Scorched Iron: Scrubbing Off The Scorch Marks

Burnt pans are a common problem for even the most accomplished cooks. Luckily, there are several methods to clean a scorched pan, depending on the type of pan and the severity of the scorching. For example, cast iron skillets require a different technique than non-stick or stainless steel pans. It's important to act quickly, as food stuck on the pan will harden as it cools.

Use baking soda and vinegar

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

Firstly, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, add enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch 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. You will get a fizzing reaction, so it's best to do this in the sink. Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling dies down.

Next, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary. Finally, rinse the pan clean and dry it with a towel.

Baking soda is a great product to use when cleaning burnt pots and pans because it has mild abrasive properties and its alkaline pH can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. It can also combine with an acid like vinegar to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

Use salt

If you've scorched your cast-iron pan, don't panic! It can be easily revived with a simple pantry staple: salt.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by adding warm water to the skillet while it's still warm. Be careful not to add water when the pan is scorching hot, as this can warp the metal.

Step 2: Scrape Off Excess Food

Use a wooden spoon or a soft-bristled brush to remove any excess food that has been loosened by the hot water. Avoid metal scrubbers, as these can damage the cast-iron surface.

Step 3: Apply Salt

For stuck-on food, sprinkle kosher salt onto the affected areas of the pan. The coarse grains of kosher salt provide the traction needed to remove food particles effectively.

Step 4: Scrape and Rinse

Using a flat-ended wooden spoon or spatula, gently scrape the salt and any remaining food residue off the pan. Then, discard the salt and rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining salt or food particles.

Step 5: Dry the Pan

Thoroughly dry your cast-iron pan immediately after rinsing to prevent rusting. The best way to do this is to place the pan on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes, allowing it to dry from the inside out. Alternatively, you can use a dry rag to wipe the pan down.

Step 6: Re-season the Pan

After drying, re-season the pan while it's still hot. Apply a thin layer of cast-iron seasoning oil or a high-heat cooking oil, such as beeswax, canola, or flaxseed oil. Coat the entire skillet, but avoid leaving a thick layer of oil. The pan should retain a matte appearance even when oiled.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your scorched cast-iron pan using salt, restoring it to its former glory.

Use dryer sheets

If you have a scorched iron pan, don't throw it away! You can clean it with a dryer sheet. Here's how:

First, fill the pan with hot water. Make sure you add enough water to cover the scorched area. Next, add a few drops of dish soap to the pan. Then, place a dryer sheet (or fabric softener sheet) on the surface of the water and push it down so that it is completely submerged. Allow the pan to sit for at least an hour, or even overnight for really tough messes. After the allotted time has passed, use a sponge to wipe the dish. You should find that any caked-on grease and food lift off easily. Finally, wash the pan with soap and water as you normally would.

This method works because of the conditioning properties of the dryer sheet, which are released into the water and help to remove the gunk. It's a great way to clean a scorched pan with minimal scrubbing!

You can also try this method with a non-stick pan, but be aware that using the wrong technique to clean stuck-on food from a non-stick pan can damage it.

Use dish soap and hot water

To scrub off a scorched iron pan using dish soap and hot water, follow these steps:

Firstly, fill the pan with enough water to cover the burned area and place it on the stove top. Next, add a squirt of dish soap to the water and turn the burner to high. Once the water reaches a boil, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool down until you can safely handle it.

Now, add a small amount of dish soap to a scrubber and scrub away any loosened grime and burnt food from the pan. Rinse the pan thoroughly with water and dry it with a towel. You can also use a sponge or nylon scrubber to remove burnt-on food.

It is important to note that you should not use this method to clean cast iron. Instead, for cast iron, use a small amount of soap and a pan scraper for stuck-on food. If the food is stubborn, simmer a little water for 3-5 minutes, then use the scraper after the pan has cooled.

Finally, always dry your pan promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. If you notice any black residue on your towel, don't worry, it's just seasoning and is perfectly normal.

Use oven cleaner

Oven cleaner is a great option for removing tough, burnt-on grease from your pans. However, it is important to note that this method should not be used on non-stick pans, as it can be too harsh and cause damage.

To clean your pan with oven cleaner, first, ensure you are in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes can be strong. Next, read through any safety precautions listed on the oven cleaner and put on any necessary protective gear, such as rubber gloves. Then, simply spray a light layer of the oven cleaner onto the bottom of the pan. Place a lid on the pan that fits snugly and take the pan outside. Leave the pan outside for around 30 minutes, or up to an hour if there is a lot of burnt-on food.

After the oven cleaner has had time to work, use a scrub brush to scour the pan and remove the softened burnt debris. Rinse the pan thoroughly with water to ensure all of the oven cleaner residues are gone. You may need to wash the pan with soapy water and rinse it again to ensure it is completely clean. Finally, dry the pan thoroughly with a towel or paper towel.

This method is an effective way to remove even the most stubborn burnt-on food and grease from your pans. However, always remember to take the necessary precautions when using oven cleaner, as the chemicals can be harsh and toxic.

Frequently asked questions