Pan Cleaning: Removing Stubborn Char For A Sparkling Finish

Burnt pans are a common occurrence in the kitchen, but the blackened, crusty, burnt food in the bottom of a pan can be removed with some simple home remedies. The key to removing char from a pan is to loosen the burnt-on food and scrub it away. This can be done in several ways, using common household items such as baking soda, vinegar, lemons, dishwasher tablets, dryer sheets, or aluminum foil. These methods are suitable for different types of pans, including stainless steel, enamel, and cast iron, but it is important to avoid using abrasive cleaners and scouring supplies on non-stick surfaces. With the right tools and techniques, even the most badly burnt pan can be saved.

Deglaze with hot water

Deglazing is a fundamental cooking technique used to extract flavour from the browned bits of food stuck to the bottom of a pan after sautéing, searing, or roasting. This process not only adds depth and complexity to dishes but also helps create rich sauces and gravies.

To deglaze with hot water, follow these steps:

• After sautéing or roasting a piece of meat, fish, or vegetables, remove it from the pan and pour off any extra fat. There will be little bits of food stuck to the bottom; usually quite cooked.
• Pour in a quarter cup or so of hot water (enough to cover the bottom of the pan by ¼ inch or less).
• With the pan on medium to medium-high heat, scrape the bottom with a wooden or silicone spoon or spatula vigorously as the water comes to a boil.
• Let the water boil briefly, until it’s reduced but not completely evaporated. As it boils, continue to stir until you’ve released all those tasty browned bits from the pan.
• If you are deglazing with alcohol, be sure to continue cooking until the alcohol has cooked off — you can tell this has happened when the liquid becomes syrupy, and the alcohol smell has disappeared (it should smell sweet and mellow).
• Once the fond is dispersed throughout the liquid, turn down the heat.

Scrub with a dishwasher tablet

If you have charred remains in your pan, you can use a dishwasher tablet to scrub it off. First, wet the dishwasher tablet in warm water and start rubbing it on the bottom of the pan, focusing on the burnt areas. Make sure to wear gloves while doing this. It might take a while for the tablet to start breaking down, so you may need to heat up the water a bit more. Scrub in circular motions and go over the really burnt parts. The water will turn dark brown as it moves around the pan and the dishwasher tablet will also change colour. Once the tablet has completely dissolved, let the pans sit for about 10 minutes, then wash the pans in hot soapy water as normal.

Soak with a dryer sheet

If you've burnt something in a pan, don't panic! There's a simple solution that will save you from scrubbing: dryer sheets.

Here's what you need to do:

• Fill your pan with warm water. You want the water level to be just enough to cover the burnt-on food.
• Place a single dryer sheet in the water. You can add a couple of drops of liquid dish soap at this point if you like.
• Let the pan soak for at least 15 minutes. If the burnt-on food is particularly stubborn, you can leave it to soak overnight.
• Remove and discard the dryer sheet.
• Pour out the water.
• Use a sponge or scrubber to clean the pan as normal.

The silicone coating on the dryer sheet will help to soften the burnt-on food, making it easier to wipe or scrub away. This method is safe to use on non-stick surfaces and won't harm the finish of your pans.

If your pan is still dirty after following these steps, you can repeat the process or try combining the dryer sheet method with another cleaning technique, such as using baking soda or vinegar.

Boil lemons in the pan

Boiling lemons in the pan is an effective way to remove char from your pan. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Lemons

Cut two to five lemons into quarters, depending on the size of your pan. The number of lemons you need may vary depending on the severity of the charring and the size of your pan. Generally, you will want to ensure that the lemons are fully submerged in the water when you add them to the pan in the next step.

Step 2: Boil the Lemons

Fill the pan with water and place the lemon quarters in the water. Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil. You may want to cover the pan with a lid to prevent the water from evaporating too quickly. Boil the lemons for around five minutes. The acid in the lemons will help to break down the charred food particles, making them easier to remove.

Step 3: Remove the Lemons and Water

After boiling the lemons for a few minutes, carefully remove the lemon quarters from the pan and discard them. Then, pour out the water. You may want to use oven mitts or tongs to protect your hands from the hot water and steam.

Step 4: Scrape and Scrub the Pan

Use a wooden spatula or spoon to gently scrape away any remaining burnt-on food. The boiling lemons should have loosened the charred particles, making them easier to remove. If necessary, you can add a small amount of dish soap and use a scouring pad or brush to scrub away any remaining residue. Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water.

Tips and Variations:

• For an even more intensive cleaning solution, you can combine the lemon method with baking soda. Before boiling the lemons, sprinkle some baking soda into the pan. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and has alkaline properties, which can help neutralize acidic burnt foods. The combination of baking soda and lemon juice may create a fizzing reaction, which is normal and can help loosen burnt-on food.
• If you are concerned about the lemon juice damaging the finish of your pan, you can try using lemon essential oil instead of fresh lemons. Add a few drops of lemon essential oil to the water before boiling.
• Always exercise caution when handling hot water and lemons to avoid burns.

Scrub with a ball of aluminium foil

If you've tried other options that haven't quite worked, aluminium foil might be the best cleaning method to remove stubborn stains. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Create a Baking Soda Paste

Cover the burnt spot with baking soda and add enough water to create a paste. The paste should be thick enough to fully coat the burnt area.

Step 2: Scrub the Stain

Using a handful of aluminium foil, scrub the burnt area until you start to dissolve the particles. You should begin to see the burnt pieces break away within a few minutes. You might have to scrub thoroughly, but you shouldn't need to apply too much pressure—just enough to dislodge any remaining debris.

Step 3: Rinse With Soap

Once you've removed all the stains, rinse your pan with warm water and soap to remove the excess baking soda. Dry it with a clean washcloth.

Tips:

• This method is very abrasive and should not be used on non-stick pans or seasoned cast iron pans.
• You can use the same ball of foil to clean a few pans.
• This method is best for enamel-coated, aluminium, or stainless steel cookware.

Frequently asked questions