Easy Ways To Clean Stubborn, Stuck-On Food From Pans

Getting rid of food stuck on a pan can be a frustrating and time-consuming task. The internet is full of suggestions, from the simple – soaking the pan in water – to the more complex – using a combination of vinegar, baking soda and water. One source suggests that the best method is to use dishwasher detergent, while another recommends Bar Keepers Friend, a household cleaning product. The method you choose will depend on the type of pan you are trying to clean, the severity of the burn, and the amount of time and effort you are willing to put in.

Soak in vinegar, baking soda and water

Soaking is a great way to get rid of food stuck on pans. It is simple and effective, and loosens baked-on food, making it easy to wipe away. The key to successful soaking is using the right product.

One effective method is to use vinegar, baking soda, and water. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, coat the bottom of the pan with 1 cup (240 mL) of water. You can adjust the amount of water depending on the size of your pan. Then, add 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar. Place the pan on the stove and bring the solution to a boil. Turn off the stove and set the pan down, away from any heat.

Now, it's time to add the baking soda. Drizzle it into the pan. You will see the burnt food fizz up. For stubborn stains, you can make a paste with baking soda and a couple of drops of water. Apply this paste all over the pan and wait several hours for it to penetrate the stains.

After the pan has soaked, the baked-on food should be easy to wipe away with a sponge or cleaning cloth. For any remaining bits of food, use a gentle scrub with a sponge or soft brush. If the pan is non-stick, avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool, as these can scratch the coating.

This method combines the cleaning power of vinegar, which helps neutralise odours and loosen food residue, with baking soda, a mild abrasive that helps remove stains and burnt-on food. The chemical reaction between the two creates a foaming cleaner that is tough on stains but gentle on your pans.

So, the next time you have food stuck on your pan, try this simple and effective soaking method with vinegar, baking soda, and water. It will save you time and effort and leave your pans sparkling clean!

Use dishwasher detergent

If you have food stuck on your pan, don't worry—you can use dishwasher detergent to get it off! This method is simple, effective, and requires minimal effort. Here's what you need to do:

First, fill your pan with enough water to completely cover the burnt-on food. You can use any type of water, whether it's hot or cold. Then, add your dishwasher detergent. If you have liquid detergent, a good squirt should be enough. If you're using powdered detergent, aim for about 1 tablespoon. You can also use a dishwasher tablet if you have one on hand.

Let the pan soak for at least an hour. For particularly stubborn food residue, you might want to let it soak overnight. The detergent will work its magic, breaking down the food and making it easier to remove.

After soaking, most of the food should easily wipe away with a sponge, cloth, or even a paper towel. For any remaining bits of food, use a gentle scrub with a sponge or soft brush. If you're using a non-stick pan, be sure to avoid abrasive sponges or steel wool, as these can scratch the coating.

That's it! Your pan should now be sparkling clean, and you didn't even have to break a sweat. This method is not only effective but also cost-efficient, saving you money on specialty cleaning products. So, the next time you're faced with a pan full of burnt-on food, reach for the dishwasher detergent and give it a try.

Lemon juice and hot water

Step 1: Prepare the lemon and water

• Cut 2 lemons into 8 pieces.
• Cover the bottom of your pan with the lemon slices.
• Pour in 1–2 cups (240–470 mL) of hot water so that the scorched bottom of the pan is covered.

Step 2: Boil the lemon water

• Bring the lemon water to a boil.
• As you boil the water, you should already see flakes of burnt food loosen up.

Step 3: Cool, scrub, and rinse

• Wait for the water to cool.
• Dump out the water and scrub away grime and crust with a kitchen brush.
• You will probably notice brown water at the bottom of the pan. If there are still any scorch marks, they should be easy to break up with your brush.
• Rinse out your pan once you’ve scrubbed off food particles.

The natural acids in lemon juice work great for treating stains in aluminum cookware.

Salt and dish detergent

Firstly, coat the bottom of your pan or pot with a thin layer of salt. For best results, use a mixture of coarse and fine-ground salt, as this will help to break up both small and large pieces of food. You will need around 1-2 tablespoons of salt (14.3-28.3 grams) depending on the size of your pan.

Next, pour in 1-2 cups (240-470ml) of water. The amount of water you use will depend on the size of your pan and how much burnt-on food you need to remove. Make sure there is enough water to cover the bottom of the pan.

Now, add 1-2 drops of liquid dish detergent. The detergent will help to cut through the grease and lift away the burnt-on food.

Finally, scrub away the burnt-on food and scorch marks with a dish brush. You may need to put some elbow grease into this, especially if the food is particularly burnt-on or stubborn. If there is still some residue remaining, simply repeat the process until your pan is clean. Finish by giving your pan a final rinse to remove any remaining food particles and enjoy your sparkling pan!

Alka-Seltzer tablets and hot water

If you're struggling to get rid of food stuck to your pan, Alka-Seltzer tablets and hot water can be a great solution. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use this method effectively:

Firstly, pour 1-2 cups (240-470 mL) of water into the pan and place it on the stove. Turn on the heat and wait for the water to come to a boil. Once you see bubbles, it's time to add the Alka-Seltzer tablets.

For a pan with a moderate amount of crust or stubborn stains, drop in 3-4 Alka-Seltzer tablets. If your pan has a lot of crust or burnt-on food, you may need to use 6 tablets for better results. The citric acid in Alka-Seltzer is very effective at dissolving food particles and breaking down grease.

After adding the tablets, turn off the heat and let the Alka-Seltzer do its magic. The tablets will start to fizz and react with the water. Wait for about an hour to give the solution time to work on the stuck-on food.

Once the waiting period is over, it's time to start cleaning. Add 1-2 drops of liquid dish detergent to a heavy-duty scrub sponge. You can also use a soft brush if you're concerned about scratching the pan's surface. Gently wipe away the burnt food, using the detergent to help lift and remove any remaining residue.

If there are still some stubborn bits of food stuck to the pan, repeat the process by boiling more water and adding a few more Alka-Seltzer tablets. Soaking the pan in this solution for a longer period, such as overnight, can also help loosen the burnt-on food, making it easier to remove.

Remember to always exercise caution when handling hot water and cleaning your pans. This method is safe for most types of cookware, but if you have a non-stick pan, be sure to use a soft sponge or brush to avoid scratching the coating.

Frequently asked questions