Remove Burned Paper From Pans: Quick And Easy Tricks

Burnt-on paper is a common problem for home cooks and professional chefs alike. There are several methods for removing it from a pan, some of which use common household items such as baking soda, vinegar, lemons, and even dryer sheets. The best method will depend on the type of pan and the severity of the burn. For example, non-stick pans require a different approach to stainless steel pans.

Baking soda and water

If your pan is burnt, don't panic! It can be saved with a bit of baking soda, water, and elbow grease.

First, scrape any easily removable pieces of leftover food from the pan and into the trash. Then, if you have a stainless steel pan, fill it a little less than one-third of the way up with water and place it on the stove. Bring the water to a boil and use a firm silicone or plastic spatula to gently pick at the burnt bits. Drain the water, throw out the charred pieces, and wash the pan as normal.

If this method doesn't work, there are several other methods you can try that involve baking soda and water.

Baking Soda Paste Method:

Empty the pan and pour in a generous layer of baking soda. Add water a teaspoon at a time to create a thick paste. Let the paste sit for about 15 minutes. After it has sat, wipe the paste from the pan with a scrubby sponge, lifting the burned bits along with it. Rinse and hand wash the pan.

Boiling Water and Baking Soda Method:

Fill the pan with 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Discard the liquid and wash the pot with a scouring pad. If there are still stuck-on pieces, add more baking soda and water to make a paste, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash again with a scouring pad and dish soap.

Boiling Vinegar and Baking Soda Method:

Fill the pan with 1 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it is bubbling, take the pan off the heat and sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Leave the pan to sit for at least 2 minutes, then dump the excess liquid. Rub the pan with a scrubby sponge until all the burned pieces have lifted. Wash the pan with soap and water.

Deglazing Technique:

Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Put the pan back on the stove and heat until a droplet of water sizzles. Add 1 cup of water or a mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 white vinegar to the hot pan and allow it to boil. As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening bits of burnt food. Pour the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan. Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and let the pan cool. Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pot bottom vigorously. Wash and dry as normal once all stains and scorched bits have been removed.

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Make enough to cover the scorched portion of the pan. Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to fully coat the pan. Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight, then add more baking soda and scrub with a nylon brush or scour sponge.

Non-Stick Pan Method:

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then sprinkle the pot with baking soda to create a paste. Let the mixture rest for several hours or overnight, then scrub with warm water and a non-stick surface-safe sponge or nylon brush.

Cast Iron Pan Method:

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda and then add 2-3 tablespoons of water until it is moist but not a liquid. You want the consistency of a sandy paste. Scrub the pan with a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad. Do not add soap. Rinse and repeat if necessary to remove any remaining burnt food. Fully dry the cast iron pan and then rub with vegetable oil applied to a paper towel. Coat the bottom of the pan and up the sides. Place the pan on a stove burner and heat over medium-low heat for about an hour, or place it in your oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the same amount of time.

Good luck!

Dishwasher tablets

To use a dishwasher tablet to clean a burnt pan, start by covering the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water. Warm it up on low heat. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully rub the tablet across the burnt-on bits in small circles until the tablet starts to dissolve. Finally, rinse and wash the pan with warm soapy water.

It is important to note that you should use powdered dishwasher tablets, not liquid ones, for this purpose. Also, be sure to wear gloves when handling the tablet to protect your hands.

This method is a quick and easy way to clean a burnt pan, and it requires minimal scrubbing. However, it may take a while for the tablet to start breaking down, and you may need to heat up the water a bit more to facilitate the process. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the type of pan may impact the effectiveness of this method, as observed in one instance where an IKEA pan did not come out as spotless as a Raco pan.

Boiled lemons

First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Fill the pan with enough water to cover the bottom, then sprinkle baking soda liberally onto the surface. Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan, combining the lemon juice with the baking soda to create a slurry. The acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda will react and fizz slightly, which is a good sign!

If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use the same method to remove the stains and restore the shine. For a more heavy-duty cleaning, you can also add white vinegar to the mixture. The combination of vinegar and baking soda will create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

Alternatively, you can try a different approach by first removing as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Cut the lemons into small pieces and place them in a blender along with other ingredients such as ginger and garlic. Blend until you achieve a nice texture. Place the blended ingredients into a saucepan, pour in water, and boil the mixture. Turn off the heat and let it cool down before straining the liquid into a glass bottle and storing it in the fridge for later use.

Drinking warm lemon water or lemon concoctions has been associated with various health benefits, including boosting the immune system, improving digestion, cleansing the liver, and promoting weight loss. However, it is important to note that consuming too much of anything is not good, even something as healthy as lemon water. Always consume in moderation and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

First, rinse the pan to get rid of the initial grime. Then, add some hot water and baking soda to the pan to form a paste. Next, take a piece of aluminium foil and crumple it into a ball about the size of a chicken egg. Use this ball to scrub the bottom of the pan in a circular motion. The foil and baking soda should remove all the burnt-on paper and stains from the pan.

You may need to repeat the process, as the baking soda can get dirty quickly, making it difficult to see which areas still need attention. However, this method is still one of the quickest and easiest ways to clean a burnt pan.

Note that this method should not be used on coated surfaces, such as enamel or non-stick pans, as the aluminium foil is abrasive and may damage the coating.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, first, wet the surface of the pan. Then, sprinkle the BKF Cookware Cleanser & Polish on the desired area. Next, rub it in with a soft, wet cloth. You can also make a paste with the cleanser and water and let it sit for a minute. Finally, rinse the product off with clean water.

Frequently asked questions