Cleaning Red Copper Pans: Removing Burn Stains

Burnt copper pans can be a challenge to clean, but with the right techniques and a little patience, they can be restored to their former glory. In this article, we will discuss the different methods for cleaning burn stains from red copper pans, including natural cleaning solutions, chemical cleaning agents, and other helpful tips. We will also provide step-by-step instructions for removing burn stains and share some tips for maintaining and caring for your copper pans to prevent future burns and discolouration.

Soak in hot soapy water

Soaking your copper pan in hot soapy water is a great first step to cleaning burnt copper. This will help to loosen any burnt-on food and make it easier to remove. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Fill Your Sink with Hot Soapy Water

Start by filling your kitchen sink with very hot, soapy water. Use a mild dish detergent that is safe for copper cookware. Submerge the copper pan completely in the water and let it soak. The heat and soap will help to loosen any burnt-on food and make it easier to remove.

Step 2: Allow the Pan to Soak

Let the pan soak for several hours. If your pan is very dirty, you may need to let it soak overnight. The longer it soaks, the easier it will be to remove the burnt-on food. You may need to replace the water with fresh hot water after a few hours, depending on the level of dirt.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

Once the pan has soaked for a sufficient amount of time, use a non-abrasive scrubber or sponge to gently scrub the pan. Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive cleaning tools, as these can scratch the soft copper surface. Gently scrub the pan until you have removed as much of the burnt-on food as possible.

Step 4: Repeat as Needed

If there is still burnt-on food remaining, repeat the process by refilling the sink with hot soapy water and allowing the pan to soak again. This time, you may want to add a cup of baking soda to the water, which will act as a more abrasive cleaning agent. Scrub the pan again, and the remaining food should come off.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once you have removed all the burnt-on food, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water. Dry the pan completely with a clean towel or cloth. This will help prevent water spots from forming and will give your copper pan a beautiful shine.

Remember, it is important to assess the severity of the burn before beginning the cleaning process. For lightly burnt pans, hot soapy water and a soft cloth may be all that is needed. For heavily burnt pans, you may need to use more aggressive cleaning methods or a combination of different techniques. Always handle your copper pans with care and avoid using abrasive tools that could scratch the surface.

Use natural cleaning solutions

Natural cleaning solutions are a great option for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning their copper pans. Here are some methods you can use:

Lemon and Salt

• Cut a lemon in half and dip it in a dish of kosher salt, ensuring the cut side is covered.
• Rub the lemon onto the burned areas of the pan.
• Use a dish scrubber to work the salt and lemon juice deeper into the burns.
• Rinse the pan with clean water to remove any remnants of the lemon scrub and the marks.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

• Mix equal parts vinegar and water in the copper pan and bring it to a boil.
• Pour the mixture into a large bucket or sink and let the pan soak for several hours.
• Stir in a generous amount of baking soda.
• After soaking, use a dish scrubber to remove any remaining residue.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Salt and Lemon Juice

• Mix a thick paste of salt and lemon juice.
• Apply the paste to the bottom of the pan.
• Scrub in a circular motion with a dish scrubber.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Vinegar and Salt

• Sprinkle salt on the surface of the pan.
• Rub the surface with half a lemon.
• The acidic solution will help remove stubborn stains.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Fabric Softener

• Place the copper pan in a container large enough to fit it.
• Fill the container with water and add a few squirts of fabric softener.
• Let the pan soak for about an hour.
• Pour out the water and scrub the pan.
• If the pan is cookware, wash it again with water and mild dish detergent to remove all traces of the softener before rinsing and drying.

Try chemical cleaning agents

If you're looking to remove burn stains from your red copper pans, chemical cleaning agents can be effective in removing tough burnt-on stains. Here are some methods you can try:

Commercial Copper Cleaner

Apply a commercial copper cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend, to the bottom of the pan. Scrub the cleaner gently with a soft cloth, then rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a clean cloth. While effective, these chemical cleaners can be harsh on your hands and possibly on your copper pans, so caution is advised.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in your copper pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Pour the mixture into a sink or large bucket so that the pan can be fully immersed. Stir in a generous amount of baking soda, which will react with the vinegar to help loosen the burnt-on stains. Let the pan soak for several hours, then use a non-abrasive scrubber to remove any remaining residue. Finally, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Fabric Softener

Fill a container large enough to fit your copper pan with water and add a few squirts of fabric softener. Soak the pan for about an hour, then pour out the water and scrub the pan. If the pan is cookware, be sure to wash it again with mild dish soap and water to remove any traces of softener. Finally, rinse and dry the pan.

