Easy Ways To Remove Crust From Your Pan

Burnt pans are a common occurrence in the kitchen, and removing the crust can be a challenging task. The good news is that there are several effective methods to tackle this problem and restore your pan to its former glory. The key is to act quickly and choose the right cleaning agents and tools to avoid permanent damage to your cookware. Here are some of the most popular techniques to remove that stubborn crust from your pan.

Soak the pan in hot water

Soaking a pan in hot water is an effective way to remove burnt crust, but it's important to let the pan cool down first to avoid thermal shock, which can ruin your pan.

If you've just finished cooking, let the pan cool down gradually on the stove. If you need to free up space, place the pan on a trivet or another heat-proof surface. If you're using a granite countertop, make sure to wipe it down first so the pan doesn't sit in a puddle of water.

Once the pan has cooled to room temperature, fill it with hot water and let it soak. You can also add a squirt of dish soap to the water to help loosen food particles. Let the pan soak for at least an hour, or even overnight if there's a lot of crust to remove.

If the crust is still not coming off, you can bring the water to a boil in the pan to further loosen the burnt-on food. Then, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool before rinsing.

For stubborn stains, you can also try making a paste with baking soda and a couple of drops of water. Apply the paste all over the pan and let it sit for several hours before scrubbing.

Remember to be especially careful when dealing with thin non-stick pans and cookware made with glass or stoneware, as these materials are the most susceptible to thermal shock.

Use a non-abrasive sponge

Using a non-abrasive sponge is a great way to clean your pan without damaging the surface. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Soak the Pan

Firstly, fill your pan with hot water. If there are pieces of food stuck to the pan, letting the pan soak for 10 to 15 minutes will help to loosen them. This is an important step because it will make the cleaning process easier and reduce the risk of damaging the pan's surface.

Step 2: Add Dish Soap

Once the pan has soaked, pour out the water and add some dish soap to the pan and your sponge. The dish soap will help to break down any remaining oil, grease, and pieces of burnt food. Using a liquid dish soap, such as Dawn, is recommended.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

Now, it's time to scrub! Using the non-abrasive sponge, gently rub the surface of the pan in a circular motion. Be careful not to scrub too hard, especially if your pan has a delicate coating, as this can cause scratches and damage. Pay extra attention to the burnt areas and use the sponge to scrub them clean.

Step 4: Rinse and Repeat if Necessary

Rinse the pan under water to remove any remaining soap and residue. If there are still some stubborn spots, don't worry! Simply repeat the process, or try using a little bit of kosher salt and water to make a paste, and gently dislodge the burnt spots with your sponge. Remember to always be gentle to avoid scratching the pan's surface.

Tips:

• Always let the pan cool down before cleaning it to avoid thermal shock, which can warp your pan.
• Avoid using abrasive scrubbers, metal sponges, or harsh cleansers, as these can damage the pan's surface.
• For non-stick pans, avoid putting them in the dishwasher, as the high heat and harsh detergents can damage the coating.

Try a natural cleaning method

Natural cleaning methods are a great way to remove burnt crust from your pans without the use of harsh chemicals. Here are some effective techniques to try:

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Fill your pan with equal parts water and vinegar and bring the mixture to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Let the pan soak for up to 15 minutes, then discard the liquid. Scrub away any remaining burnt bits with a sponge or scouring pad. If spots remain, make a paste with baking soda and a small amount of water, apply it to the pan, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again. This method works well for most types of pans, including stainless steel.

Lemon and Water

Slice two to three lemons and place them in your dirty pan. Add enough water to just barely cover the lemons and bring the mixture to a boil for 5-8 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool. Discard the lemons and rinse the pan with hot water. Use a scouring pad or brush to remove any remaining stuck-on bits. Lemon juice works great for treating stains in aluminum cookware.

