How Pans Get Dirty: Bottom Secrets Revealed

Pans can get dirty on the bottom due to a variety of reasons, including burnt food, scorch marks, grease splatters, and gunk. This can be frustrating, especially when trying to clean them. There are several methods to clean the bottom of pans, including using boiling water, baking soda and vinegar, lemon juice, and even ketchup! For tougher stains, you can use cleansing powders or Alka-Seltzer. Cast iron pans require special care, as abrasive sponges can ruin the seasoning. Instead, use hot water, kosher salt, and a soft sponge. With the right techniques and a little elbow grease, you can have your pans looking brand new again!

Using baking soda and vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are effective cleaning agents for pans with burnt food residue or tough stains. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use them together:

Step 1: Remove Excess Food and Debris

Use a spatula or scraper to dislodge and remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. This step is important as it helps expose more of the pan's surface for cleaning.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar in the Pan

Fill the pan with enough white vinegar to cover the bottom with at least half an inch of liquid. Place the pan on the stovetop and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes. The vinegar will help loosen the burnt residue.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add baking soda to it. Use about one cup of baking soda, or enough to create a noticeable reaction. The baking soda will react with the vinegar, creating a fizzing and bubbling effect. This reaction helps to break down the burnt food further.

Step 4: Allow the Mixture to Settle

Set the pan aside in the sink and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop. The pan may still be hot, so exercise caution when handling it. The pan should be allowed to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Discard the Liquid and Scrub the Pan

Once the pan is cool, carefully discard the liquid. Use a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge to scrub the pan's surface. Add more baking soda to the pan as needed to create a mild abrasive that will help lift away the remaining residue.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with water to remove any remaining vinegar, baking soda, and loosened residue. Dry the pan with a clean cloth or towel. Your pan should now be free of burnt-on residue and tough stains!

Additional Tips:

• For extremely burnt or stubborn stains, you can repeat the process or let the pan soak in the vinegar and baking soda solution for a longer time.
• Always exercise caution when handling hot pans and liquids to avoid burns or spills.
• While baking soda and vinegar are effective, avoid using them on cast iron pans as they can create rust and affect the pan's seasoning.

Boiling water method

Pans can get dirty on the bottom due to a chemical reaction that occurs when cooking. This can result in a burnt pan if there isn't enough lubrication (like oil or butter). If the pan isn't thoroughly cleaned when there's food already burnt on it, food will continue to stick to it.

To clean a burnt pan bottom using the boiling water method, follow these steps:

• Add water to your pan and place it on the stove.
• Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil for 5-7 minutes. There's no need to cover the dirty sides of the pan with water, as the steam will help loosen any stuck-on food.
• Once the food starts to loosen and come off easily, pour out the hot water.
• Use the scrubby part of a sponge to wipe away any remaining food residue.
• For glass or metal baking dishes, add boiling water and let it sit for several minutes before using the scrubby side of a sponge to wipe away any residue.

For baked-on or caked-on food, you can also try a hot water soak:

• Fill the dish with warm to hot water immediately after cooking, making sure to cover the sides.
• Let the dish soak for 15-20 minutes or until the food loosens.
• If you didn't soak the dish right away, you can add hot water later and let it soak overnight. Then, wash it in the morning.

Cleaning with ketchup

Pans can get dirty on the bottom due to burnt food, scorch marks, grease splatters, and gunk. Here's how ketchup can be used to clean them:

Copper-bottomed pots

Copper reacts with air to form a layer of copper oxide, which makes it look tarnished. Copper oxide dissolves in a mixture of weak acid and table salt, both of which are found in ketchup. Apply a generous amount of ketchup to the bottom of the pot and let it sit for as long as possible. Then, wipe it off and rinse the pot with water.

Stainless steel pans

Stainless steel develops a similar tarnish to copper and can be cleaned with ketchup. Spread ketchup on the bottom of the pan, let it sit for a while, and then wipe and rinse it off.

Cast iron skillets

Cast iron skillets can sometimes develop rust spots. Cover the rust spots with ketchup, let it sit, and then wipe the skillet clean.