Lemon and Salt

Cut a lemon in half and dip it in a dish of kosher salt, ensuring the cut side is fully covered. Rub the lemon onto the burned areas of the pan to help remove the stains. Next, use a dish scrubber to work the salt and lemon juice deeper into the burns. Rinse the pan with clean water to remove any remnants of the lemon scrub and the marks.

Beer

Pour beer into your copper pan or a container with your copper item, ensuring the item is fully covered. Let the pan or item soak for at least two hours, then pour out the beer and scrub the copper with a damp cloth. Rinse the copper item and dry it with a towel.

Remove burned and dried food

To remove burned and dried food from a copper pan, start by filling your kitchen sink or a large bucket with very hot, soapy water and letting the pan soak for several hours. If necessary, replace the water with additional hot water after a few hours, depending on how dirty the pan is. Then, scrub the pan using a non-abrasive scrubber to remove the burned-on food.

If the above method does not work, you can try the following:

• Boil a pot of water, one cup of vinegar, and a tablespoon of salt. Drop the pan in the pot and let it sit until the black coating comes off. Remove the pan, rinse it with water, and then drop it into a solution of lemon juice and a tablespoon of salt. Finally, clean the pan with baking soda and water, rinse, and dry it.
• Dust the bottom of the pan with baking soda, then add water, which will cause the baking soda to start fizzing. Wait for the fizzing to subside, then remove the water and scrub the pan with a sponge, cloth, or similar material. Rinse with clean water and towel dry.
• Place the pan in the freezer for about two hours to weaken the bond between the burnt-on material and the copper. Then, remove the pan and wash it with mild dish soap and warm water.
• Soak the pan in water for a few minutes, then ball up one or more pieces of aluminium foil and scrub over the stained area.
• Coat the pan with an even layer of cottage cheese and let it sit for five minutes or more. Dampen a cloth and scrub the pan, then rinse the cheese off with clean water. Repeat as needed for tougher stains.
• Soak a cloth in apple cider vinegar, then scrub the pan. Rinse with clean water and towel dry.
• Place the pan in an appropriately-sized container and fill it with beer, or simply pour beer into the pan. Let it soak for at least two hours, then pour the beer out and scrub the pan with a dampened cloth. Rinse the pan and towel dry.
• Slice a lemon into quarters, thirds, or halves, then dip them in salt to add an abrasive agent. Scrub the pan directly with the lemon slices, then dampen a cloth and wipe the pan clean to reduce the risk of rust. Inspect for any salt particles that have been left behind and remove them. Dry thoroughly.
• Bring a litre of water to a boil, then stir in two tablespoons of cream of tartar. Soak the pan in the mixture once the cream of tartar has totally dissolved. Remove the pan after two or three minutes, then scrub it with a moist cloth, rinse, and dry.
• Cover the pan in an even coat of ketchup and give it about half an hour to penetrate the dirt and stains. Dampen a cloth and scrub the pan, then rinse off the ketchup with clean water and dry.

Prevent future burn stains

Preventing burn stains on your copper pans is all about proper care and maintenance. Here are some tips to prevent future burn stains on your red copper pans:

• Avoid overheating the pan: Overheating can cause burn marks, especially on the bottom of the pan. Always use a medium-low heat setting when cooking with copper pans and avoid heating the pan while it's empty.
• Use the right utensils: Copper is a soft metal that can scratch easily. Avoid using metal utensils as they can scratch the surface and damage the pan's lining. Instead, opt for wooden or silicone utensils.
• Avoid abrasive cleaning tools: Copper can be easily scratched, so it's best to avoid abrasive cleaning tools such as steel sponges or scourers. Use soft cloths, sponges, or non-abrasive scrubbers to clean your copper pans.
• Proper cleaning and maintenance: Clean your copper pans regularly and thoroughly. Wash them by hand with mild dish soap and warm water, and dry them thoroughly after each use. This will help prevent food from sticking and burning onto the pan.
• Avoid high-heat settings: Copper is an excellent heat conductor, so you don't need to use high temperatures when cooking. Using reduced heat will help prevent burn stains and also prolong the life of your pan.
• Store them away from the stove: Oils and food particles can drift up and settle on your copper pans while cooking. To avoid this, store your copper pans away from the stove, preferably in a cabinet or pantry.
• Relining: If the tin lining of your copper pan is worn or scratched, consider getting it relined. A fresh tin lining can last for up to 10 years and will help maintain the integrity of your pan.
• Avoid dishwasher use: Copper pans are not dishwasher-safe. Always wash them by hand and dry them thoroughly to prevent water spots and maintain their shine.
• Avoid acidic foods: Copper can react with acidic foods such as tomatoes or vinegar, causing discolouration and a metallic taste. If your pan is not lined with a non-reactive material, avoid cooking acidic foods in it.

Frequently asked questions