Erase Black Stains: Restore Pans To Their Former Glory

Burnt pans are a common problem for cooks of all skill levels, but there are several ways to remove black stains and restore cookware to its former glory. Some popular methods include using vinegar and baking soda, dishwasher detergent, dryer sheets, or a combination of baking soda and lemon essential oil. For particularly stubborn stains, Bar Keepers Friend and Scrub Daddy or Barkeeper's Friend are recommended. These products are considered some of the best options for cleaning stainless steel, anodized aluminium, enameled cast iron, and copper cookware.

Baking soda and water paste

Baking soda is an alkaline substance with mild abrasive properties, which means it's great for removing tough stains without scratching your pans. It's also inexpensive and non-toxic, so it's a great option for cleaning your cookware.

Here's a step-by-step guide to removing black stains from your pans using baking soda and water paste:

Step 1: Remove Debris

First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Use a spatula or scraper to get rid of any stuck-on food bits.

Step 2: Make a Baking Soda and Water Paste

In your pan, create a baking soda and water paste. Cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, then sprinkle baking soda over it. You can also do this the other way around, by first adding baking soda and then water. The idea is to create a thick paste that will fully coat the stained portion of the pan. For a full pot bottom, you might use 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Let the paste sit for a few hours or even overnight. This gives the baking soda time to work its magic and loosen the burnt-on stains.

Step 4: Add More Baking Soda and Scrub

After letting the paste sit, add a bit more baking soda and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you're dealing with a cast-iron pan, use a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad. Avoid using metal tools or scrubbing pads on non-stick pans, as these can damage the surface.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat if Necessary

Rinse the pan with warm water and check if the stains have been removed. If there are still some stubborn stains, repeat the process.

Tips:

• For extra scrubbing power, add natural cleaning agents like vinegar, lemon juice, or salt to the baking soda paste.
• For regular maintenance, you can also use baking soda and water to wash your pots and pans, helping to prevent scorched stains and burnt-on residue.
• Always dry your pans immediately after washing to prevent the development of water spots.
• Avoid using harsh abrasives or steel wool, as these can scratch and damage your cookware.

Boiled lemons

To use boiled lemons to clean your pan, first, quarter two or three lemons and place them in the pan. Then, fill the pan with a few inches of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue boiling for five to ten minutes, or until you see food particles floating to the surface.

Once the water is boiling, you'll start to see the lemon's cleaning powers in action. The acidity of the lemons will help to break down burnt-on food, and the hot water will help to loosen it. After five to ten minutes, remove the pan from the heat and discard the lemons and lemon water. Rinse the pan with hot, clean water, and use a scouring pad or brush to remove any remaining bits.

You'll be left with a pan that looks brand new! This method is especially useful if you've been cooking with lemons and have some leftovers to use up.

Bar Keepers Friend

If you're looking to remove black stains from your pans, Bar Keepers Friend is a great option. It's a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that's ideal for stainless steel items but can also be used on other surfaces like enameled cast iron. It's known for easily removing rust, tarnish, mineral deposits, and tough stains, and it also helps protect your pans' surfaces from future tarnishing and rusting.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Bar Keepers Friend to remove black stains from your pans:

• Wet the surface of the pan you're cleaning.
• Sprinkle some Bar Keepers Friend powder onto the surface.
• Use a soft sponge or rag to scrub the pan in a circular motion. For very tarnished or greasy pans, you can start scrubbing with steel wool and then switch to a soft sponge or rag.
• If needed, add a small amount of water to hydrate the powder and turn it into a paste.
• Rinse the pan well after cleaning. Bar Keepers Friend recommends not letting the product sit on the surface for longer than a minute, but you can scrub for longer.
• For sensitive skin or when scrubbing multiple pots, consider wearing kitchen gloves to protect your hands from the abrasive powder.

A few additional tips to keep in mind:

• While Bar Keepers Friend is great for stainless steel and enameled cast iron, avoid using it on regular cast iron as it can damage the coating.
• Don't use Bar Keepers Friend on porous surfaces like wood or unsealed concrete, as it is designed for non-porous surfaces like glass, stainless steel, and ceramic.
• Avoid using it on appliances with protective layers, such as your stainless steel fridge, as the mineral abrasive ingredient may harm the coating.
• Don't use it on lacquered, painted, or mirrored surfaces, as it can damage these finishes.
• Stay away from using Bar Keepers Friend on gold or silver jewellery, as it can ruin these precious metals.

Dishwasher detergent tab

If you're looking to remove black stains from your pans, one effective method is to use a dishwasher detergent tab. This method works best for stainless steel pans, and it's important to note that different types of pans may require different approaches to cleaning and care. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a dishwasher detergent tab to remove those stubborn black stains:

Using a Dishwasher Detergent Tab:

• Start by covering the bottom of your pan with a small amount of water.
• Place the pan on low heat and warm up the water gently.
• Turn off the heat source and remove the pan from the stove.
• Take a dishwasher detergent tab and remove its plastic coating (if applicable). With a gloved hand, gently scrape the tab over the burnt or stained areas of the pan. The detergent tab acts as both a cleaning agent and a scrubber, breaking down grease and removing burnt-on food.
• Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue from the detergent tab.
• Wash the pan with warm, soapy water using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to wear cleaning gloves while using dishwasher detergent tabs, as they can be harsh on the skin.
• Always allow your pans to cool down before attempting to clean them to avoid warping.
• Avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach on your pans, as these can damage the surface.
• For everyday cleaning, hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge are usually sufficient to keep your pans in good condition.
• To remove stuck-on food, fill the pan with soapy water, bring it to a boil, and use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently scrape away the residue.
• For tougher stains, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied before scrubbing.
• If your pans have discolouration, a splash of vinegar followed by a wipe with a soft sponge can help restore their shine.

Cream of tartar

To remove stains from stainless steel pans, sprinkle cream of tartar on the stained surface, then add an inch of hot water. Allow this mixture to sit for about ten minutes before scrubbing the pan with a sponge and rinsing it clean.

For more intensive cleaning, create a paste with three parts cream of tartar to one part water. Apply this paste to the stained areas of the pan and let it sit for about ten minutes. Then, scrub the paste with a damp, non-scratch sponge.

Additionally, cream of tartar can be used as a bleach alternative for clothing. Mix it with lemon juice, dab it onto ink stains, and let it sit for three hours before rinsing. It can also be combined with glycerin to create an effective stain remover.

Frequently asked questions