Clean Your Cookware: Removing Marks From Pots And Pans

Burnt pots and pans are a common problem for home cooks, but there are several ways to tackle the issue. Some methods use household products like baking soda, vinegar, lemons, ketchup, and dishwasher tablets, while others rely on commercial cleaning products like Bar Keepers Friend. The best method will depend on the type of pan and the severity of the burn marks. For example, while baking soda and vinegar can be effective for mild scorching, more stubborn stains may require a product like Bar Keepers Friend, which contains oxalic acid. Always remember to follow safety precautions and avoid using abrasive materials on non-stick pans.

Using ketchup

Ketchup can be used to clean scorch marks from pots and pans, especially copper-bottomed pans. The citric acid and vinegar in ketchup help to dissolve copper oxide, which is what makes copper-bottomed pans look tarnished.

To use ketchup to clean your pots and pans, squeeze out a little bit of ketchup and rub the burned area gently using a dishwashing sponge. Be careful not to use too much force when rubbing, as this can scratch the surface of the pan. Once you start to see the original shine of the pan coming through, rinse the ketchup off.

Ketchup can also be used to clean stainless steel, cast iron, brass, and silver.

Boiling water

Step 1: Scrub Away Food Residue

Start by scrubbing away as much food residue as possible from the pot or pan using a non-abrasive scrubber. This step ensures that large pieces of burnt food are removed before proceeding with the boiling water treatment.

Step 2: Add Water and Dish Soap

Fill the pot or pan with water until the stuck-on food is completely submerged. Adding a bit of dish soap to the water can also help in the cleaning process. Dish soap has surfactants that can help break down grease and grime, making it easier to remove.

Step 3: Bring the Water to a Boil

Place the pot or pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Let the water come to a rolling boil and maintain it for about 5 to 7 minutes. The heat from the boiling water will help loosen the leftover food, making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Remove from Heat and Cool Down

After boiling, remove the pot or pan from the stove and set it aside to cool down. This step is important as it allows the water to return to room temperature and makes it safe to handle. Be patient during this step to avoid any accidents or burns.

Step 5: Scrape Away Loosened Food

Once the water has cooled down, carefully pour it out. Use a plastic spatula or wooden spoon to gently scrape away any large burned bits that are now loosened. Be careful not to scratch or damage the surface of the cookware.

Step 6: Sprinkle Baking Soda (Optional)

For extra cleaning power, sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the wet pan. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can help remove stubborn stains. It also has mild alkaline properties that can neutralize acids and break down grease.

Step 7: Scrub Away Remaining Stains

Proceed to scrub any remaining stains with a cookware-safe dish sponge or scouring pad. You can also use a soft cloth or non-abrasive scrubber for more delicate surfaces. The combination of boiling water, dish soap, and baking soda should make it easier to remove the marks and stains from your pots and pans.

Tips for Using Boiling Water to Remove Marks:

• Always use non-abrasive scrubbers or sponges when cleaning to avoid scratching the surface of your cookware, especially for non-stick coatings.
• For extremely burnt-on food, you may need to repeat the boiling water process or try a different cleaning method.
• If using a commercial cleaner, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and test on a small area first to ensure it is safe for your cookware.
• Always exercise caution when handling boiling water to prevent burns or accidents.

Baking soda and vinegar

First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Next, fill the pan with enough water to cover the bottom of the pan, and bring it to a boil. Then, add a cup of vinegar to the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add a cup of baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction, so it might be best to do this in the sink. Set the pot aside and wait for the fizzing to stop. Once the reaction has stopped, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary. Finally, rinse and dry the pan as normal.

If there are any stubborn marks that don't come off with scouring, make a paste with baking soda and a few drops of water. Leave the paste on the marks for a while, and then clean as normal.

Dishwasher tablets

Step 1: Rinse your dirty pan with hot water. This will help to remove any loose food particles and grease. You can use a sponge or scrubber to gently remove any stuck-on food.

Step 2: Cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and place it on the stove. Turn the heat on low and warm the water for a few moments. You don't need to bring it to a boil, just enough to help loosen the burnt-on food.

Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat source. Be sure to use oven mitts or pot holders to protect your hands from the hot pan. Now it's time to grab your dishwasher tablet!

Step 4: Scrape the dishwasher tablet across the burnt areas of the pan. You can remove the plastic coating from the tablet if there is one. Rub the tablet in small circles, applying a gentle amount of pressure. You should see the burnt-on food starting to lift and come off the pan. The tablet will start to dissolve as you scrub, which is normal.

Step 5: Rinse the pan with warm, soapy water. You can use a sponge or scrubber to remove any remaining residue. If necessary, you can repeat the process, but it usually only takes one dishwasher tablet to do the trick!

Lemon juice

Step 1: Remove Burnt Food and Debris

Use a spatula or scraper to remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Add Water and Lemon Juice

Fill the pan with a thin layer of water and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. You can also cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scrub the pan.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the bottom of the pan. The combination of the acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda will create a fizzing reaction, which is normal and effective.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

Use a scouring sponge, nylon brush, or polycarbonate plastic scraper to scrub the pan vigorously. The more elbow grease you apply, the better the results.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

Rinse the pan with clean water. For stubborn stains, repeat the process, or try leaving the lemon juice and baking soda mixture on the pan for a few hours or overnight before scrubbing again.

Tips:

• Lemon juice is also great for cleaning the outside of copper or copper-bottomed pans.
• For extra shine, rub half a lemon around the bottom and sides of stainless steel cookware after cleaning, then rinse and air-dry.
• Lemon juice can also be used in combination with other natural ingredients like vinegar or salt for extra cleaning power.
• Always test any new cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous portion of your pan to ensure it won't damage the surface.

Frequently asked questions