Cleaning Seared Pans: Removing Marks The Right Way

Cleaning a burnt pan can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and a bit of patience, it is possible to restore your pan to its former glory. Whether you're dealing with scorch marks, caked-on food, or stubborn grease, there are several methods you can use to effectively clean your pan and remove any unsightly marks.

Use baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice

To clean a pan with sear marks using baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice, follow these steps:

Firstly, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. This will make the cleaning process easier and more effective.

Next, create a mixture of baking soda and water in the pan. Cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, and then add enough baking soda to create a paste. You can also make a more liquid mixture by adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda to the pan, along with 1/4 cup of water.

Now, add vinegar to the mixture. For a heavier-duty clean, boil a solution of vinegar and water in the pan before adding the baking soda. The baking soda will react with the vinegar, creating a fizzing reaction that helps to loosen burnt-on food.

Once the fizzing has stopped, cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan, combining the lemon juice with the baking soda and vinegar mixture. The acidic lemon juice will react with the alkaline baking soda, creating a powerful cleaning solution.

Finally, rinse the pan with warm water and wash it out using a sponge and dish soap. Dry the pan thoroughly before putting it away.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean a pan with sear marks using the power of baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice.

Boil water in the pan

Boiling water in the pan is an effective way to clean sear marks from your cookware. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, fill the pan with water. Make sure the water level is high enough to cover the dirty sides and any other stubborn stains. You can also add a few squeezes of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar to the water as this can help to break down grease and burnt-on food.

Next, place the pan on the stove and turn the heat up to a high setting. Bring the water to a rolling boil and maintain this for 5-7 minutes. The steam and hot water will help to loosen burnt-on food and grease, making it easier to remove.

After boiling for 5-7 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool. The water will cool down naturally and, as it does so, the steam will continue to work on loosening the seared food particles.

Once the water has returned to room temperature, carefully pour it out. Use a plastic or wooden utensil to gently remove any large, burnt pieces of food that have come loose and dispose of them in the garbage.

Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda into the pan and scrub the remaining stains with a non-abrasive sponge or scouring pad. The combination of abrasive baking soda and a little elbow grease should help to lift the remaining black residue.

Finally, rinse the pan with warm water and washing-up liquid, ensuring that all the baking soda residue is removed. Dry the pan with a clean towel and your cookware will be looking as good as new!

This method is a simple and effective way to remove sear marks and burnt-on food from your pans. It is important to note that you should always take care when handling hot water and that you should only use non-abrasive cleaning tools to avoid damaging the surface of your pans.

Use a non-abrasive sponge

To properly clean a pan from sear marks, it's important to use the right tools and techniques to avoid damaging the pan's surface. Here's a detailed guide on using a non-abrasive sponge for effective pan cleaning:

Cool Down the Pan:

Before cleaning, always let the pan cool down completely. Rinsing or washing a hot pan can cause warping and damage. This is an important step to ensure the integrity of your cookware.

Initial Rinse:

Once the pan has cooled, start by rinsing it with warm or hot water. This helps to remove any leftover food particles and loosen any stuck-on food. It's important to use warm or hot water as it is more effective at breaking down grease and food residue.

Apply Soap or Cleaning Solution:

After the initial rinse, apply a mild dish soap or a specialised cleaning solution to the pan. You can use a gentle, non-abrasive soap designed for cleaning dishes. Alternatively, create a cleaning solution by mixing vinegar, water, and baking soda directly in the pan. You can also use specific cleaning products like Bar Keepers Friend, which is known for its effectiveness on tough stains.

Scrub with a Non-Abrasive Sponge:

Now, it's time to tackle the sear marks. Using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth, gently scrub the surface of the pan. The key is to be gentle and avoid using anything that could scratch the pan's surface, such as steel wool or metal scrubbers. Work the sponge in circular motions, applying light to moderate pressure. Focus on the sear marks and any stubborn residue. If necessary, use a fresh sponge with a clean, unworn scrubby side.

Rinse and Dry:

After scrubbing, rinse the pan again with warm water to remove any remaining soap, food particles, or cleaning solution. Finally, dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel or place it on a drying rack to air dry. Ensure there is no water residue, as this can lead to water spots and discolouration.

Tips for Effective Pan Cleaning:

• Always use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the pan's surface.
• Soaking the pan in hot water before scrubbing can help loosen stubborn residue.
• For tougher stains, create a paste or slurry with baking soda and let it sit on the stains for a few minutes before scrubbing.
• For burnt-on food or oil, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can be effective. Bring this mixture to a boil in the pan, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.
• For maintenance between deep cleans, hand-washing with mild soap and a non-abrasive sponge is recommended.

Clean while the pan is still hot

Cleaning a hot pan is easier than cleaning a cold one, but it's important to take precautions to avoid damaging your cookware or hurting yourself. Here are some tips for cleaning a pan while it's still hot:

• Use hot water: Using hot water to clean your pan will help loosen any residue and make it easier to clean. Most modern-day pans can withstand hot water without warping. However, it's important to note that you should not subject a hot pan to a rapid change in temperature, as this can cause thermal shock and damage your pan.
• Use the right tools: A long-handled dish brush or a sponge with a soft scrubber can help loosen and remove stuck-on food. For tougher stains, you can use a scouring pad or sponge, but avoid harsh pads like steel wool, as these can damage your pan.
• Protect your hands: Always use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands from the hot pan.
• Deglaze the pan: Adding a small amount of hot water to your pan while it's still hot can help loosen any stuck-on bits. However, be sure to use hot water, not cold, to avoid thermal shock.
• Use a cleaning solution: For stubborn stains, you can create a paste or slurry with baking soda and water, or use a small amount of dish soap. Apply this to the pan and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. For burnt-on food, you can also try using vinegar, lemon juice, or even ketchup!
• Dry thoroughly: After cleaning, be sure to dry your pan thoroughly with a clean, absorbent towel. This is especially important for cast iron pans, which need to be dried immediately to prevent rusting.

Soak the pan in hot water

Soaking your pan in hot water is a great way to remove sear marks and burnt-on food. This method is suitable for stainless steel, non-stick, copper, and cast-iron pans.

Firstly, fill your pan with hot water. You don't need to cover the pan's sides with water, as the steam will loosen any food stuck to them. Bring the water to a boil for 5-7 minutes. You can also add a small amount of dish soap to the water to help break down grease and oil.

After boiling, the food should be loosened and easy to remove. Pour out the hot water and wipe away any remaining food with a sponge. For more stubborn marks, use the scrubby side of the sponge.

If the sear marks are still not coming off, you can let the pan soak in hot water for longer. Fill the pan with warm to hot water, making sure to cover the sides. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes or until the food loosens. If you didn't get a chance to soak the pan right after cooking, don't worry. You can add hot water later and let it soak overnight, then wash it in the morning.

For extremely tough stains, you can also add a cleaning agent to the hot water. A dash of baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice can help to loosen burnt-on food. You can also try using commercial cleaning powders, such as Bar Keeper's Friend, or even Alka-Seltzer. Just be sure to wear cleaning gloves to protect your hands when using these products.

Remember, if you're cleaning a cast-iron pan, never use abrasive sponges as these can ruin the seasoning. Instead, use hot or boiling water and, if needed, a soft sponge, warm water, and kosher salt to loosen residue.

Frequently asked questions