Removing Stains From Pans: Quick And Easy Methods

Burnt pans are a common problem for cooks of all skill levels, but there are several ways to tackle the issue. For burnt food or oil, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied, or the pan can be filled with soapy water and boiled to loosen the residue. For stainless steel pans, a mixture of vinegar and water can be used to remove discolouration, while a dishwasher tablet can also be an effective way to clean a burnt pan.

Baking soda and water

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by removing any excess oil or food particles from the pan using a spatula or paper towel. It is important to do this while the pan is still hot, as it will make the process easier. However, always let the pan cool down before fully submerging it in cold water to avoid thermal shock, which can cause warping.

Step 2: Create a Baking Soda and Water Solution

For this step, you have two options:

Option 1: Baking Soda and Water Paste

Cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of baking soda and add just enough water to create a paste or slurry. You can also do this in a separate container and then apply the paste to the stained areas of the pan.

Option 2: Boiling Baking Soda and Water Solution

Add a small mound of baking soda to the centre of the pan and pour in about 1/4 cup of water (adjust the amount of water according to the size of your pan). You can also add a generous sprinkle of baking soda to a pan filled with water.

Step 3: Let it Sit

If you have created a baking soda and water paste, let the mixture sit for a few minutes. For tougher stains, you can leave it on for longer or even overnight.

If you are using the boiling method, bring the water and baking soda solution to a boil. As the water evaporates, it will leave a film of baking soda around the walls of the pan. Turn off the heat once most of the water has boiled off.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

Use a long-handled brush or a scouring pad to scrub off the stains. It is recommended to use a new scouring pad with an unworn scrubby side. Gloves are also advisable, as baking soda can dry out your hands. For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process or try a different method.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing, rinse the pan with clean water and dry it with a microfiber cloth or a towel. Ensure that you dry the pan thoroughly and immediately to prevent water spots and calcium buildup.

Boiling water and baking soda

To start, add a small mound of baking soda to the centre of the pan and pour in about 1/4 cup of water. For larger pans, you may need to add a bit more water to cover the baking soda. Turn on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. As the water evaporates, it will leave a film of baking soda around the walls of the pan. Once most of the water has boiled off, turn off the heat.

It is best to do the next step while the pan is still hot, so be sure to wear gloves and grip the pan with a towel or oven mitt to protect your hands. Use a long-handled brush or scouring pad to scrub off the film of baking soda and any remaining residue. For best results, use a new scouring pad.

For pans with years of built-up stains, a more intensive approach is required. Choose a vessel that will fit your pan, such as a large stock pot for small skillets or a roasting pan for larger ones. Fill the vessel with enough water to submerge or mostly submerge your pan. Bring the water to a boil and then carefully place your pan in the water. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda to the water and reduce the heat to a gentle boil. Let the pan cook for around 15 to 30 minutes, flipping or rotating it to ensure that all sides are boiled. You should start to see brown residue flaking off.

Using tongs and silicone oven mitts, carefully remove the pan from the boiling solution. To remove any lingering stains, create an abrasive slurry by adding more baking soda and water to the pan and scrubbing vigorously while it is still hot. Hold onto the pan with a towel to avoid burns.

For burnt-on food or discolouration on cast iron pans, a slightly different approach is needed. First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda and then add 2-3 tablespoons of water to create a moist, sandy paste. Use a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad to scrub the pan. Avoid using soap, as this can damage the pan's seasoning. Rinse and repeat if necessary, but keep in mind that the more you scrub, the more of the pan's good seasoning you will remove.

Finally, dry the cast iron pan and rub the entire surface with vegetable oil. Place the pan on a stove burner over medium-low heat for about an hour, or put it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the same amount of time. The pan may smoke as it seasons, so be sure to turn on your vent hood to prevent setting off smoke detectors.

Vinegar and baking soda

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Before applying any cleaning agents, it is important to prepare the pan. Start by scraping out any excess oil or food residue using a spatula or paper towel. Then, deglaze the pan by adding some hot water. It is generally recommended to clean the pan while it is still hot, as this makes removing burnt-on food easier. However, always let the pan cool down before fully submerging it in cool water to avoid thermal shock, which can cause warping.

Step 2: Apply Vinegar

Vinegar is a great multi-purpose cleaner and can be used as a disinfectant and a non-toxic glass cleaner. For removing stains from pans, pour a small layer of equal parts water and white vinegar into the pan and place it on the stove. Heat the diluted vinegar until it comes to a boil and let it boil for about a minute. Then, remove the pan from the heat and drain the vinegar down the sink.

Step 3: Apply Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive and has absorbent properties, making it effective at lifting stains. After draining the vinegar, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the pan. The point here is not to create a fizzy volcano by combining vinegar and baking soda but to allow the two cleaning agents to work independently. Use a scouring pad to massage the baking soda onto any remaining burn marks in the pan.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you have finished scouring the pan, rinse it with clean water to remove any remaining vinegar and baking soda. Finally, dry the pan thoroughly with a clean, absorbent towel or microfiber cloth.

Additional Tips:

• For tougher stains, you can create a baking soda paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes or even overnight. Then, scrub it off with a scouring pad and rinse the pan as usual.
• For bigger stains that climb up the sides of the pan, you can try a different method: add a small mound of baking soda to the center of the pan and cover it with about 1/4 cup of water (adjust the amount for larger pans). Bring this mixture to a boil and let it evaporate, leaving a film of baking soda that you can then scrub off.
• Always wear cleaning gloves when handling baking soda or vinegar to protect your hands.

Dishwasher tablets

To use dishwasher tablets on their own, simply rub the tablet on the bottom of the pan, focusing on the burnt areas. Be sure to wear gloves while doing this. This method is simple but can take a while for the tablet to start breaking down.

For a quicker solution, cover the bottom of the pan with a bit of water and warm it up on low heat. Then, remove the pan from the heat and scrape the tablet across the burnt areas. Rinse and wash the pan with warm soapy water. This method only takes a few minutes and doesn't require any additional scrubbing.

Another option is to drop a dishwasher tablet into the dirty pan, fill it with hot water, and let it sit for a few hours. Then, scrub the pan with a sponge for a few moments. This hands-free method is great for dissolving burnt build-up, but it may be wasteful and harsh on the skin.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Method

Rinse your dirty pot or pan in hot water and drain. Then, generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the pan. Add a few teaspoons of hot water back to your pan to form a paste with the baking soda. Next, wad up a sheet of aluminium foil and use it like a scrubber sponge, working in circles all around the surface of the pan. Continue scrubbing until all the burnt debris lifts, then rinse with hot, soapy water to finish cleaning.

Tips

• If you need to, reposition the aluminium foil in your hand if it gets too flat, and continue rubbing it all over the pan until it comes clean.
• For tougher stains, let the mixture sit for a few minutes, or even overnight, then scrub it off with a scouring pad.
• Always wear cleaning gloves when handling baking soda to protect your hands.
• Ensure you clean your pan while it is still hot, so use gloves and grip the pan with a towel or oven mitt.
• This method is ideal for removing hunks of food stuck to the pan, rather than flat, burnt-on stains.

Frequently asked questions