Cleaning A Burned Stainless Steel Saucepan: Tips And Tricks

Burnt stainless steel pans can be a pain to clean, but there are several methods to tackle this issue. The most common method involves using baking soda, water, and vinegar. First, remove as much burnt food and debris as possible. Then, add a mixture of water and vinegar to the pan and bring it to a boil. Next, add baking soda, which will create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen the burnt residue. Finally, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring pad. Other methods include using a dishwasher tablet, boiled lemons, or aluminium foil and baking soda.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean a burnt stainless steel saucepan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Firstly, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar, ensuring the liquid covers the bottom of the pan by at least half an inch. Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes.

Next, remove the pan from the heat. Add a cup of baking soda to the pan, which will cause a fizzing reaction. Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing to stop.

Once the reaction has ceased, discard the liquid. Use a nylon scrub brush or scouring pad to scrub the pan, adding more baking soda if necessary. Finally, rinse the pan clean and dry it.

An alternative method is to first add the baking soda to the pan, followed by the vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area, then scour the inside of the pan with a sponge. After removing as much of the burnt residue as possible, add a small amount of vinegar, which should cause the mixture to foam. Scrub the pan thoroughly, then rinse and dry it.

Boiled lemons

To clean your burnt pan with boiled lemons, follow these steps:

• Cut two or three lemons into quarters or slices. You want enough lemon pieces to cover the bottom of the pan.
• Place the lemon pieces into the pan and add enough water to cover the burnt area.
• Put the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil.
• Boil the lemon water for 5-10 minutes, or until you see food particles floating to the surface.
• Discard the lemon pieces and pour out the dirty water.
• Use a scrub brush or scouring pad to remove any remaining burnt pieces. A small amount of dish soap can help with this step.
• Rinse the pan with clean water.

You can also use a combination of baking soda and lemon to clean a burnt stainless steel pan. First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, add a thin layer of water to the pan and sprinkle baking soda liberally over the bottom of the pan. Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan, combining the lemon juice with the baking soda to create a slurry. The combination of acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda will create a slight fizzing reaction, which is a good sign as it helps to loosen burnt food.

After using either of these methods, your stainless steel saucepan should be clean and free of burnt food and stains.

Dishwasher tablets

If you've burnt your stainless steel saucepan, don't panic! It can be saved. One effective method to clean burnt stainless steel is to use dishwasher tablets.

First, cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it up on low heat. Remove the pan from the heat source and the wrapper from the dishwasher tablet. Then, with a gloved hand, begin scraping the tablet over the scorched area. Rinse the pan with warm soapy water and scrub until all the food debris lifts. You may need to use two tablets to get the job done.

This method is quick and effective, and the tablet works as both the detergent and scouring pad. It is also a great way to clean your oven.

If you don't have dishwasher tablets, there are other methods you can try, such as using baking soda and vinegar, boiled lemons, or aluminium foil and baking soda.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Firstly, rinse the dirty pan with hot water and drain. Then, sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda generously over the burnt area. Next, add a few teaspoons of hot water back into the pan to form a paste with the baking soda. Now, take a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil and begin scrubbing the pan in a circular motion until all the burnt debris lifts off. Finally, rinse the pan with warm soapy water to finish cleaning.

This method yields great results and is faster and more effective than other methods such as baking soda and vinegar. It is also a good way to put a random extra piece of foil to good use.

Deglazing

• Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Put the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles when dropped on it.
• Add 1 cup of water or a mixture of 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup white vinegar to the hot pan. Use more liquid for a larger pot or pan.
• As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening the burnt food.
• Pour the liquid down the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan generously with baking soda and let the pan cool.
• Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pan vigorously.
• Wash and dry the pan as normal once all stains and burnt bits have been removed.

The deglazing technique works by first loosening the burnt food, then using the combination of water and an acid (vinegar) to create a reaction that helps to further loosen the burnt food. Finally, baking soda is used as a mild abrasive to scrub and remove the remaining burnt bits from the pan.

Frequently asked questions