Removing Burn Stains: Restoring Your Pans To Glory

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several methods to tackle the issue. The first step is usually to take the pot off the stove and scrape off whatever you can while it's still warm. You can use a wooden spoon to avoid scratching the pan's finish. After the pan has cooled down, fill it with a generous squirt of dish soap and warm water. You can also add a dryer sheet to the mix, but remember to rinse it very well afterward. Let it sit overnight, then use a wooden spoon or a sponge to scrape things off. Repeat the soaking process or try boiling water and dish soap to loosen things up. If you're looking for more heavy-duty cleaning methods, you can try using vinegar, baking soda, dishwasher tablets, boiled lemons, aluminium foil, hydrogen peroxide, or even ketchup!

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Create the Mixture

First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, pour enough water to cover the bottom of the pan, along with a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and baking soda (try 2 tablespoons each).

Step 2: Boil the Mixture

Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue to stir the mixture for 5 minutes to encourage any burnt residue to loosen.

Step 3: Let the Mixture Cool

Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool down completely.

Step 4: Discard and Rinse

Once the mixture is cool, discard the vinegar solution and rinse the pan with warm water.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

If there is still burnt food or residue stuck to the pan, make a paste with baking soda and water and scrub the pan with a scouring pad or sponge. You can also add more baking soda to the pan and scrub with a nylon brush or scour sponge.

Tips:

• Be careful when mixing baking soda and vinegar as it can cause an explosive reaction. Slowly add the baking soda to the boiling water to avoid this.
• If you don't want to wait for the mixture to cool, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste and then boil the pan again. However, be careful not to let it burn again!
• For heavy-duty cleaning, add white vinegar to the baking soda and let the chemical reaction help break down the burnt food.
• If you have a cast iron pan, avoid using water, soap, or acidic items like vinegar as they can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning. Instead, use a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad to scrub the pan with baking soda and water.

Dishwasher tablets

Method 1:

• Cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it over low heat.
• Remove the pan from the heat source.
• Take a dishwasher tablet and scrape it over the burnt areas.
• Rinse the pan with warm soapy water and wash as normal.

Method 2:

• Wet the dishwasher tablet with warm water.
• Begin rubbing the tablet on the bottom of the pan, focusing on the burnt areas.
• You may need to heat the water further to get the tablet to start breaking down.
• Scrub in circular motions, paying extra attention to heavily burnt parts.
• Let the pan sit for a few minutes to allow the powder residue to work.
• Wash the pan with hot, soapy water as normal.

Tips:

• Always wear gloves when handling dishwasher tablets.
• This method is best for stainless steel pans. It should not be used on non-stick or cast iron cookware.
• For heavily burnt pans, you may need to repeat the process or try a different method.
• For an extra boost, add a tablespoon of biological washing detergent to the pan before heating it on the hob.

Lemon and baking soda

• First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Next, keep a thin layer of water in the pan and 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 the acidic lemon juice and the alkaline baking soda may fizz slightly, 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 the shine.
• Once you have scoured the pan, remove the lemon and discard the water.
• Lightly scrub off any remaining grime with a soft sponge.
• Rinse the pan with hot, clean water and use a scouring pad or brush to loosen and remove any stuck-on bits.

You can also use this method to clean a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, but be sure to keep water, soap, and acidic items such as vinegar or lemon juice to a minimum to prevent rust and preserve the pan's seasoning.

Dryer sheets

Cleaning a Burnt Pan with Dryer Sheets

It's happened to the best of us: that moment when you realize you've burnt your pan. Luckily, there's a simple solution using dryer sheets that can help you get rid of those unsightly burn marks. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

For this method, you will need a few basic supplies:

• Dryer sheets (any scent will do)
• Dish soap (liquid or squirts of dishwashing soap)
• Hot water (almost scalding or boiling)

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Start by adding a few drops of dish soap to the burnt pan. You don't need to use too much, just enough to cover the burnt areas. Then, pour in hot water. The water level should be a few inches deep, enough to cover the burnt areas and the dryer sheet.

Step 3: Soak the Pan

Place one or two dryer sheets into the pan. Make sure the dryer sheet is completely submerged under the water. Let the pan soak for at least an hour. For tougher burn marks, you can let it sit overnight. The dryer sheet will work its magic by softening the hard scorches, making them easier to remove.

Step 4: Rinse and Scrub

After the soak time is up, remove the dryer sheet and pour out the water. Rinse the pan under hot water. You'll be amazed to see that most of the burnt bits will have already come off! Use the dryer sheet to scrub any remaining stubborn bits. They should easily flake off with minimal effort. If there are still some burn marks, repeat the process, ensuring the water covers the marked areas.

Step 5: Final Wash

Once you're satisfied with the results, give the pan a final wash with soap and water as you normally would. And that's it! Your pan should now be looking much better, and you've avoided the tedious scrubbing usually associated with burnt pans.

While this method may not work for every burnt pan, it's definitely worth trying, especially for those tough, caked-on burns. Just remember that dryer sheets are single-use and can be pricey, so reserve this hack for those truly stubborn stains. Happy cleaning!

Deglazing

• Sauté or roast meat, fish, or vegetables in a pan.
• Remove the food from the pan, leaving the browned bits in the pan.
• Pour off any excess fat or oil.
• If making a sauce, add any aromatic ingredients such as shallots or fresh herbs.
• Pour a small amount of liquid (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) into the hot pan. Wine, stock, or juice are commonly used, but water can also be used.
• Boil the liquid in the pan and stir vigorously with a wooden or silicone spoon or spatula to loosen the browned bits.
• Continue to simmer the mixture until it reduces and thickens. If using wine or alcohol, cook until the alcohol has cooked off and the liquid becomes syrupy.
• Use the sauce to drizzle over the meat or vegetables, or pour it back into the pan to continue cooking.

Frequently asked questions