Restore Zwilling Pan: Removing Stubborn Burn Oil

Zwilling cookware is known for its durability and quality, but even these high-quality pans can be susceptible to burnt oil residue. This residue is the result of heating oil or fats to high temperatures, causing their triglycerides to break down into free fatty acids, which then polymerize into a water-insoluble resin. While harsh chemicals can be used to remove this residue, they may damage the pan's surface. Instead, home remedies like baking soda, vinegar, and hot water can be used to remove the burnt oil. Soaking the pan in hot, soapy water is an effective first step, followed by the use of scouring powder and a scrubber to remove any remaining residue. Proper cleaning and maintenance of Zwilling cookware are essential to prevent food buildup and erosion of the pan's surface.

Use hot, soapy water

To remove burnt oil from a Zwilling pan, one of the best methods is to use hot, soapy water. This method is simple and effective, and it doesn't require any harsh chemicals. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Cool the Pan

Before you begin, it's important to let the pan cool down completely. Do not attempt to clean a hot pan as it can be dangerous and may damage the surface.

Step 2: Prepare the Hot, Soapy Water

Fill the sink or a large container with hot water. Make sure the water is not boiling, as you don't want to scald yourself or damage the pan's surface. Add a generous amount of mild dish soap to the water and stir it to create a soapy solution. You can also add a tablespoon of vinegar to the mixture, as vinegar helps break down the burnt-on oil.

Step 3: Soak the Pan

Place the burnt Zwilling pan in the hot, soapy water and let it soak for several hours. The longer you soak it, the more effective it will be. If your pan is only slightly burnt, you may be able to get away with a shorter soak. However, for heavily burnt pans, it's best to leave them overnight.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After soaking, remove the pan from the water and discard the dirty water. Using a soft cloth, sponge, or non-scratch scouring pad, gently scrub the pan to remove any remaining burnt-on oil. If necessary, you can use a mild abrasive, such as baking soda, to help with the process. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the pan and use the damp cloth to scrub in circular motions until the burnt residue is removed.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once you've removed all the burnt oil, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. Dry the pan completely with a soft cloth. Your Zwilling pan should now be free of burnt oil and ready for use again!

Remember, it's always important to act quickly when it comes to cleaning burnt pans. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove the burnt-on oil. With this method, you can effectively remove burnt oil from your Zwilling pan, restoring it to its original condition without resorting to harsh chemicals or damaging its surface.

Try a baking soda and vinegar solution

To remove burnt oil from a Zwilling pan, try a baking soda and vinegar solution. This method uses affordable, mild, and natural pantry items that most people have on hand. It is also a heavy-duty cleaning method that does not require harsh chemicals.

First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, fill your pan with equal parts water and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil. Next, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and remove the pan from the heat. 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. Finally, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring pad, adding more baking soda as necessary. Rinse and dry the pan as you would normally.

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. You can also try this method with lemon instead of vinegar.

Soak in vinegar

To remove burnt oil from a Zwilling pan, one method is to soak the pan in vinegar. This is a natural cleaning method that does not require harsh chemicals.

Firstly, fill the pan with straight vinegar, or a solution of 20% vinegar and 80% water. Leave the pan to soak for up to 15 minutes. The vinegar will help to dissolve fatty-acid resins and release them from the metal surface.

After soaking, discard the liquid and use a scouring pad or sponge to scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits. If spots remain, a paste made of baking soda and water can be applied and left for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

It is important to note that mixing baking soda and vinegar can cause an explosive reaction, so the baking soda should be slowly added to the vinegar solution. The pan should be washed with warm water, dishwashing liquid, and a soft cloth after cleaning to remove any residue.

Use Bar Keeper's Friend

Use Bar Keepers Friend to Remove Burn Oil from Zwilling Pan

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular product for cleaning burnt-on oil from pans. It is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that is ideal for stainless steel items but can also be used on other surfaces. Here is a step-by-step guide to using Bar Keepers Friend to remove burn oil from your Zwilling pan:

Step 1: Wet the Pan Surface

Start by wetting the surface of your Zwilling pan. You can do this by simply sprinkling some water onto the pan or by using a damp cloth or sponge. This step is important because it provides the moisture needed to turn the Bar Keepers Friend powder into a paste.

Step 2: Sprinkle on Bar Keepers Friend Powder

Once the pan surface is wet, sprinkle a generous amount of Bar Keepers Friend powder onto the burnt area. Make sure the powder comes into contact with the burnt oil. You can use your finger or a spoon to spread the powder evenly over the affected area.

Step 3: Let it Sit

After sprinkling the powder, let it sit for a short time. This allows the powder to activate and start breaking down the burnt-on oil. According to the Bar Keepers Friend website, one minute is enough time for the product to work effectively. However, if you are dealing with heavily burnt oil, you may need to let it sit for a little longer.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

Now it's time to start scrubbing! Use a soft wet cloth or sponge and rub the Bar Keepers Friend powder in circular motions. The powder should form a paste, which will help lift the burnt oil from the pan surface. Apply firm pressure and scrub until the burnt oil starts to come off. For heavily burnt pans, you may need to use a scouring pad or steel wool to help remove the most stubborn bits of burnt oil.

Step 5: Rinse the Pan

Once you have finished scrubbing and the burnt oil has been removed, rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water. Make sure to rinse away all the residue from the Bar Keepers Friend powder. It is important to rinse the pan promptly to avoid any possible discolouration or scratches, as mentioned in the cautions on the Bar Keepers Friend website.

Step 6: Dry and Inspect the Pan

After rinsing, dry your Zwilling pan with a clean cloth or let it air dry. Inspect the pan to ensure that all the burnt oil has been removed. If you still see some stubborn spots, repeat the process above, focusing on those specific areas.

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively remove burn oil from your Zwilling pan using Bar Keepers Friend. Remember always to wear gloves when using this product and avoid using it on non-stick surfaces, as it can be abrasive and may cause damage.

Try a dishwasher tablet

If your Zwilling pan is burnt and you want to remove the oil, try a dishwasher tablet. This method is effective for removing burnt-on oil and grease from pans without using harsh chemicals.

First, fill your Zwilling pan with hot water and let it soak. The hot water will help to loosen the burnt-on oil and make it easier to remove. You can also add a dishwasher tablet to the hot water to boost the cleaning power of this method. Let the pan soak for several hours or overnight.

The dishwasher tablet contains powerful yet gentle ingredients that can break down the burnt-on oil and grease. It will help dissolve the fatty-acid resins created when oil or fats are heated above their smoke point. This method is particularly effective for stainless steel pans like Zwilling cookware.

After soaking, you may find that some residue remains. In this case, create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and baking soda in the pan. Use a wooden or silicone spoon to stir the mixture for about 5 minutes, helping to further loosen any remaining residue.

Finally, discard the vinegar-baking soda mixture and rinse your Zwilling pan with warm water. Wash the pan with mild dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge to remove any remaining traces of oil or grease. Make sure to dry the pan thoroughly to prevent water spots and maintain its pristine condition.

Frequently asked questions