A Clean Pan: Removing Stuck-On Food And Stains

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are many ways to clean them. Here are some methods to try:

- Baking soda and vinegar method: Fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar, bring to a boil, then add baking soda. Remove from heat, let it soak, then scrub away the burnt bits.

- Boiled lemons method: Cut lemons and place them in the pan with water, then bring to a boil. Discard the lemons and water, then scrub the pan.

- Aluminum foil and baking soda method: Rinse the pan, then sprinkle with baking soda. Add water to form a paste, then scrub with a ball of aluminum foil.

- Dishwasher tablet method: Rinse the pan with hot water, then scrub with a dishwasher tablet.

- Baking soda and dishwashing liquid method: Mix baking soda, warm water, and dishwashing liquid, then let the pan soak. Scrub the pan and rinse.

- Alka-Seltzer method: Add Alka-Seltzer tablets and hot water to the pan, then let it sit. Pour out the solution, add hot water and dishwashing liquid, then scrub the pan.

- Dryer sheet method: Add hot water and a dryer sheet to the pan, then let it soak. Use the dryer sheet to wipe away the food.

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Add Water to the Pan

Cover the bottom of the pan with water, using just enough to cover the bottom surface by about an inch. Be careful not to fill the pan entirely to avoid boiling over. The amount of water needed will depend on the size of your pan.

Step 2: Bring the Water to a Boil

Place the pan on the stove and heat it up until the water starts to lightly boil. This will help loosen any baked-on food residue.

Step 3: Transfer the Pan to the Sink

Once the water is boiling, carefully transfer the pan to the sink without dumping out the water. Use oven mitts if necessary to protect your hands from the hot pan.

Step 4: Add Vinegar

Pour one cup of white vinegar into the hot water in the pan. Vinegar is an excellent natural ingredient for cleaning as it helps neutralise odours and loosen any stuck-on food. If you don't have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar will also work.

Step 5: Add Baking Soda

Add two tablespoons of baking soda to the pan. The baking soda and vinegar will start to bubble and fizz as they react with each other. This chemical reaction creates a powerful foaming cleaner that can effectively remove stains and burnt-on food.

Step 6: Let it Sit

Let the mixture fizz and work its magic for a few minutes while the pan cools down. The reaction between the vinegar and baking soda will help lift caked-on food residue, making it easier to scrub away.

Step 7: Scrub the Pan

Using the scouring side of a sponge, scrub the inside of the pan vigorously, focusing on any stained or scorched areas. You'll be surprised at how effectively this combination removes grime! Remember to avoid getting the fizzing mixture in your eyes.

Step 8: Empty and Wash the Pan

Once you're done scrubbing, empty the pan by dumping out the mixture into the sink. Rinse the pan with hot water and wash it with dish soap and a clean sponge or scrubber. Finally, dry the pan with a clean dish towel.

Tips:

• For more resistant stains, you can create a baking soda paste by sprinkling the pan with baking soda and adding a little water. Let it sit for a few minutes or even overnight for tough stains, then scrub and wash as usual.
• Avoid using baking soda and vinegar on non-stick, Teflon, or anodized aluminium pans as it may damage the coating.
• Always exercise caution when handling hot pans and boiling water to prevent burns.

Boiling lemons

First, chop two or three lemons into quarters, eighths, or slices. The key is to have enough pieces to cover the bottom of the pan. Next, fill the pan with water, ensuring that the water covers the burnt area. Then, bring the water to a rolling boil and leave it to boil for around five to ten minutes, or until you see food particles floating to the surface.

After boiling, turn off the heat and allow the water to cool. This may take a while. Once the water has cooled, pour it, along with the lemons, down the drain. If there are any leftover burnt pieces, they can be easily scrubbed away with some dish soap and a brush or scouring pad. Finally, rinse out the pot, and it should be as good as new!

This method is ideal for stainless steel and enamel pots and pans. It may not be suitable for non-stick cookware, as it could damage the protective coating. Additionally, if using this method on a cast-iron pan, the pan will need to be re-seasoned afterward.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, follow these steps:

• Wet the surface of the pan.
• Make a paste using Bar Keepers Friend and water.
• Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to the pan.
• Let the paste sit for one minute, but do not let it sit for longer.
• Rub the paste in a circular motion from the centre outward.
• Wash the pan in hot soapy water.
• Rinse and repeat as needed.

For very tarnished or greasy pans, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool. Once you've mostly cleared the surface of the pan, switch to a soft sponge or cloth.

• Set the pot or pan bottom-up in the sink.
• Sprinkle the bottom with water.
• Shake Bar Keepers Friend all around the bottom.
• Scrub in a circular motion.
• Rinse and repeat as needed.

Dishwasher tablets

Step 1:

Rinse the pan with hot water. Make sure the pan is not too hot before you start.

Step 2:

Add a small amount of water to the pan—just enough to cover the burnt-on area.

Step 3:

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. The hot water will help loosen the burnt-on food.

Step 4:

Remove the pan from the heat source and allow the water to cool down. You can speed up the cooling process by running cold water over the pan.

Step 5:

Once the water is cool enough to handle, use a dishwasher tablet to scrub the burnt-on food. The combination of the tablet and the hot water will help lift the stains.

Step 6:

Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue from the dishwasher tablet.

Step 7:

If necessary, repeat the process for any stubborn spots. You can also use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the pan and remove any remaining burnt-on food.

Tips:

• It is recommended to use gloves when handling dishwasher tablets, as they can be harsh on the skin.
• This method is not suitable for non-stick or cast iron cookware. For these types of pans, you may want to consider other cleaning methods, such as using baking soda and vinegar or aluminium foil.
• For extremely burnt-on food, you may need to use multiple dishwasher tablets.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove burnt-on food from your pans using dishwasher tablets, leaving them clean and ready for your next cooking adventure!

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Step 1: Prepare the pan

Cover the burnt area with 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and add a bit of water to make a paste.

Step 2: Scrub with aluminium foil

Crumple up some aluminium foil and use it to scrub the paste all around the pan until all food bits and stained areas are clean.

Step 3: Rinse the pan

Rinse the pan with warm soapy water.

Tips:

• You may need to repeat the process for very burnt-on food.
• This method is not suitable for non-stick or painted pans as the foil will scratch off the coating.
• You can use the same ball of foil to clean several pans.

Frequently asked questions