How To Remove Stubborn, Burnt Food From Pots And Pans

Burnt pans are a common occurrence in the kitchen, but it is possible to get them clean again. There are several methods to try, some of which use household products such as vinegar, baking soda, lemons, dishwasher tablets, or dryer sheets. Others use commercial cleaning products such as Bar Keepers Friend or a dishwasher. The best method depends on the type of pan and the severity of the burn. For example, non-stick pans should not be soaked or scrubbed with abrasive materials, whereas cast-iron pans can be cleaned with coarse salt.

Dishwasher tablets

To use dishwasher tablets to clean a burnt pan, start by filling the pan with enough water to cover the burnt-on area. Then, add a dishwasher tablet and heat the solution over medium to high heat until the water boils. Allow the solution to boil for two minutes before removing the pan from the heat source and letting it cool. Finally, scrub the pan with a brush or sponge and rinse it well.

When using dishwasher tablets to clean burnt pans, it is important to check that the pan is dishwasher-safe. Some materials, such as aluminium, should not be washed in the dishwasher. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for using dishwasher tablets, as different tablets may have different recommendations.

There are several brands of dishwasher tablets available, including Finish, Blueland, and Cleancult. These tablets are designed to be easy to use and provide a complete clean without leaving any residue. Some tablets are also wrapped in a water-soluble film, so you can simply place the tablet, still in its wrapper, into the dishwasher.

Boiling water and vinegar

To use this method, fill your dirty pan with equal parts water and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil. You can also add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to this mixture, but be cautious as this can cause an explosive reaction. Remove the pan from the heat and let it soak for up to 15 minutes. The hot water and vinegar mixture will help to loosen the burnt-on food, making it easier to remove.

After soaking, discard the liquid down the drain and use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits. If spots remain, create a paste with baking soda and a small amount of water, apply it to the pan, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

This process may need to be repeated for heavily burnt pans or those with stubborn residue. However, it is an effective and affordable way to clean burnt pans without the use of harsh chemicals.

Boiled lemons

To boil lemons, place washed lemons in a pan with water. Cover the pan as the lemons will bob around the top. Bring the water to a boil and then simmer for around 20 minutes. Drain the water and carefully remove the lemons to cool. Boiled lemons can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

In addition to their culinary uses, boiled lemons are believed to have several health benefits. Lemons are naturally rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can improve skin health, boost immunity, and aid digestion. Boiling lemons may reduce the amount of nutrients they contain, but drinking boiled lemon water is still a great way to stay hydrated and boost vitamin C intake.

Soaking in hot water

Soaking a burnt pan in hot water can help loosen burnt-on food, but it may not be strong enough on its own. Combining hot water with other common household products can be more effective. Here are some methods that use hot water as a key ingredient:

The Baking Soda and Water Method

This method involves making a paste with baking soda and water and applying it to the burnt pan. Let the paste sit for a few hours or overnight, then scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you don't want to wait, you can add more water to thin the paste, boil it on the stove, and then scrub the pan once it has cooled.

The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

This method uses the combination of baking soda and vinegar to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt-on food. First, boil vinegar in the pan to loosen the burnt food. Then, remove the pan from the heat, add baking soda, and wait for the fizzing to stop. Finally, scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge and rinse it clean.

The Boiled Lemon Method

This method involves boiling lemon slices in water in the burnt pan. Bring the lemon water to a boil and continue boiling for 5-10 minutes or until food particles start floating to the surface. Then, discard the lemons and water, rinse the pan, and use a scouring pad to remove any remaining bits.

The Dishwasher Tablet Method

This method uses a dishwasher tablet and hot water to clean the burnt pan. Cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it on low heat. Then, remove the pan from the heat and use the dishwasher tablet to scrub the burnt-on food. Finally, rinse the pan with warm soapy water.

The Dryer Sheet Method

This method involves adding a few drops of dish soap and hot water to the pan, along with a dryer sheet. Let the pan soak for about an hour, then remove and discard the dryer sheet, and rinse the pan with a scouring pad and dish soap.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Burnt-on food can be a real pain to remove, but there are several methods that use aluminium foil and baking soda to get your pans looking like new.

One method involves using a ball of aluminium foil to scrub your pans after using another method to loosen the burnt-on food. This method is very abrasive and should not be used on non-stick pans or seasoned cast-iron pans. First, create a ball out of a sheet of clean aluminium foil. Next, add a layer of salt or baking soda to the bottom of the pan. Then, scrub the pan and rinse it well.

Another method involves rinsing your dirty pot in hot water and then draining it. Generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the pot. Add a few teaspoons of hot water back into the pan to form a paste with the baking soda. Scrub the paste with a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled foil until all the burnt debris lifts off. Rinse the pan with hot, soapy water to finish cleaning.

A third method involves mixing a few drops of dish wash soap or cleaner with baking soda. Pour this mixture into the pan. Then, add some water and let the pan soak. Put on some protective rubber gloves. Pour some more baking soda onto the surface of the pan. Take a cleaning brush or soft rag and rub the surface. You will see that the burnt food comes off, revealing the shiny surface of the pan. Finally, wash the pan with clean water.

Frequently asked questions