Brass doorknobs and candlesticks

Brass items can lose their shine and look dull over time. Apply ketchup to these surfaces and let it sit for at least 40 minutes. Then, wipe and rinse the brass item to restore its shine.

Silverware

Silver develops tarnish, which can be removed with ketchup. Spread ketchup on the silver item, let it sit, and then scrub it with a toothbrush if there are intricate details. Finally, rinse the item with water.

Burnt pans

Ketchup can also be used to clean burnt pans. Douse the burnt surface with ketchup and let it sit overnight. Then, rinse the pan with water to remove the burned bits.

While ketchup can be an effective cleaner for these applications, it is always recommended to test it on a small, discreet spot first to ensure it does not cause any damage or discolouration. Additionally, for more heavy-duty cleaning, other methods such as using baking soda, vinegar, or specialised cleaning products may be more effective.

Using dishwasher tablets

If you're looking to clean your dirty pans with dishwasher tablets, there are a few methods you can try. One method involves wetting the dishwasher tablet with warm water and then using it to scrub the bottom of the pan, focusing on the burnt areas. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the detergent. You may need to heat up the water a bit more to help break down the tablet. After scrubbing, let the pan sit for a few minutes before washing it with hot, soapy water as usual.

Another method is to fill the pan with hot water and then add one or two dishwasher tablets. Let the pan soak for a few hours, and then scrub with a sponge. The burnt-on residue should come right off.

If you're short on time, you can try this faster method: place the pan on the stove, add half a dishwasher tablet and some water, and bring it to a boil. Once the soap solution starts to simmer, turn off the heat and let the pan sit for a few minutes. Then, use a sponge to scrub away any remaining residue before rinsing and washing as usual.

It's important to note that you should use powdered dishwasher tablets rather than liquid-filled pods for cleaning pans, as the coarse texture of the powder helps to remove blackened blemishes. Additionally, always wear gloves when handling the tablets and pans to protect your skin from the harsh detergent.

Cleaning with Bar Keeper's Friend

Pans can get dirty on the bottom due to burnt food, scorch marks, grease splatters, and gunk. This can be cleaned with Bar Keepers Friend, an industrial-strength cleaner that attacks rust and grime while polishing hard surfaces and restoring their original shine.

Cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a superior hard surface cleanser that can be used to clean cookware, cooktops, and other surfaces. It is effective in removing rust, mineral deposits, baked-on food, and other tough stains. Here are some tips for cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend:

• Don't leave it on for too long: Bar Keepers Friend works quickly, and for most applications, one minute is enough. Leaving it on for longer can cause discolouration and scratches.
• Don't mix with other cleaners: Bar Keepers Friend is an acid, and combining it with bleach or ammonia can create toxic fumes.
• Wear gloves: Bar Keepers Friend contains oxalic acid, which can irritate the skin, especially with prolonged or frequent use. Always wear gloves when using this product and wash your hands with soap and water if it gets on your skin.
• Avoid non-stick surfaces: Bar Keepers Friend can scratch non-stick coatings on pots and pans.
• Avoid certain materials: Do not use Bar Keepers Friend on cast iron, granite, marble, wood, fabric, leather, or painted surfaces. While some people have used it on mirrors, gold, and silver, it is not recommended. Always test on a small spot first if you're unsure.
• Rinse thoroughly: Make sure to rinse the area thoroughly after using Bar Keepers Friend. The abrasive particles may leave a white film if not completely rinsed.
• Mix with water: Bar Keepers Friend should always be mixed with water. You can either add water to the powder or wet the surface before applying the powder. Do not use it dry as it can be blown into the air and inhaled.

Steps to Clean the Bottom of Pans with Bar Keepers Friend:

• Create a paste by mixing Bar Keepers Friend with water (1 part water to 3 parts Bar Keepers Friend).
• Apply the paste to the bottom of the pan.
• Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
• Using a non-scratch sponge, scrub the pan gently.
• Rinse and wipe the pan clean with a microfiber cloth.

Frequently asked questions