Removing Burn Marks From Coated Pans: Quick Tips

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several ways to remedy the issue. One method involves using baking soda and vinegar, bringing the two to a boil in the pan, and then letting the mixture sit for up to 15 minutes before scrubbing. Another approach is to use a dishwasher tablet, which can be rubbed directly on the burnt areas of the pan and then rinsed off with warm soapy water. For coated pans, a combination of baking soda, water, and a non-scratch sponge or nylon brush can be used to remove burn marks without damaging the non-stick surface.

Baking soda and vinegar

To remove burn marks from a coated pan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove as much 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 of the pan 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. This will cause a fizzing reaction. It is recommended to do this over the sink.

Step 4: Let the Mixture Sit

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

Step 5: Discard the Liquid and Scrub the Pan

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

Additional Tips:

• Always test cleaning methods on a small, inconspicuous portion of the pan to ensure that they will not damage the surface.
• For a simpler version of this method, simply fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar, bring the mixture to a boil, and then add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Remove from heat and let the mixture soak for up to 15 minutes. Discard the liquid, then scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits with a sponge or scouring pad.
• For particularly stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and let it sit on the stain for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Boiled lemons

Step 1: Prepare the Lemons and the Pan

Slice two to three lemons and arrange them in your dirty pan. If you have been cooking with lemons, this is a great way to use up any leftovers. Make sure to remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible before starting.

Step 2: Add Water and Boil

Place the pan over medium-high heat and fill it with enough water to just barely cover the lemons. You will need a few inches of water for this step.

Step 3: Boil for 5-10 Minutes

Bring the lemon water to a boil and let it simmer for five to ten minutes. You will know the pan is ready for the next step when you start to see food particles floating to the surface of the water.

Step 4: Discard the Lemons and Water

Once the time is up, remove the pan from the heat. Discard the lemons and carefully pour out the water. Be careful as the water will still be very hot.

Step 5: Rinse and Scrub

Rinse the pan with hot, clean water. Use a scouring pad or brush to loosen and remove any remaining stuck-on bits. You may need to add some dish soap to help with this step.

Tips and Additional Information:

• This method works best for stainless steel or copper cookware.
• Lemons are a great way to clean and shine stainless steel or copper.
• For tougher stains or burnt-on food, you can also combine lemons with baking soda.
• To use this method, keep a thin layer of water in the pan and sprinkle the bottom liberally with baking soda before scouring with a lemon half.
• You can also try using other natural ingredients like vinegar or dishwasher tablets to clean burnt pans.

Dishwasher tablets

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it over low heat. This will help to loosen any burnt-on food or residue.

Step 2: Scrape with the Dishwasher Tablet

Remove the pan from the heat and use the dishwasher tablet to scrape away the burnt marks. Gently scrub the affected area with the tablet until you see the burnt-on food starting to lift.

Step 3: Rinse and Wash

Once you have removed most of the burnt marks, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining residue. Finally, wash the pan with warm soapy water to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned.

Tips and Precautions:

• It is recommended to wear gloves when handling dishwasher tablets as they can be abrasive and may irritate the skin.
• Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions on the dishwasher tablet packaging for specific usage guidelines.
• For coated pans, use a gentle scrubbing motion to avoid damaging the coating. You can also leave the plastic coating on the tablet intact to reduce abrasion.
• Depending on the severity of the burn marks, you may need to use more than one dishwasher tablet to fully clean the pan.

Deglazing technique

The deglazing technique is a simple and effective method to remove burn marks from a coated pan. It involves using a liquid to help release the burnt-on food from the pan, and it can be done in a few simple steps:

Firstly, remove as much of the burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, put the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles when it touches the surface. At this point, you should add a cup of water or a mixture of half water and half white vinegar to the pan and allow it to boil. As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening the burnt-on food.

Pour the liquid down the sink and, while the pan is still wet, sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda. Allow the pan to cool, and then use a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush to scrub the pan vigorously. Finally, wash and dry the pan as normal.

The deglazing technique is not only useful for cleaning burnt pans but is also a classic French culinary technique used to create more flavorful sauces. It involves adding a liquid to a hot pan to release the "fond" or "sucs"—the brown, flavorful bits stuck to the pan when cooking at high temperatures. This technique allows you to harness all that extra flavor that would otherwise be scrubbed away.

Deglazing is typically done after cooking meat or poultry, but it can also be used to capture the flavor of toasted spices, tomato paste, or even just vegetables. When deglazing, it's important to choose your liquid wisely, as you want something that will enhance the flavor of the dish. Wine is the most commonly used liquid, as it adds a wonderful flavor without being overpowering. However, you can also use broth, stock, fruit or vegetable juice, or even just water.

To deglaze a pan, simply add your chosen liquid to the hot pan, being careful as it will steam and bubble. Bring the liquid to a simmer, and then use a wooden or silicone spoon to scrape up the fond. Continue to let the liquid simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Burnt pans can be saved! Here's how to get rid of burn marks on a coated pan using aluminium foil and baking soda.

First, rinse your dirty pot in hot water and drain it. Then, sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda generously over the pan. Next, add a few teaspoons of hot water back to the pan to form a paste with the baking soda. Now you're ready to scrub! Use a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil to scrub the burnt debris away. Continue scrubbing until all the burnt debris lifts, then rinse the pan with hot, soapy water to finish cleaning.

This method is a great alternative to the baking soda and vinegar method. It works just as well, but the aluminium foil provides enhanced scrubbing power, making it faster and more effective.

Frequently asked questions