Bye-Bye Black Burn: Restoring Pans To Their Former Glory

Burnt pans are a common problem for cooks of all skill levels, but thankfully there are several easy ways to remedy this issue. Before attempting to clean a burnt pan, it is important to check the finish. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers on non-stick pans as they can scratch the coating. It is also a good idea to wear rubber gloves to avoid irritating your hands.

Baking soda and vinegar

To remove black burn from a pan using baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

• First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Next, fill your pan with equal parts water and vinegar.
• Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Then, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. You will get a fizzing reaction. It might be best to do this in the sink.
• Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling dies down.
• Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring pad, adding more baking soda as necessary.
• Rinse clean and dry.

You can also try the following variations:

• Instead of boiling the vinegar and water, you can add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the bottom of the pan, add a thin layer of warm water, and then bring the mixture to a boil.
• If you don't want to wait for the mixture to boil, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then put the pan on the stove and let it come to a boil. Remove it from the heat quickly so it doesn't burn again, let the pan cool, and then wipe or scrub to remove the scorched bits.
• If spots remain, apply a paste made of baking soda mixed with a little water and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Dishwasher tablet

To use a dishwasher tablet to clean a burnt pan, start by covering the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and heating it on low heat. Once the water is warm, remove the pan from the heat source. Take a dishwasher tablet and scrape it across the burnt areas of the pan, rubbing in small circles until the tablet starts to dissolve. Finally, rinse the pan and wash it with warm, soapy water.

This method is quick and easy, taking only 3-5 minutes to complete. It is also relatively mess-free, as the dishwasher tablet works as both a detergent and a scouring pad. However, it is important to note that this method may require using more than one dishwasher tablet, especially if your pan has a lot of burnt-on marks.

One person who tried this method found that it worked better on some pans than others. They also noted that heating the water seemed to help the tablet break down and become more effective. It is recommended to wear gloves while using this method, as it may be harsh on the skin.

Boiled lemons

Step 1: Cut two to three lemons into quarters or thick slices. You can also cut them into eights, as long as you have enough pieces to cover the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Place the lemon slices in the pan and add enough water to cover the entire scorched area. It is not necessary to cover the lemons as they will float.

Step 3: Bring the lemon water to a boil over medium-high heat. Continue boiling for five to ten minutes, or until you see food particles floating to the surface.

Step 4: Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Discard the water and lemon slices.

Step 6: Lightly scrub off any remaining grime or stuck-on bits with a soft sponge, scrub brush, or scouring pad.

Step 7: Rinse the pan with hot, clean water.

This method is simple, inexpensive, and effective for removing burnt food and stains from cookware. It is important to note that this method may require more heavy-duty scrubbing for more stubborn stains. Additionally, avoid using this method on non-stick pans, as the lemons and scrubbing may scratch the coating.

Dryer sheet

If you've burnt your pan, don't worry—it's not ruined! There's a simple solution to remove those black burn marks: dryer sheets. This method works on stainless steel pans, but should be avoided for non-stick pans.

Here's what you need to do:

Step 1:

Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to your burnt pan. You can also use a couple of inches of hot water—enough to cover the burnt bits.

Step 2:

Place a dryer sheet (or fabric softener sheet) in the pan. Make sure the sheet is completely underneath the water. You can use an extra sheet if you're dealing with an extremely burnt pan.

Step 3:

Let the pan soak. Depending on how burnt your pan is, you can leave it for 15-20 minutes or even overnight.

Step 4:

After soaking, remove and discard the dryer sheet. Pour out the water. You'll notice that some of the burnt bits have already dislodged.

Step 5:

Use a sponge or scrubber to clean the remaining burnt residue. It should come off easily without much scrubbing. Rinse the pan thoroughly with water.

Step 6:

Finally, wash the pan with soap and water as you normally would.

And that's it! Your burnt pan is now good as new. This method is simple, effective, and cheap—no need for harsh chemicals or intense scrubbing. So, the next time you burn your pan, don't despair; just reach for a dryer sheet!

Deglazing technique

Deglazing is a cooking technique that is used to create a sauce from the residue left in a pan after cooking meat, poultry, or vegetables. It is also useful for cleaning the pan.

The deglazing process involves adding a liquid—usually cold—to a hot pan that still has food particles stuck to the bottom. The liquid loosens these particles, allowing them to be scraped off and incorporated into a sauce. It is important to note that the pan should not be burnt; deglazing a burnt pan will only transfer that burnt flavour into the sauce.

To deglaze a pan, follow these steps:

• Remove the cooked meat, poultry, or vegetables from the pan and set them aside.
• Pour off any excess fat or oil.
• If making a sauce, add any desired aromatic ingredients, such as shallots or fresh herbs.
• Pour cold liquid into the pan—just enough to cover the bottom—and keep the heat at a medium setting.
• Bring the liquid to a boil and vigorously scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula to release the browned bits.
• Let the liquid boil briefly until it is reduced but not completely evaporated.
• Continue to stir until all the tasty browned bits have been released from the pan. For wine or alcohol, cook until the alcohol has cooked off, which you can tell by the disappearance of the alcohol smell and a syrupy consistency.
• If desired, finish the sauce by adding cream or butter.

Almost any liquid can be used for deglazing, including wine, broth, vinegar, and even water. However, dairy products should be avoided as they may curdle when boiling.

Frequently asked questions