Blackened Pots: Quick Clean Secrets

Burnt pots and pans are a common problem for cooks of all skill levels. Luckily, there are several methods for removing black stains and burnt-on food residue from cookware. Some of the most popular methods include using baking soda, vinegar, lemons, dishwasher tablets, dryer sheets, and aluminium foil. Each method varies in terms of effectiveness, time required, and level of effort involved.

Boiling water and vinegar

To start, fill your dirty pot or pan with equal parts water and vinegar. Place the cookware on your stovetop and heat the diluted vinegar until it reaches a boil. Allow the mixture to boil for a minute, then remove it from the heat. Pour the hot vinegar and water mixture down the sink, taking care not to burn yourself with the steam.

Next, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the empty pot or pan. Baking soda is an abrasive cleaning agent that will help to lift any remaining burn marks. Use a scouring pad to scrub the baking soda into the bottom of the cookware, removing any lingering residue. Finally, rinse the pot or pan with water to wash away any remaining baking soda and burnt-on food.

If spots remain, create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing the pot or pan again.

Deglazing technique

The deglazing technique is a great way to loosen burnt-on food from a pan, and it also happens to be a cooking technique to create a delicious sauce from the fond, or the brown bits stuck to the pan.

To deglaze a pan, first, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, put the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles on the surface. At this point, add a cup of water or a mixture of half water and half white vinegar to the pan and allow it to boil. As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to loosen the burnt food from the bottom of the pan. Pour the liquid down the sink and sprinkle the bottom of the pan with baking soda. Let the pan cool, then use a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush to scrub the pot bottom vigorously. Finally, wash and dry the pan as you normally would.

It is important to note that deglazing is best done with stainless steel, aluminum, or cast-iron cookware as the chemical makeup of these pans allows food to stick and caramelize, which is essential for developing flavour. Non-stick pans are not suitable for deglazing as the food will not stick and caramelize, resulting in a loss of flavour.

Deglazing is a simple process that can be used to clean a pan or create a sauce. It is a great technique to have in your cooking arsenal, as it can be used to develop flavourful broths, gravies, sauces, braises, and more.

Baking soda and water

Step 1: Remove Debris

Start by scraping off as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. This will expose more of the blackened area to the cleaning solution.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Soda and Water Solution

There are two common ways to prepare the baking soda and water solution:

Method 1: Baking Soda Paste

Cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the water to create a paste. The amount of baking soda will depend on the size of your pan. For a full pot bottom, you may need about 1 cup of baking soda.

Method 2: Boiling Solution

If you're dealing with tougher stains, you can try boiling the solution. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of water to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil. As the water evaporates, scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Allow the baking soda and water solution to sit for several hours or even overnight. This gives the baking soda time to work on breaking down the black stains.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After the solution has had time to work, it's time to scrub the pan. Use a non-abrasive nylon brush or scouring sponge to scrub away the black stains. For stubborn stains, you can add more baking soda and scrub with a little water to create a paste.

Step 5: Rinse and Wash

Once you've removed the black stains, rinse the pan thoroughly with water. Then, wash the pan with dish soap and warm water to remove any remaining residue.

Tips:

• For extra scrubbing power, you can add natural cleaning agents like vinegar, lemon juice, or salt to the baking soda and water solution.
• Always use non-abrasive tools like nylon brushes or sponges to avoid scratching the surface of your pots and pans.
• Dry your pans immediately after washing to prevent water spots and calcium buildup.

Dishwasher tablet

To remove black marks from your pots and pans, you can use a dishwasher tablet. This method is best for most pots and pans except non-stick and cast iron cookware.

• Add water: Fill your pot or pan with enough water to cover the burnt-on or blackened area that you want to clean.
• Heat the water: Place the pot or pan on the stove and heat it over medium to high heat. You can adjust the heat setting as needed, but be careful not to let the water reach a full boil, as it may cause the dishwasher tablet to dissolve too quickly.
• Use the dishwasher tablet: Take a dishwasher tablet and gently rub it over the burnt or blackened areas. You can wear cleaning gloves if you prefer. The active ingredients in the tablet will help break down the burnt-on food and grease.
• Rinse and scrub: Once you've rubbed the tablet over the affected areas, rinse the pot or pan with warm water. If necessary, use a brush, sponge, or non-scratch scouring pad to gently scrub away any remaining residue.
• Repeat if needed: Depending on the severity of the burnt-on food or stains, you may need to repeat the process. You can also try using a fresh dishwasher tablet if the first one becomes too soft or dissolves completely.

It is important to note that while this method is effective, it can be expensive, as you may need to use more than one dishwasher tablet per pan. Additionally, always make sure to read the instructions on the dishwasher tablet packaging and follow any safety precautions recommended by the manufacturer.

Boiled lemons

To use this method, slice two to three lemons and place them in the dirty pan. Add water to the pan until the lemons are barely covered. Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil for five to eight minutes. You'll know the pan is ready for scrubbing when you see food particles floating to the surface. Remove the pan from the heat and discard the lemons and water. Use hot water and a scouring pad or brush to scrub away any remaining grime or grease. Finally, rinse the pan to remove any lingering lemon or residue.

While this method may require some heavy-duty scrubbing, it is a great way to remove burnt food from your pots and pans without using harsh chemicals.

Frequently asked questions