methods are more effective than others, the best approach may depend on individual preferences and the severity of the burn.

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Remove Excess Food and Debris

Start by scraping off as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Use a spatula or scraper, such as a wooden spatula, to loosen and remove the excess burnt bits.

Step 2: Boil Water and Vinegar

Once you have removed the excess food, put the pan back on the stove and heat it up. Add equal parts water and vinegar to the pan—use enough liquid to cover the bottom of the pan by at least 1/2 inch. Bring this mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. The vinegar will help break down the burnt-on food due to its acidic nature.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add baking soda. For a standard-sized pan, add about 1 cup of baking soda. You will notice a fizzing reaction, which is the result of the base (baking soda) combining with the acid (vinegar). This reaction helps loosen the burnt food, making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop. The pan should be cool by now, but if it isn't, let it cool down before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Discard Liquid and Scrub

Once the pan is cool, carefully discard the liquid down the sink. Use a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge to scrub the pan and remove any remaining burnt-on food or stains. Add more baking soda as needed while scrubbing.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing, rinse the pan with water to remove any residual baking soda and vinegar. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or let it air dry.

Tips:

• Be cautious when handling the hot pan and boiling liquid.
• You can adjust the amounts of baking soda and vinegar depending on the size of your pan and the extent of the burn.
• For a more intensive scrub, make a paste with baking soda and water, and apply it to the burnt areas before scrubbing.
• Always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous portion of the pan first to ensure it won't damage the surface.

By following these steps, you can effectively use baking soda and vinegar to clean your burnt stainless steel pan, leaving it looking like new again!

Boiled lemons

Firstly, quarter two or three lemons and place them in the burnt pan. Fill the pan with a few inches of water, ensuring that the water level is high enough to cover the lemons. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. You should continue to boil the lemons for around five to ten minutes, or until you notice food particles floating to the surface of the water.

Once the water is boiling and the food particles are lifting, you can turn off the heat. Remove the lemons from the pan and discard them, then pour the lemon water down the drain. Rinse the pan with hot, clean water. Finally, use a scouring pad or brush to loosen and scrub away any remaining burnt-on food bits.

If there are still some stubborn bits of food stuck to the pan, you can repeat the process or try another method such as using baking soda, vinegar, or a dishwasher tablet. Remember to always let your stainless steel pan cool down before running it under cold water, as a sudden change in temperature can cause warping.

Bar Keepers Friend

Here's how to use it:

• Dampen the pan: Start by dampening your burnt stainless steel pan with warm water.
• Make a paste: In a separate container, mix Bar Keepers Friend powder with water to form a paste. The amount of powder and water needed may vary, so adjust as necessary to achieve a spreadable consistency.
• Apply the paste: Using a soft cloth, gently apply the paste to the burnt areas of the pan. Make sure to cover all the affected areas generously.
• Let it sit: Allow the paste to sit on the pan for about one minute. Do not exceed this time, as leaving the product on for too long may discolour your cookware.
• Rub the paste: Using the same soft cloth, gently rub the paste in a circular motion, starting from the centre of the burnt area and working your way outward. You can also use a soft sponge for this step if you prefer.
• Rinse and repeat: Rinse the pan with warm water. If necessary, repeat the process until the burn marks are removed.

Tips:

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when using Bar Keepers Friend or any other cleaning product.
• While Bar Keepers Friend is effective, it may require some elbow grease for tougher stains. You may need to scrub harder or repeat the process multiple times.
• Remember to dry your pan thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots and promote the regeneration of the protective chrome oxide film on stainless steel.
• Bar Keepers Friend is also useful for cleaning the bottom of your stainless steel pans, which tend to show signs of discolouration due to prolonged exposure to heat. Simply sprinkle water on the bottom of the pan, shake Bar Keepers Friend all around, scrub in a circular motion, and then rinse.
• For lighter stains, baking soda can be an effective alternative to Bar Keepers Friend. However, for tougher stains, Bar Keepers Friend is the way to go!

Dishwasher tablets

To use dishwasher tablets to clean a burnt pan, start by covering the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warming it on low heat. Remove the pan from the heat source and use a dishwasher tablet to scrub the burnt-on bits. Rinse the pan with warm soapy water.

This method is quick and easy, and the tablet works as both a detergent and a scouring pad. It creates minimal mess and is an excellent way to restore a burnt pan to its original shine. However, it is important to note that this method may require using more than one tablet, which could be costly.

While dishwasher tablets are a great option for cleaning burnt stainless steel pans, they may not be the best choice for those seeking a natural or eco-friendly cleaning method. Additionally, the effectiveness of this method may vary depending on the brand of dishwasher tablets used.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

First, rinse the dirty pan with hot water and then drain it. Next, sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda generously over the affected area. Add a few teaspoons of hot water back to the pan to form a paste with the baking soda. Now, take a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil and begin scrubbing the pan. Continue scrubbing until all the burnt food and stains are removed. Finally, rinse the pan with warm, soapy water to finish cleaning.

This method is time-efficient and requires minimal effort. The aluminium foil provides enhanced scrubbing power, effectively lifting away burnt-on food and stains.

Frequently asked questions