Restore Scorched Pans: Effective Cleaning Methods

Burnt pans are a common problem for cooks of all skill levels. Luckily, there are several methods for cleaning a scorched pan, some of which use common household products. Here are some of the most popular methods:

- Baking soda and vinegar : Fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar, bring to a boil, then add baking soda. Remove from heat, discard liquid, and scrub the pan with a scouring pad.

- Bar Keepers Friend : Make a paste with a few tablespoons of Bar Keepers Friend and some water. Spread the paste over the burnt areas and let it sit for about a minute, then scrub and rinse.

- Aluminum foil and baking soda : Sprinkle baking soda on the burnt areas, add a bit of water, and scrub with a ball of aluminum foil.

- Dishwasher tablet : Cover the bottom of the pan with a little water and warm it on low heat. Scrape a dishwasher tablet over the burnt areas, then rinse with warm water.

- Boiled lemons : Cut up a few lemons and place them in the pan with water. Bring to a boil, then discard the lemons and water, and scrub the pan.

Use vinegar and baking soda

How to Get Rid of a Scorched Pan Using Vinegar and Baking Soda

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar in the Pan

Pour enough vinegar into the pan to cover the bottom with at least 1/2 inch of liquid. Place the pan on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. You will get a fizzing reaction, so it might be best to do this in the sink.

Step 4: Let the Pan Sit

Set the pan aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling stops.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan clean and dry it with a towel or cloth.

Tips:

• If there are any stubborn marks that don't come off with scouring, make a paste of baking soda and a couple of drops of water. Leave the paste on the marks for a while, and then return to clean as normal.
• To avoid "dramatic fizz" that requires a lot of clean-up, pour out the vinegar and then add the baking soda.
• If you have a cast iron pan, refrain from using water, soap, and acidic items like vinegar or lemon juice, as these can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning. Instead, cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda, add 2-3 tablespoons of water until it is moist but not a liquid, and scrub the pan with a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad.
• For ceramic pans, soak the pan in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes before scrubbing with baking soda.

Try dishwasher tablets

If you've scorched your pan, don't panic! It can be saved. One method to try is using dishwasher tablets.

First, cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it up on low heat. You don't want to bring the water to a boil, so make sure the heat is set to low. Once the water is hot, remove the pan from the heat source. Take a dishwasher tablet and scrape it across the burnt parts of the pan. The Finish Powerball Tablets are recommended for this purpose, but other tablets may work just as well. The detergent and abrasiveness of the tablet will help to lift the burnt-on food. Once you've covered the affected areas, rinse the pan with warm soapy water and wash as usual.

If you're not in a hurry, you can try a different method. Place your scorched pan on the stove and add half a dishwasher tablet and some water. Bring the water to a boil and then turn off the heat. Leave the pan to sit overnight. The hot water and detergent will work together to loosen and lift the burnt food from the pan. In the morning, wash and rinse the pan as you normally would.

For very burnt-on food, you may need to use a couple of tablets to get the job done. It's also recommended to wear gloves when handling the tablets as the detergent can be very drying on the skin.

Boiled lemons

Step 1: Prepare the Lemons and Pan

Cut two to three lemons into quarters or thick slices. Place the lemon slices in the bottom of your scorched pan.

Step 2: Add Water and Bring to a Boil

Add enough water to the pan to completely cover the entire scorched area. Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil. The amount of water needed may vary depending on the size of your pan.

Step 3: Boil for 5-10 Minutes

Let the lemon water boil for about 5 to 10 minutes. You will start to see the burnt food particles coming off the bottom of the pan and floating to the surface. The longer you boil, the more effective it will be in loosening the burnt residue.

Step 4: Remove from Heat and Let it Soak

After boiling, remove the pan from the heat and let it soak. Allow the water to cool down to room temperature. This step helps to further loosen the burnt-on food and makes it easier to remove.

Step 5: Discard Water and Lemons

Once the water has cooled, carefully discard the water and lemon slices. You may need to use a strainer to catch the lemon pieces and prevent them from clogging your drain.

Step 6: Scrub any Remaining Grime

Lightly scrub the pan with a soft sponge, scouring pad, or brush. This will help remove any stubborn bits of burnt food that may still be stuck to the pan. If necessary, you can add a small amount of dish soap to aid in the cleaning process.

Additional Tips:

• For extremely burnt or stubborn residue, you may need to repeat the process or try a different cleaning method in conjunction with boiled lemons.
• Always use caution when handling hot water and lemons to avoid burns.
• Be sure to thoroughly rinse and dry your pan after cleaning to remove any lemon residue.

Use oven cleaner

Oven cleaner can be effective in getting rid of scorch marks, but it should be used as a last resort because it is extremely caustic and may discolour the pan. You should never use it on a pan with a non-stick or other protective coating, as it will strip off the coating and ruin the pan.

Before using oven cleaner, make sure your pan isn't non-stick. Put on gloves and open a window, as oven cleaner contains caustic chemicals that give off very strong fumes. Cover your hands with a pair of rubber gloves to keep your skin safe from the chemicals. Make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated before spraying the oven cleaner, so open a window or two if possible. If you're especially sensitive to fumes, you may want to wear a dust mask over your nose and mouth.

Apply oven cleaner to the bottom of the pan, covering the scorched areas with a light layer. You can use a brush to ensure that it's spread over the entire pan. Cream and foam formulas may work better when cleaning a scorched pan.

Cover the pan and set it outside for at least half an hour. The oven cleaner needs time to penetrate the scorched areas and loosen the film and debris. Place the pan outside while it's covered, setting it on a table or ledge. If you don't have an outdoor area, open a window and set the pan on the window ledge.

After the cleaner has sat on the pan for about 30 minutes, use a scrub brush or sponge to scour the pan. The scorched film and debris should lift right off. Once you've cleaned the pan completely, make sure to rinse it extremely well to ensure that there's no residue from the oven cleaner left on the surface. If you're concerned about oven cleaner residue, wipe the pan down with a dry towel after rinsing.

Try Bar Keepers Friend

If you're looking for a heavy-duty solution to tackle your scorched pan, Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) is a great option. BKF offers a range of cleaning products, including an all-purpose cleanser and polish, a cooktop cleaning kit, and a cookware cleanser and polish. Their products are designed to tackle tough stains, rust, mineral deposits, and baked-on food without the use of harsh chemicals like bleach.

To use Bar Keepers Friend on your scorched pan, follow these steps:

• Choose the appropriate BKF product for your pan's material. They offer products specifically for stainless steel, copper, and ceramic cookware, so be sure to select the right one.
• If your pan is made of stainless steel, start by sprinkling a generous amount of BKF powder on the burnt areas. Add a little water to create a paste.
• For copper or ceramic pans, apply the BKF cleanser according to the instructions on the packaging. You may need to create a paste or dilute the cleanser with water.
• Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently scrub the paste or cleanser onto the burnt areas of the pan. For stubborn stains, you can use a scouring pad, but be sure to test it on a small area first to ensure it doesn't scratch your pan.
• Rinse the pan with warm soapy water to remove any residue.
• If necessary, repeat the process until the burnt areas are removed.

It's important to note that Bar Keepers Friend may not be suitable for non-stick pans, so always check the product instructions before use. Additionally, be sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using any cleaning products.

With Bar Keepers Friend, you can say goodbye to scorched pans and hello to sparkling, like-new cookware!

Frequently asked questions