Scrub Away Burns: Revive Your Blackened Pans

Burnt pans are a common problem, but they can be cleaned without too much effort. There are several methods to clean a burnt pan, some of which use household products like baking soda, vinegar, lemons, and dishwasher tablets. The effectiveness of each method may vary depending on the type of pan and the severity of the burn. It is important to note that different methods are suitable for different types of pans, such as stainless steel, non-stick, or cast iron. Before attempting to clean a burnt pan, it is recommended to check the finish and avoid using abrasive scrubbers on non-stick pans to prevent scratches.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean a burnt pan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

• First, remove as much of the burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Next, fill the pan with enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least half an inch of liquid. Do not dilute the vinegar with water.
• Bring the vinegar to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let the vinegar cool slightly.
• Add about 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the pan. This will cause a fizzing reaction, so it might be best to do this in the sink.
• Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling has stopped.
• Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring pad, adding more baking soda as necessary.
• Rinse and dry the pan.

This method works because baking soda has mildly abrasive properties and its alkaline pH can help neutralize acidic burnt foods. When combined with an acid like vinegar, it creates a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food from the pan.

Boiled lemons

To clean a burnt pan using boiled lemons, follow these steps:

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Keep a thin layer of water in the pan.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda.
• Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan with the baking soda slurry. The combination of acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda may cause a slight fizzing reaction, which is a good sign!
• If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to remove the stains and restore its shine.

This method is also effective for removing caked-on debris from cookware. The citric acid in lemons helps break down burnt food stains without the pungent odour of vinegar.

• Cut two or three lemons into quarters or thick slices and place them in the bottom of the pan.
• Add enough water to cover the entire scorched area and bring it to a boil on the stove. You will see the burnt food particles coming off the bottom of the pan as the lemon floats around.
• After about five minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let it soak until the water cools to room temperature.
• Discard the water and lemon pieces.
• Lightly scrub off any remaining grime with a soft sponge.

Using boiled lemons is an excellent, natural way to clean and shine your stainless steel or copper cookware.

Dishwasher tablet

If you have a burnt pan that you need to clean, a dishwasher tablet is an effective solution. This method is simple, quick, and requires minimal scrubbing.

First, cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it on low heat. Then, remove the pan from the heat source. Take a dishwasher tablet and scrape it across the burnt areas of the pan, using small circular motions. The burnt-on food should come off immediately. Rinse the pan with warm soapy water and wash as normal.

This method works because dishwasher tablets contain enzymes that break down starch and proteins in food. The warm water will help the tablet keep its shape as you scrub, but it will also gradually dissolve the tablet, so you don't need to scrub too hard.

This method works best with dishwasher tablets that have a plastic coating, such as Finish Powerball Tablets. It is also a good idea to wear gloves when handling the tablet.

Deglazing technique

The deglazing technique is a simple and effective way to clean a burnt pan and can also be used to create a delicious sauce or glaze. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to deglaze a pan:

Step 1: Prepare your stovetop dish

First, cook your desired food in the pan. This could be anything from searing a steak to sautéing vegetables. Try to avoid burning the food, as this can make the sauce or glaze taste bitter. If the food starts to burn, remove the pan from the heat source and turn down the heat.

Step 2: Remove food and add liquid

Once your food is cooked, remove it from the pan, leaving behind any browned or caramelized bits. Then, while the pan is still hot, add your chosen deglazing liquid. This can be wine, stock, juice, or even water. Wine is an excellent choice for deglazing pans used for red meats, while stock is perfect for soups and stews. If you're just cleaning the pan, water will do the trick!

Step 3: Scrape stuck-on food bits

After adding the liquid, work quickly to scrape and loosen the stuck-on food bits from the bottom of the pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to vigorously scrape the pan.

Step 4: Boil the mixture and reduce to a simmer

Bring the mixture of liquid and food bits to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer to create a more concentrated and potent flavor. If you used alcohol as your deglazing liquid, make sure it is fully evaporated before moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Use the mixture in a sauce or as a glaze

Finally, you can use the deglazed mixture as a sauce or drizzle it over your food as a glaze. You can also add spices or thickening agents to create your desired consistency and flavor profile. For example, if you deglazed a pan after cooking a steak, you could use the mixture to create a rich and creamy mushroom sauce to accompany your meal.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your burnt pan and also create a delicious addition to your meal!

Soak with dishwasher detergent

If your pan is burnt and discoloured, don't lose hope! You can save it by soaking it with dishwasher detergent. Here's what you need to do:

First, remove as much of the burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. You can use a wooden spatula to scrape off the stuck-on food. Next, half-fill the pan with water and add either one dishwasher tablet or one tablespoon of biological washing detergent. Biological washing detergent contains enzymes that are designed to loosen food-based stains. Put the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil, allowing it to simmer for about 10 minutes.

After that, carefully pour the water away and wait for the pan to cool down. Finally, gently scrub the pan with a scouring pad or sponge. The burnt-on bits should come off easily. Give the pan a thorough rinse before using it again.

If you don't have dishwasher tablets or biological washing detergent, you can also use regular dishwashing liquid. Simply add a tablespoon of it to the pan, cover the bottom of the pan with an inch or so of hot water, and press a dryer sheet into the water so that it's completely submerged. Let the pan soak for at least an hour, then rinse it out and rub away any remaining burnt bits with a scouring pad or brush.

Frequently asked questions