The Ultimate Guide To Removing Stubborn Stains From Pans

Burnt pans are a common problem for cooks of all skill levels, but there are several easy ways to clean them. One method is to use a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and water. Another is to use lemons, either by boiling them in the pan with water or by cutting them in half and scouring the pan with the flesh side. For stainless steel pans, a solution of water and white vinegar can be used, followed by scrubbing with baking soda. For cast iron pans, it is important to avoid using water, soap, or acidic items such as vinegar or lemon juice, as these can cause rust. Instead, scrub the pan with baking soda and a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad, then coat the pan with vegetable oil and heat it in the oven.

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Remove Food Residue

Start by scraping off as much food residue as possible from your pan. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to get rid of the stuck-on food.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar

Next, add white vinegar to your pan, ensuring it covers the bottom of the pan by at least 1/2 inch. 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 baking soda. You will need enough baking soda to cover the bottom of the pan. This combination will create a fizzing reaction, so it's best to do this step over the sink. The fizzing reaction is a result of the alkaline baking soda reacting with the acidic vinegar, helping to loosen burnt-on food.

Step 4: Soak and Cool

Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop. The pan should be cool enough to handle comfortably.

Step 5: Discard Liquid and Scrub

Pour out the liquid and begin scrubbing the pan. Use a nylon scrub brush or a scouring sponge to remove any remaining stains and food residue. Add more baking soda as needed to create a gentle abrasive scrub.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once your pan is free of stains, give it a final rinse with clean water and dry it thoroughly. You can use a soft cloth or towel to dry the pan.

Tips:

• For lighter stains, you can simply make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the pan, and scrub with a nylon brush or sponge.
• If you're dealing with tougher stains, you can try a more intensive method by creating a baking soda and vinegar solution, submerging the pan in it, and letting it soak for 30-60 minutes before scrubbing.
• Always test new cleaning methods on a small, inconspicuous area of your pan first to ensure they don't damage the surface.
• Avoid using steel wool or harsh scouring pads, especially on non-stick pans, as they can scratch your cookware.

Boiling water

First, it is important to note that you should always let your pan cool down before running it under cold water or cleaning it. This is because the temperature shock can cause permanent warping. Once the pan is fully cooled, you can begin the cleaning process.

If you are dealing with stuck-on food or burnt residue, start by filling the pan with enough warm, soapy water to cover the residue. Bring this to a boil and then scrape the pan with a spatula or wooden spoon. The food should come away easily. Allow the pan to cool, then wash as usual.

For tougher stains or burnt food that hasn't been removed by the previous method, you can try boiling water with baking soda. Add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to your scorched pan and enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring this to a boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and wait until the pan is cool enough to handle. Scrub away the buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash in hot, soapy water.

If you are dealing with years of burned-on stains, you can try submerging the entire pan in boiling water to loosen the caked-on stains. Fill a large pot, such as a stockpot, with enough water to submerge your pan. Add the pan and bring the water to a boil. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda to the pot and reduce the heat to a gentle boil. Allow the pan to cook for about 15 to 30 minutes, and you should start to see brown residue flaking off.

Remove the pan from the boiling solution using tongs and silicone oven mitts. To tackle any lingering stains, create an abrasive slurry by adding more baking soda and water to the pan, and scrub while the pan is still hot.

By following these steps, you can effectively use boiling water to remove stains and burned-on food from your pans.

Bleach cleansing powder

Bleach is a popular household cleaning product that can be used for a variety of tasks, from removing stains to disinfecting surfaces. When it comes to cleaning pans, bleach can be an effective solution for removing stubborn stains. Here's how you can use bleach cleansing powder to get your pans looking like new again:

Choosing the Right Bleach Powder

Before you begin, it's important to select the right type of bleach powder for your needs. There are two main types of bleach: chlorine bleach and non-chlorine or oxygen bleach. Chlorine bleach is the stronger option and is great for removing stains and odours from whites, but it should be used with caution on delicate fabrics and patterned clothing. On the other hand, non-chlorine bleach is gentler and can be used on all washable fabrics, making it a better choice for coloured items and those with sensitive skin. Both types of bleach are available in powder form.

Preparing the Bleach Solution

To clean and deodorise your pans with bleach powder, you will need to mix it with water to create a bleach cleaning solution. For this, you can follow the instructions on the packaging of your chosen bleach powder product. As an example, the Clorox Concentrated Bleach Powder recommends dissolving 2 teaspoons of the powder in 1 gallon of water.

Cleaning the Pans

Once you have prepared your bleach cleaning solution, you can start cleaning your pans. Here's a general step-by-step guide:

• Spray, mop, or wipe the surface of the pan with the bleach solution.
• Let the solution sit on the pan for about 5 minutes.
• For stubborn stains, you can use a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive scrubber to gently scrub the stained areas. Be careful not to use metallic pads or harsh cleaning agents, as these can damage the surface of your pan.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue.
• Dry the pan completely before putting it away. This is especially important for pans with non-stick coatings, as water and steam can damage the finish.

Additional Tips:

• Always read the instructions on your bleach powder packaging and follow any safety precautions.
• Some bleach powders can be added directly to the machine drum when washing pans in the dishwasher. However, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific product.
• For coloured pans, avoid using bleach powders with harsh chemicals as they can cause discolouration.
• If you're concerned about the environment, look for bleach powders that are formulated and packaged for more sustainable cleaning.
• Keep bleach powders out of the reach of children and pets, and use them with caution around pregnant women.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

If you're looking to remove stains from your pans without using harsh chemicals, a combination of aluminium foil and baking soda can be an effective method. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Rinse the Pan

First, rinse your dirty pan with hot water to remove any loose residue. Make sure to wear cleaning gloves to protect your hands.

Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Generously sprinkle baking soda onto the pan. You'll need about 2 tablespoons or enough to cover the burnt areas.

Step 3: Add Water

Add a few teaspoons of hot water back into the pan to create a paste with the baking soda. The amount of water added should be just enough to form a paste-like consistency.

Step 4: Scrub with Aluminium Foil

Take a piece of aluminium foil and crumple it into a golf ball-sized ball. Use this foil ball as a scrubber to remove the burnt debris. Work in circular motions and apply firm pressure as you scrub. You may need to reposition the foil a few times during the process to maintain an effective scrubbing shape.

Step 5: Rinse and Wash

Once the burnt debris is removed, rinse the pan with hot, soapy water to remove any remaining residue. Wash the pan as usual with warm water and dish soap, ensuring it is thoroughly cleaned.

This method is particularly effective for removing burnt-on food and stains from pans. However, it is important to note that this technique should not be used on pans with special coatings or non-stick surfaces, as the aluminium foil can scratch the coating. Always test this method on a small, inconspicuous area of the pan first to ensure it won't cause any damage.

Lemon and baking soda

To use this method, first, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Keep a thin layer of water in the pan and then sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda. Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan with the baking soda slurry. You should see the mixture fizz slightly. If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use the same method to remove the stains and restore the shine.

If you are cleaning a cast iron pan, keep water, soap, and acidic items such as lemon juice away from the pan as they can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning. Instead, cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda and add 2-3 tablespoons of water until it is moist but not a liquid. You want the consistency of a sandy paste. Scrub the pan with a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad. Do not add soap. The baking soda is a mild abrasive that will help remove stubborn burnt-on food, and its alkalinity will help neutralise odours or flavours that may have been cooked into the pan. Rinse and repeat if necessary. Fully dry the cast iron pan and then rub with vegetable oil applied to a paper towel. Place the pan on medium-low heat on a stovetop burner or in an oven set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour.

Frequently asked questions