Clean Your Pan: Removing Stubborn Burnt Residue

Burnt residue on pans is a common problem with various solutions. The best method to clean burnt pans depends on the type of pan and the severity of the burn. For stainless steel pans, a combination of baking soda and vinegar is often recommended, as well as dishwasher tablets, lemon, or aluminium foil. For cast iron pans, it is recommended to avoid water, soap, and acidic items such as vinegar or lemon juice, as these can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning. Instead, a paste made from baking soda and water can be used to scrub the pan, followed by a re-seasoning with vegetable oil.

Use baking soda and water

Burnt residue on a pan can be frustrating, but it's usually possible to clean. One method is to use baking soda and water. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove Food Debris

Start by scraping off as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. You can use a spatula or scraper for this. It's important to remove as much of the burnt material as you can before proceeding to the next steps.

Step 2: Make a Baking Soda and Water Paste

To make a paste, mix baking soda and water in a ratio of 3:1. For example, mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1/3 cup of water. You want the paste to be thick enough to fully coat the burnt area of the pan. Adjust the amounts as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 3: Apply the Paste to the Pan

Liberally apply the baking soda and water paste to the burnt area of the pan. Make sure the paste is thick enough to fully coat the affected area. You can use a brush or spatula to spread the paste evenly.

Step 4: Let the Paste Sit

Let the baking soda and water paste sit on the pan for several hours or even overnight. This extended period allows the paste to work on loosening the burnt residue. The longer you let it sit, the easier it will be to remove the burnt residue in the next step.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

After the paste has had sufficient time to work, it's time to scrub the pan. Use a nylon brush or a non-scratch sponge to scrub away the paste and, with it, the burnt residue. If needed, add more baking soda to the pan during scrubbing to enhance the cleaning effect.

Step 6: Wash and Dry the Pan

Once all the burnt residue has been removed, wash and dry the pan as you normally would. Enjoy your clean pan, free from burnt residue!

Using baking soda and water is an effective way to remove burnt residue from a pan. The mild abrasive properties of baking soda, combined with its alkaline pH, help neutralize and lift burnt residue. This method may require some elbow grease, but it is a safe and effective way to restore your pan to its former glory.

Try a dishwasher tablet

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get rid of burnt residue on your pan, look no further than your dishwasher tablet! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you tackle that stubborn burnt-on mess:

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dishwasher Tablet

Start by rinsing your dirty pan with warm water. This will help to loosen any remaining food particles and make it easier for the dishwasher tablet to work its magic. Then, grab a dishwasher tablet from your container. It's best to use a tablet designed for deep cleaning, such as Finish Powerball Deep Clean Tabs, as these are more effective at lifting grease and burnt-on food. Keep in mind that you might need more than one tablet, especially if your pan is extremely dirty.

Step 2: Scrub the Pan

Now, it's time to put that dishwasher tablet to work! Gently scrub the pan under warm water using the dishwasher tablet. Focus on the burnt areas and use circular motions to lift the burnt-on residue. The warmth of the water will help dissolve the tablet, so you may not need to apply too much pressure. Continue scrubbing until all the food debris lifts off. If the tablet starts to crumble, simply wet it with a bit more warm water to keep its shape.

Step 3: Rinse and Wash

Once you've removed all the burnt residue, rinse the pan with warm water to get rid of any remaining dishwasher tablet residue. Finally, wash the pan with warm, soapy water as you normally would. And that's it! Your pan should now be sparkling clean and ready to use again.

Tips and Tricks:

• While dishwasher tablets are effective, they can be a bit pricey, especially if you need to use more than one per pan. So, it might be a good idea to save this method for those extremely burnt pans that need a little extra help.
• Always wear gloves when handling dishwasher tablets and scrubbing your pans to protect your hands.
• For extremely burnt pans, you might need to let the dishwasher tablet residue sit for a few minutes before giving the pan a final wash.
• If you're concerned about the environment, opt for a more natural cleaning method, such as using baking soda and vinegar or lemons.

Boil vinegar and water in the pan

To get rid of burnt residue on a pan, one method is to boil vinegar and water in the pan. This method involves adding equal parts water and vinegar to the pan and bringing the mixture to a boil. After boiling for a minute, remove the pan from the heat and pour the liquid down the sink.

