Simple Tricks To Clean Your Blackened Pots And Pans

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are many ways to tackle the issue. Some methods involve using natural ingredients such as lemons, vinegar, and baking soda, while others use commercial cleaning products like Bar Keepers Friend. The best method will depend on the type of pan and the severity of the burn. For example, non-stick pans require gentler methods than stainless steel pans. In general, creating a paste with an acidic ingredient like vinegar or lemon juice and an abrasive ingredient like baking soda is a good place to start. This paste can be applied to the burnt areas and left to sit before being scrubbed off. For more severe burns, you may need to repeat the process or try a stronger commercial cleaner.

Boiling water and vinegar

Step 1: Boil Water and Vinegar

Fill your dirty pan with equal parts water and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil. You can also add a cup of water or a mixture of half water and half vinegar to a hot pan and allow it to boil.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda (Optional)

Turn off the heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the boiling mixture. This step will create a fizzing reaction that can help loosen burnt food. However, be cautious as mixing baking soda and vinegar can cause an explosive reaction. Slowly add the baking soda to the boiling water to avoid any accidents.

Step 3: Soak and Scrub

Remove the pan from the heat and let it soak for up to 15 minutes. The longer it soaks, the easier it will be to remove the burnt-on food. After soaking, discard the liquid and use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining burnt bits. If spots remain, create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water and apply it to the affected areas. Let the paste sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Tips:

• Always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous portion of your pan to ensure it won't damage the surface, especially if you're using non-stick cookware.
• For extremely burnt-on grease, you may need to repeat the process or try a different method, such as using a dishwasher tablet or boiled lemons.
• To prevent hard-to-clean pans in the first place, line your pans with aluminium foil, parchment paper, or wax paper. Alternatively, use a non-stick cooking spray for certain recipes to avoid food sticking and burning.

Lemon slices and water

Step 1: Prepare the lemons and water

Slice two to three lemons and place them in the dirty pan. Then, fill the pan with water, ensuring that the lemon slices are just barely covered.

Step 2: Boil the lemon water

Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Bring the lemon water to a boil, allowing it to simmer for five to eight 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 3: Discard the lemons and water

Once the water has boiled and the food particles have started to loosen, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully discard the lemons and drain the water from the pan.

Step 4: Rinse and scrub the pan

Rinse the pan with hot, clean water. Use a scouring pad or brush to loosen and remove any remaining stuck-on bits. If necessary, you can add a small amount of dish soap to aid in the removal of stubborn residue.

Tips:

• This method works best for stainless steel cookware and not those with non-stick coatings.
• For an even more intensive cleaning, you can add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the lemon water before boiling. The combination of acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda will create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.
• Always exercise caution when handling hot water and lemons, as they can cause burns.

Dishwasher tablets

Step 1: Rinse your dirty pan with warm water. This will help to remove any loose food particles and grease, making it easier for the dishwasher tablet to work its magic.

Step 2: Gently scrub the pan under warm water with the dishwasher tablet. The warmth of the water will help to dissolve the tablet, creating a soapy solution that will lift away the burnt-on food.

Step 3: Continue scrubbing until all the food debris lifts. You may need to use a sponge or scouring pad for tougher, more stubborn spots. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.

Step 4: Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining residue. Ensure that you have thoroughly rinsed away all the soap and food particles.

This method is particularly effective for stainless steel cookware. However, it is important to note that you should avoid using this method on non-stick or cast iron cookware, as it may damage the coating or seasoning.

While dishwasher tablets are a convenient and efficient way to clean burnt pots and pans, it is essential to be mindful of a few things. Firstly, this method can be a bit pricey, as you may need to use more than one tablet to effectively clean a heavily burnt pan. Additionally, always remember to wear gloves when handling dishwasher tablets, as they can be harsh on the skin.

So, the next time you find yourself with a burnt pot or pan, don't despair! Simply reach for a dishwasher tablet and follow these easy steps to restore your cookware to its former glory.

Ketchup

To use this method, coat the affected area with a thin layer of ketchup and leave it to sit for five to thirty minutes. After this time, wash the pot or pan and dry it immediately.

Although ketchup can be an effective method for cleaning burnt pots and pans, it may not be as effective on cast iron pans.

Cream of tartar

How to Use Cream of Tartar to Clean Pots and Pans:

First, scrape off as much of the burnt food from your pan as you can using a spatula or plastic scraper. Then, you can use one of the following methods with cream of tartar to clean your pan:

The Paste Method:

• Mix cream of tartar with a few drops of warm water to form a thick paste.
• Apply the paste to the stained areas of your pan, focusing on spots with stubborn residues and burnt-on stains.
• Let the paste sit for about 15-20 minutes.
• Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the stained areas until the food comes off.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a clean cloth.

The Boil Method:

• Combine 2 cups of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar in your pan and mix thoroughly.
• Place the pan on the stove, turn on the heat, and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes before removing it from the heat.
• Allow the solution to cool, then discard it and scrub the pan with a cloth or sponge.

Tips:

• Cream of tartar is safe to use on stainless steel, copper, and enamel cookware but avoid using it on non-stick surfaces as it may damage the coating.
• For extra shiny aluminum pans, boil apple peels in water in the pan.
• To clean discolored aluminum pans, fill the pan with water and add 1 tablespoon each of cream of tartar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer and scour the pan.
• Cream of tartar can also be used to clean ceramic or glass cookware, stainless steel appliances, scratched dishes, and stained kitchen towels and tablecloths.

Frequently asked questions