Removing Burn Marks: Restoring Pans To Their Former Glory

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several ways to clean them without harsh chemicals or scrubbing. One popular method is to use a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and water, bringing the vinegar and water to a boil in the pan before adding the baking soda. Another option is to use lemons, either by boiling them in the pan with water or by cutting them in half and using the flesh side to scour the pan with a baking soda slurry. For stainless steel pans, a dishwasher tablet can be used to remove burnt-on food, while dryer sheets can also be an effective, if controversial, solution.

Boiling water and vinegar

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. It is important to note that this method is not suitable for non-stick pans, as it may damage the coating.

Step 2: Add Water and Vinegar

Add equal parts water and vinegar to the pan, covering the bottom of the pan with at least half an inch of liquid. For a large pot or pan, you may need to use more liquid.

Step 3: Boil the Mixture

Place the pan on the stove and heat it until the mixture boils. Allow it to boil for a few minutes. The exact duration may depend on the severity of the burn marks.

Step 4: Remove from Heat and Add Baking Soda (Optional)

Turn off the heat and, optionally, add baking soda to the pan. This step creates a fizzing reaction that can help loosen burnt food. However, it may also cause a strong odour.

Step 5: Discard the Liquid

Pour the liquid down the sink and rinse the pan. Be careful when handling the hot pan.

Step 6: Scrub the Pan

Use a scouring pad, nylon brush, or sponge to scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits. For stubborn stains, you may need to use a scraper, such as a wooden spatula.

Step 7: Wash and Dry the Pan

Once all the burn marks have been removed, wash and dry the pan as you normally would. Your pan should now be clean and free of burn marks!

This method is a natural, effective way to remove burn marks from your pans. However, it may require some elbow grease, especially for more stubborn stains. Always exercise caution when handling hot liquids and surfaces.

Dishwasher tablets

To use a dishwasher tablet to clean a burnt pan, start by covering the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warming it on low heat. Then, remove the pan from the heat source. Take a dishwasher tablet and carefully rub it over the burnt areas of the pan. You may need to wear gloves for this step. The burnt-on food should come off quickly and easily. Finally, rinse the pan and wash it with warm, soapy water as normal.

This method is a quick and inexpensive way to clean burnt pans. However, it may not work for all types of pans. For example, one source notes that while an IKEA pan was improved, it still had a large dark area after using the dishwasher tablet method.

Dryer sheets

If you've burnt something in a pan, don't panic—you can bring your cookware back to life with a dryer sheet, also known as a fabric softener sheet. This method is simple, cheap, and easy to use, but it may not be for everyone as some people prefer to avoid the chemicals in dryer sheets.

Here's what to do:

• Add a few drops of dish soap to the pan, along with some hot water.
• Submerge a dryer sheet in the water and let it sit for at least an hour. For particularly tough stains, you can leave it overnight.
• After the sheet has been soaking for long enough, remove it from the pan and discard it.
• Rinse out the pan using a scouring pad and dish soap.

If there are still burn marks on the bottom of the pan, repeat the process, allowing the pan to sit a few inches deep in water.

This method works due to the conditioning properties of the dryer sheet, which soften the hard scorches and make them easier to remove. While it may not be the most environmentally-friendly option, it can be a lifesaver for removing tough burn marks from your pans.

Boiling lemons

Step 1:

Cut two to four lemons into quarters. You can also cut them into slices, as long as you have enough pieces to cover the bottom of the pan. Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible before adding the lemons.

Step 2:

Place the lemon pieces in the pan and cover them with water. You want to add enough water to cover the burnt area of the pan. It's unnecessary to try to cover the lemons, as they will float.

Step 3:

Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about five to ten minutes. You will see the burnt food particles coming off the bottom of the pan and floating to the surface.

Step 4:

Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool. You can also dump out the lemons and dirty water at this point if you prefer.

Step 5:

Once the pan is cool, scrub any remaining grime with a soft sponge, brush, or scouring pad. The burnt bits should come off easily. If needed, you can add a little dish soap to help remove any stubborn residue.

Step 6:

Rinse the pan with hot, clean water. Your pan should now be clean and free of burn marks!

This method is a natural and effective way to clean burnt pans without the use of harsh chemicals. It is also a great way to get rid of any unpleasant burnt smells and replace them with a fresh citrus scent.

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Remove Burnt Food and Debris

Start by scraping off as much burnt food and debris as possible from the pan. This step is important as it makes the cleaning process easier and more effective. Use a spatula or scraper to remove the burnt residue.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar

Once you have removed the bulk of the burnt food, it's time to add vinegar to the pan. Pour enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch of liquid. Place the pan on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes. The vinegar will help to loosen the burnt-on food and grease.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

After boiling the vinegar, remove the pan from the heat. This is when you add the baking soda. Add about 1 cup of baking soda to the pan. You will notice a fizzing reaction, which is normal and even desirable as it helps to break down the burnt food. It is recommended to do this step in the sink as the reaction can be quite vigorous.

Step 4: Wait for the Fizzing to Stop

Once you have added the baking soda, set the pan aside and wait patiently. Allow all the fizzing and bubbling to stop before proceeding to the next step. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and let the chemistry do its work!

Step 5: Discard Liquid and Scrub

After the fizzing has stopped, carefully discard the liquid from the pan. It is best to pour it down the sink. Now, it's time to scrub. Use a nylon scrub brush or a scouring sponge to remove any remaining burnt-on food and stains. You can add more baking soda to the pan as needed to create a gentle abrasive scrub.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water. Ensure that all the baking soda residue is removed. Finally, dry the pan with a clean cloth or let it air dry.

This method may require some elbow grease and a bit of time, but it is an effective way to remove burn marks from pans without using harsh chemicals. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and has an alkaline pH that helps neutralize acidic burnt foods. Vinegar, on the other hand, is a great multi-purpose cleaner and its acidity further aids in breaking down the burnt residue. Together, they make a powerful duo for cleaning burnt pans!

Frequently asked questions