Salvaging Scorched Stainless Steel

Burnt stainless steel pans are a common problem for many cooks, but there's no need to panic. Despite the name, stainless steel can withstand scorching and discolouration, and these stains are rarely permanent. There are several household products that can be used to clean a burnt stainless steel pan, such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon, salt, and cream of tartar.

Baking soda and water

If your stainless steel pan is burnt, don't panic! While it may seem like your pan is ruined, these stains are rarely permanent. One way to tackle this issue is by using baking soda and water.

First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, make a paste with baking soda and water. You will need 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Make sure to make enough to cover the scorched portion of the pan. For a pot bottom, try 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water.

Next, liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to fully coat the affected area. Alternatively, you can cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then add enough baking soda to create a paste.

Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight. If you don't want to wait, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then place the pan on the stove and bring it to a boil. However, be careful not to let it burn again! Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool before wiping or scrubbing to remove the burnt bits.

After letting the paste sit, add more baking soda and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. You can also use a wooden spatula or scraper to help remove the burnt food. Wash and dry the pan as you normally would once all the stains and scorched bits are gone.

Baking soda is an excellent choice for cleaning burnt pans because of its mild abrasive properties and alkaline pH, which can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. It is also readily available in most kitchens, making it a convenient and effective solution for removing burn stains from stainless steel pans.

Vinegar and baking soda

Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning your burnt stainless steel pan using vinegar and baking soda:

Step 1: Remove Debris

Start by removing as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. You can use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape away any stuck-on food bits.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar and Water

In the affected pan, add one cup of water or a mixture of half water and half white vinegar. Turn on the stove and bring the liquid to a boil. You can adjust the amount of liquid depending on the size of your pan.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening bits of burnt food. Pour the liquid down the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan.

Step 4: Add Baking Soda

Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and let the pan cool. You can also add the baking soda to the hot liquid in the pan, which will create a fizzing reaction. However, it is recommended to do this step in the sink as the reaction can be quite intense.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pan vigorously to remove any remaining burnt bits and stains. If needed, add more baking soda to the pan and scrub again.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once your pan is clean, rinse it with warm water and dry it thoroughly.

Tips:

• Always let your stainless steel pan cool down before cleaning to avoid warping.
• Avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach on your stainless steel pans, as they can damage the surface.
• For everyday cleanup, scrub your pan with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.

Dishwasher tablet

If you've burnt your stainless steel pan, don't panic! It can be saved with a dishwasher tablet, water, and a little elbow grease. Here's a step-by-step guide to rescuing your pan:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the burnt pan. You just need enough to cover the affected area. Turn on the stove and heat the water gently. You don't need to bring it to a boil; low heat will do.

Step 2: Scour with the Dishwasher Tablet

Once the water is warm, turn off the heat. Take a dishwasher tablet and, with a gloved hand, begin to gently scrub it over the burnt areas of the pan. The burnt-on food should start to lift immediately. You may find that the tablet works as both detergent and scouring pad, so there's no need to reach for a sponge or scourer.

Step 3: Rinse and Wash

After a few minutes of gentle scrubbing, your pan should be looking much cleaner. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue from the dishwasher tablet. Then, wash the pan with warm, soapy water as you usually would.

Tips and Tricks:

• This method is most effective when using Finish Powerball Tablets/Tabs. Other tablets may yield different results.
• It's best to leave the plastic coating on the dishwasher tablet while scrubbing. The warm water will gradually dissolve the tablet, helping it keep its shape and preventing it from crumbling between your fingers.
• For heavily burnt pans, you may need to use two or more dishwasher tablets to get the job done.
• Always test this method on a small, inconspicuous portion of the pan first to ensure it won't damage the surface. This method is intended for stainless steel cookware and not those with non-stick coatings.
• Remember to wear gloves to protect your hands when handling the dishwasher tablet.

So, next time you burn your stainless steel pan, don't despair. Grab a dishwasher tablet and get to work! Your pan will be looking as good as new in no time.

Boiled lemons

To clean your pan using boiled lemons, follow these steps:

• Cut two or three lemons in half and put them in the pan.
• Fill the pan with water and bring it to a boil.
• Let the lemons simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until you start to see food particles float to the surface.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Throw out the lemons and water.
• Using a scouring pad, rinse and remove any leftover residue.

If there are still some burnt pieces stuck to the pan, add more baking soda and water (make a paste) and let it sit for a few minutes, then wash again with a scouring pad and dish soap.

Lemon juice is also a great way to keep your stainless steel pans shiny. Simply squeeze some lemon juice into the pan and rub it around. This method is especially effective at removing heat bloom (the rainbow discolouration) or a cloudy layer that can form on stainless steel pans.

Another method that uses lemons is to combine lemon juice with cream of tartar, which contains potassium hydroxide and tartaric acid. Slather your pan with a mixture of lemon juice, cream of tartar, and water, and let it soak overnight. In the morning, wipe the pan clean.

There are many other methods to clean a burnt stainless steel pan, including using baking soda and water, cola, lime juice and salt, dish soap and water, vinegar and baking soda, salt, dishwasher tablets, dryer sheets, club soda or Coca Cola, and commercial cleaners.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Burnt stainless steel pans can be unsightly, but they are rarely permanently damaged. Stains and discolouration can be removed with a few household items and a bit of elbow grease. One method that can be used to clean burnt stainless steel pans is aluminium foil and baking soda.

First, rinse the dirty pan in hot water and drain it. Then, sprinkle the pan with 2 tablespoons of baking soda and add a few teaspoons of hot water to make a paste. Next, scrub the paste all around the pan with a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil until all burnt debris is removed. Finally, rinse the pan with warm soapy water.

This method can be repeated until the pan is clean, and the same ball of foil can be used to clean multiple pans. This is a quick and easy way to clean burnt stainless steel pans, and it is also a great way to get extra use out of a piece of foil before recycling it.

Another method that can be used to clean burnt stainless steel pans is baking soda and vinegar. This method is more heavy-duty and involves a few more steps, but it is still an effective way to clean burnt pans with household items. First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, add enough vinegar to the pan to cover the bottom with at least 0.5 inches of liquid. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda—this will cause a fizzing reaction, so it is best to do this in the sink. Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing to stop. Finally, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary.

Both of these methods are effective ways to clean burnt stainless steel pans with household items. They are cheap, convenient, and environmentally friendly alternatives to purchasing specialised cleaning products.

Frequently asked questions