Stain Removal Tricks For Pots And Pans

Removing stains from pots and pans can be a tricky task, especially if you're dealing with stubborn, burnt-on food. The good news is that there are several effective methods you can try, and many of them use inexpensive, readily available household products. Here are some tips and tricks to get your cookware looking like new again.

Deglaze with hot water

Deglazing is a great way to remove stains from your pots and pans. The technique combines the power of heat and abrasion to remove burns and can be used on almost any material. Here is a step-by-step guide to deglazing with hot water:

Step 1: Remove Loose Debris

Start by scraping out excess oil with a spatula or wiping it out with a paper towel. It is important to get rid of as much food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Add Hot Water

Next, deglaze the pan by adding some hot water. Cleaning a hot pan is easier, and pouring hot water into it won't cause any damage.

Step 3: Deglaze

As the water simmers, use a wooden spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening any bits of burnt food.

Step 4: Pour Out the Water

Pour the water into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan.

Step 5: Add Baking Soda

Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and let the pan cool. Baking soda is great for cleaning burnt pots as it has mild abrasive properties, and its alkaline pH can help neutralise acidic burnt foods.

Step 6: Scrub the Pan

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.

Tips:

• Always let your pan cool down before fully submerging it in cool water. A sudden change in temperature (called thermal shock) can cause a still-hot pan to warp.
• Protect your hands with a towel or oven mitt when handling hot pans.
• For tougher stains, you can make a paste with baking soda and water and leave it on the stain overnight before scrubbing it off the next day.
• For cast iron pans, avoid using water, soap, or acidic items such as vinegar or lemon juice, as these can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning.

Use vinegar

Vinegar is a great multi-purpose cleaner and can be used as a disinfectant, a non-toxic glass cleaner, and a disinfectant. It is highly acidic, with a pH of between two and three, which means it is adept at breaking down cooking-related stains on pots and pans.

To use vinegar to clean your pots and pans, first, pour a small layer of equal parts water and vinegar into the bottom of the burnt pot or pan. Heat this diluted vinegar on the stove and allow it to come to a boil. After it has boiled for a minute, remove it from the heat and drain the vinegar down the sink.

You can also use vinegar to remove discoloration from your pans, especially if they are stainless steel. Simply wash your pan with vinegar and rinse with water to remove the discolouration. You can also make a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water and boil this in the affected pot or pan. Allow the mixture to cool, then empty the pan and wash as normal.

If you are going to use vinegar on tough spots, it is recommended that you dilute it first. Always be mindful of the materials of your pots and pans before you attempt to clean them with vinegar. For example, you shouldn't use vinegar on cast iron, as it could cause damage known as "pitting" if left on too long.

You can also use vinegar to clean appliances. For example, to clean the inside of your dishwasher, place a dishwasher-safe container with one cup of vinegar on the top rack and start a hot cycle. After the cycle ends, sprinkle baking soda along the bottom of the dishwasher and then run a short wash cycle. This will remove hard water build-up and eliminate any lingering odours.

Use baking soda

Baking soda is a versatile, natural cleaner that can be used to remove tough stains from pots and pans. It has mild abrasive properties and its alkaline pH can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. It is also non-toxic and inexpensive.

To use baking soda to remove stains from your pots and pans, start by sprinkling a liberal amount of baking soda onto the burnt-on food or stains. Next, rub the baking soda into the stain. For more resistant stains, sprinkle the pan with baking soda and then add a little water. Bring the water to a boil for 5 to 10 minutes.

For extra cleaning power, add a small amount of white distilled or apple cider vinegar to the mix before boiling. Sprinkle the pot or pan with about a tablespoon of baking soda, add a cup of water and 1/2 cup of vinegar, then boil the mixture for 10 minutes. The food or stain should wipe away easily once cooled.

For burnt stainless steel or aluminium pans, you can also try the deglazing technique. First, 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 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.

For non-stick, ceramic, or cast iron pans, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water. Then, add enough baking soda to create a paste. Let the mixture sit for several hours or overnight, then scrub with warm water and a non-stick surface-safe sponge or nylon brush. For particularly stubborn stains, bring a solution of 1/2 cup water and 4 tablespoons of baking soda to a boil in the pan. Remove from heat and let the pan rest until it is cool. Add more baking soda and scrub with a non-stick surface-safe sponge or nylon brush.

Use salt

Salt is a great natural cleaner for your pots and pans. It is abrasive enough to scrub away burnt-on food without scratching your cookware.

To clean your burnt pots and pans using salt, you can use a combination of salt, lemon, and vinegar. Sprinkle salt onto the burnt pot or pan, squeeze lemon juice over the salt, and add vinegar until the bottom of the pan is covered. Bring the mixture to a boil. Turn the heat to low and add baking soda. Remove the pan from the heat as soon as the liquid evaporates. Wash the pan with water.

Be careful not to burn yourself with the steam when you pour water over the hot pan. If necessary, repeat the procedure.

You can also use salt and hot water to clean your pans. Simply sprinkle salt onto the bottom of your pan and use a scrubber to work the salt into the grime.

However, it is important to note that repeated cleaning with salt or saltwater can lead to pitting in stainless steel.

Use dryer sheets

If you're looking for a way to clean your pots and pans without the elbow grease, dryer sheets may be the answer to your prayers. This method is particularly effective for scorched pots, burned pans, and glass bakeware.

Here's how to do it:

First, pour some warm water into the dirty dish. Then, place a dryer sheet on the surface of the water and let it sit. You can leave it for 10-15 minutes or even overnight if the mess is particularly baked-in. The conditioners in the dryer sheet will help to de-grease your dishes and pans. Finally, wipe the dish with a wet sponge. The caked-on grease and food should lift easily, even with the soft side of the sponge.

It's important to note that, after cleaning with the dryer sheet, you should wash the pan as usual with soap and water.

Frequently asked questions