Eradicate Pumpkin Pie Filling Burns From Pans

Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving staple, but it can be a pain to clean up if your pie filling spills or burns onto the pan. Here's a guide on how to remove that burnt pumpkin pie filling and get your pan looking like new again.

Soak the pan in hot water for 30 minutes

Soaking is an effective method for removing burnt-on pumpkin pie filling from a pan. Start by filling your sink with hot water and submerging the pan in it. Let the pan soak for around 30 minutes. The duration of the soak is crucial, as it gives the hot water time to loosen the burnt residue.

After 30 minutes, remove the pan from the sink. You can now proceed to scrub the pan with a sponge or paper towel. If the burnt residue is on a non-stick pan, sprinkle some baking soda on it before pouring the hot water. If it's not a non-stick pan, sprinkle salt on it instead. If necessary, repeat the process until the pan is clean.

Use a razor blade to scrape without gouging

Using a razor blade is an effective way to remove burnt-on pumpkin pie filling from a pan. Here are some tips to ensure you do this safely and without damaging the pan:

Firstly, it is important to use a new, sharp blade. Dull or rusty blades can scratch the pan's surface. Hold the blade almost perpendicular to the surface of the pan and apply light pressure as you gently scrape away the burnt residue. Be careful not to gouge or dig the blade into the pan's surface. You can also try bending the blade slightly to create a curve, which will help prevent the corners from digging into the pan.

If you're concerned about scratching the pan, consider using a plastic razor blade designed for scraping. These blades are sharp enough to remove stubborn residue but are less likely to scratch delicate surfaces.

Always exercise caution when handling razor blades to avoid injury. You may want to wear protective gloves and be sure to dispose of used blades safely and responsibly.

Try Bar Keepers Friend

If you're struggling to remove burnt-on pumpkin pie filling from your pan, Bar Keepers Friend can help. This powerful cleanser can be used on a variety of surfaces, including glass, ceramic, stainless steel, and enamel-coated cast iron.

Here's how to use Bar Keepers Friend to remove burnt-on pumpkin pie filling from your pan:

Step 1: Wet the Surface of the Pan

Start by wetting the surface of the pan. This will help the cleanser adhere to the surface and get to work on those stubborn stains.

Step 2: Sprinkle on the BKF Cookware Cleanser & Polish

Next, sprinkle on the Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish. This formula contains 50% more grease-cutting detergents than their other cleansers, so it's perfect for tackling burnt-on food.

Step 3: Spread the Cleanser and Let it Sit

Using a soft, wet cloth, rub the cleanser in and spread it to coat the surface. Let it sit for about a minute. This gives the cleanser time to work its magic and break down those tough, burnt-on stains.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse

After a minute, it's time to scrub. Use a damp sponge or a non-scratch scrub pad to gently scrub the surface of the pan. Once you've removed the burnt-on pie filling, rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water.

Step 5: Repeat if Necessary

For tougher stains, you may need to repeat the process. This time, create a paste with the cleanser and a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a minute. Then, wash, rinse, and dry the pan as usual.

It's important to note that Bar Keepers Friend should not be left on a surface for too long, as it can cause discolouration and scratches. Always wear gloves when using this product, and avoid using it on non-stick surfaces, cast iron, granite, marble, wood, fabric, leather, or painted surfaces.

Soak with fabric softener

If you're struggling to remove burnt pumpkin pie filling from your pan, try soaking it with fabric softener. This method is suggested by several sources and can be done in the following way:

Firstly, fill your sink with enough hot water to cover the bottom of the pan. Then, add a fabric softener sheet and let the pan soak overnight. By morning, the burnt-on food should have softened and can be easily wiped away. If you don't have a fabric softener sheet, you can use liquid fabric softener or hair conditioner instead. Simply add a generous amount to the hot water and follow the same process.

This method is particularly useful if you don't want to use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools that could damage your pan. It's also a good option if you don't have the time or energy to spend scrubbing at your sink. Simply leave the pan to soak and come back to it later when the fabric softener has worked its magic!

If you don't have fabric softener or hair conditioner, there are a few other home remedies you can try. For example, you could use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, or boil lemons in the pan. Alternatively, if your pan is made of stainless steel, you can fill it with hot water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid, then boil for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush.

Use undiluted concentrated Dawn

To remove burnt-on pumpkin pie filling from a pan, you can try using undiluted concentrated Dawn. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this effectively:

• Start with a dry pan: Ensure that the pan is completely dry before you begin the cleaning process.
• Apply undiluted concentrated Dawn: Pour the undiluted concentrated Dawn dish soap directly onto the burnt areas of the pan. Make sure to cover all the affected areas generously.
• Let it sit: Allow the Dawn soap to sit on the burnt pie filling for at least 30 minutes. This will give the soap time to penetrate and loosen the burnt residue.
• Scrub the pan: After the waiting period, use a scouring pad, preferably a green pad or a metal scouring pad, to scrub the burnt areas vigorously. You can also use a sponge or a brush for this step.
• Rinse the pan: Once you've removed most of the burnt residue, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to wash away any remaining soap and debris.
• Repeat if necessary: Depending on the thickness and severity of the burnt pie filling, you may need to repeat this process more than once.

Remember to always exercise caution when handling cleaning products and burnt cookware. It's advisable to wear rubber gloves and protect your eyes and skin from any splashes. Additionally, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and warnings on the product label before use.

Frequently asked questions