Next, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the pan. Baking soda is abrasive and will help lift any remaining burn marks. Use a scouring pad to scrub away at the burnt residue. Finally, rinse the pan clean.

This method works well because vinegar is a great multi-purpose cleaner and disinfectant, while baking soda has mild abrasive properties and an alkaline pH that can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. The combination of vinegar and baking soda can also create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

Deglaze the pan

Deglazing is a simple technique used to release any flavorful browned bits at the bottom of a pan so they can be incorporated back into a dish. It is also a great way to clean your pan. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to deglaze a pan:

Step 1: Cook Meat or Vegetables in a Hot Pan

Firstly, preheat a wide pan, add fat, and continue heating until the oil shimmers, or the butter browns lightly. Then, add your ingredients—meat or vegetables—and cook with minimal stirring. This will create a brown, sticky residue at the bottom of the pan, called the "fond". The fond contains all the flavours that will join your deglazing liquid.

Step 2: Remove Ingredients and Skim Off Excess Fat

Once your meat or vegetables are done cooking, transfer them to another dish, leaving the fond behind. If there is a lot of fat remaining in the pan, spoon it off or pour it through a strainer, returning any crusty brown solids to the pan. Too much fat will make your sauce greasy and increase spatter when you deglaze.

Step 3: Choose a Deglazing Liquid

You can use almost any flavorful liquid to deglaze a pan. Wine is the most classic option, but you can also use homemade stock, fruit or vegetable juice, beer, broth, or even water. Just make sure the flavour of the liquid complements your dish. For example, apple cider or orange juice can create a sweet sauce to pair with pork. Avoid using dairy products, as they may curdle over heat.

Step 4: Pour in the Liquid

As a rule of thumb, use 1 cup of liquid for an entree that serves four. The liquid will reduce down to about half its original volume and gain an intense flavour. If you're short on time, you can cut the amount of liquid in half. Add the liquid slowly or in stages to keep the pan hot, helping the fond dissolve faster.

Step 5: Scrape and Dissolve the Fond

Heat the liquid over a medium-high burner while scraping the base of the pan with a wooden or rubber tool. Continue until the liquid is boiling and most of the fond has dissolved.

Step 6: Pour Over the Dish or Make a Pan Sauce

At this point, you can use the deglazing liquid as-is or transform it into a richer pan sauce. If you want to make a pan sauce, add aromatic ingredients like garlic or shallots, as well as herbs to match your dish. You can also add a little salt and pepper, but taste-test at the end to adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, boil the liquid until it's reduced by half and has a syrupy consistency.

Finally, if you want a smooth and rich sauce, finish by swirling in some cream or melted butter. You can also strain the sauce for an even texture before serving.

Use Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a great product to use to clean burnt residue from your pans. It is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that can be used on stainless steel items and other surfaces like glass, ceramic, and more. It can easily remove rust, tarnish, mineral deposits, and tough stains. It also protects the surfaces of your pans, helping to prevent them from tarnishing and rusting in future.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, follow these steps:

Step 1: Wet the surface of your pan

Firstly, wet the surface of the pan that you want to clean. You can do this by running the pan under hot water or by boiling water in the pan and then draining it.

Step 2: Sprinkle on the Bar Keepers Friend

Next, sprinkle on some of the Bar Keepers Friend powder. You want to use enough powder so that when you start to rub it in, it forms a paste with the residual water in the pan.

Step 3: Rub the powder into the burnt residue

Using a soft, wet cloth, rub the powder into the burnt residue. You can also use a sponge or scouring pad for this step. For very tarnished or greasy pans, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a softer sponge.

Step 4: Rinse the pan

After about a minute, rinse the pan thoroughly with hot water. For stubborn spots, you can repeat the process as needed.

Tips:

• For sensitive skin or when scrubbing a lot of pots, wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin as the powder is abrasive.
• Don't use the liquid version of Bar Keepers Friend as it is not as effective.
• There is a cookware-specific version of Bar Keepers Friend available if you would prefer.

Frequently asked questions