Baking Soda and Dishwashing Liquid

Mix half a cup of baking soda, half a cup of warm water, and a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid. Soak the pan in this solution for 30 to 60 minutes. Scrub the pan with a plastic scrubber, paying attention to the curves and corners. Rinse the pan and repeat the process if necessary. This method is suitable for aluminum, stainless steel, enamel-coated, and copper pans but should be avoided for cast iron.

Alka-Seltzer and Hot Water

Add enough hot water to your pan to cover the burned area and drop in three to four Alka-Seltzer tablets. Allow the tablets to fizz and break down the burnt-on food for about an hour. Then, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid and use a scrubber to clean the pan. This method is suitable for all types of pots and pans but should be avoided for cast iron.

Dryer Sheet and Hot Water

Add hot water to your pan to cover the burnt-on food and place a dryer sheet in the water. Let the pan soak for at least an hour or overnight for tough, stubborn residue. Use the dryer sheet to wipe away the food without harming the finish of non-stick surfaces. This method is great for removing chemical residue.

Use a dishwasher tablet

Dishwasher tablets are a great way to remove burnt-on food and stains from your pots and pans. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use dishwasher tablets to clean your pans:

Step 1: Fill your pan with water

Cover the bottom of your pan with water. For larger pans, fill the pan with water halfway.

Step 2: Add a dishwasher tablet

Drop a single dishwasher tablet into the pan. Make sure to use a powdered dishwasher tablet, not a liquid one.

Step 3: Boil the water

Place the pan on the stove and heat it on medium to high heat. Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for about two minutes. This will help to dissolve the burnt-on food and grime.

Step 4: Cool the water

Remove the pan from the heat source and let the water cool down. It is important to let the water cool before proceeding to the next step to avoid any burns.

Step 5: Scrub the pan

Once the water is cool enough to touch, use a brush or sponge to scrub away any remaining burnt-on food or stains. You can also use a scouring pad or a heavy-duty scrub sponge for this step.

Step 6: Rinse and wash the pan

After scrubbing, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue. Finally, wash the pan with warm soapy water as you normally would.

Tips:

• If you have a particularly stubborn patch of burnt-on food, you can try using a whole dishwasher tablet. However, keep in mind that this is not very environmentally friendly and can be hard on your wallet.
• For non-stick pans, avoid using abrasive cleaners and scouring pads as they can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the pan.
• Always wear gloves when handling dishwasher tablets and hot water to protect your skin.

Try the deglazing technique

Deglazing is a cooking technique used to remove the crust from a pan while also creating a flavoursome sauce. It involves adding liquid to a hot pan to remove the brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan after cooking meat, poultry, or vegetables.

Step 1:

First, cook your meat, fish, or vegetables in the pan. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and pour out any excess fat. You should be left with a good amount of browned bits at the bottom of the pan. It is important to note that you should not let the pan burn; it should be hot enough to create a fond but not too hot that it burns.

Step 2:

Now, it's time to deglaze! Turn the heat up to high and immediately pour a small amount of cold liquid into the pan. You can use various liquids for deglazing, including water, broth, wine, vinegar, or juice. Avoid using dairy products as they may curdle. Wine is a popular choice as it adds a wonderful flavour to pan sauces, especially for steaks and red meats.

Step 3:

As you add the liquid, use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. The boiling motion of the liquid will help lift the fond away from the pan. Continue to stir vigorously until you've released all the tasty browned bits.

Step 4:

Let the liquid boil briefly until it's reduced but not completely evaporated. If you are deglazing with wine or alcohol, continue cooking until the alcohol has cooked off. You'll know it's ready when the liquid becomes syrupy and the alcohol smell has disappeared, leaving a sweet and mellow aroma.

Step 5:

Finally, turn down the heat and cook until the liquid has evaporated and the sauce has reached your desired thickness.

And that's it! You've successfully deglazed your pan and created a delicious sauce. Not only does this technique add depth and complexity to your dishes, but it also makes cleaning your pan a breeze.

Frequently asked questions