Cleaning Scorched Pans: Easy Tips For Sparkling Pots And Pans

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several ways to clean them without too much effort. Some methods include using baking soda, vinegar, dishwasher tablets, lemon, salt, dryer sheets, and even fabric softener. The key is to loosen the burnt-on food first, either by deglazing the pan or using an abrasive substance, before scrubbing away the residue.

Baking soda and vinegar

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

First, remove any loose food or debris from the pan. Next, fill the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of water and place it on the stovetop. Bring the water to a boil. Then, remove the pan from the heat and pour in enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least half an inch of liquid. You can use a mixture of half water and half vinegar if you prefer. Return the pan to the stovetop and allow the vinegar to simmer for a few minutes.

After a few minutes of simmering, remove the pan from the heat and add in one cup of baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction, so it might be best to do this in the sink. Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop. Once the reaction has stopped, pour out the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary. Finally, rinse and dry the pan as normal.

An alternative method is to first add the baking soda to the pan, and then the vinegar. Fill your dirty pan with equal parts water and vinegar and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, turn off the heat and add two tablespoons of baking soda. This will cause a dramatic fizzing reaction, so be careful! Pour out the liquid and wash the pot with a scouring pad. If there are still stuck-on pieces, add more baking soda and water to make a paste, and let it sit for a few minutes before washing again with a scouring pad and dish soap.

Boiled lemons

To clean your pan using boiled lemons, quarter two or three lemons and place them in the pan. Then, fill the pan with a few inches of water and bring it to a boil. Continue boiling the lemons for 5-10 minutes, or until you see food particles floating to the surface. Remove the pan from the heat and discard the lemons and water. Rinse the pan with hot water and use a scouring pad or brush to remove any remaining bits.

This method is especially useful if you've been cooking with lemons and have some leftovers to use up. It's also a more natural approach to cleaning a burnt pan, as it doesn't require any harsh chemicals.

While this method is effective and easy, it's worth noting that it may not be as efficient as some other methods. For example, one source found that while the boiled lemon method worked, it required quite a bit of heavy-duty scrubbing in hot water to make a significant impact on the burnt debris.

Additionally, if you're looking for a more intensive clean, you could try combining the lemon with baking soda. This combination can help to remove black, yellow, or rainbow oxidation stains and restore a burnt pan. To do this, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible, then keep a thin layer of water in the pan and sprinkle the bottom 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 will create a fizzing reaction, which is a good sign as it helps to loosen burnt food.

Overall, the boiled lemon method is a simple and effective way to clean a scorched pan, and it's definitely worth trying, especially if you have some leftover lemons on hand.

Dishwasher tablets

To clean a burnt pan with a dishwasher tablet, start by wetting the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water. Then, take a dishwasher tablet and gently scrub the burnt areas of the pan with it. You can do this under warm running water, or heat the pan on low heat and scrub the tablet on the burnt areas until they are removed. The coarse texture of the powdered tablet will help to erase the blackened blemishes.

Once you have removed the burnt-on food, wash the pan with soapy water and rinse as usual. You can leave the plastic coating on the dishwasher tablet, as it will dissolve on its own when exposed to water.

If your pan is very burnt, you may need to use more than one tablet. This method is not recommended for non-stick pans, or those made from cast iron or aluminium.

Bar Keepers Friend

If you're looking for a way to clean a scorched pan, Bar Keepers Friend is a great option. It's a household cleaning product that can be used on a variety of surfaces like stainless steel, copper, and ceramic. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Bar Keepers Friend to clean your scorched pan:

Step 1: Wet the Area

Start by wetting the area of the pan that needs to be cleaned. You can do this by simply running your pan under hot water or by filling the pan with a small amount of water and heating it on the stove.

Step 2: Apply Bar Keepers Friend

Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish directly onto the wet area of the pan. You can also make a paste by mixing the cleanser with a small amount of water, which is especially useful for tougher stains.

Step 3: Rub it In

Use a soft, wet cloth to rub the cleanser into the surface of the pan. For tougher stains, you can use a sponge, brush, or scouring pad to help work the cleanser into the burnt-on food. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Allow the cleanser to sit on the surface of the pan for about a minute. Do not let it sit for longer than this, as it is a powerful cleaner.

Step 5: Rinse and Wash

Rinse the cleanser off the pan with clean water. For tougher stains, you may need to wash the pan with warm, soapy water and repeat the process if necessary.

Bonus Tip:

If you have pans with copper bottoms and steel tops, Bar Keepers Friend is safe to use on both surfaces! So you can easily clean your entire pan without worrying about damaging the different materials.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

First, rinse your dirty pot or pan in hot water and drain it. Then, sprinkle the bottom of the pan generously with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Next, add a few teaspoons of hot water back to your pan to form a paste with the baking soda. Once the paste is formed, begin scrubbing with a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil. Continue scrubbing until all of the burnt debris lifts, then rinse the pan with hot, soapy water to finish cleaning.

You may need to repeat the process, as the baking soda gets dirty quickly and makes it difficult to see the areas that still need attention. However, this method is still the best and easiest method for cleaning a scorched or burnt pan.

Frequently asked questions