HOW TO CLEAN A BURNT PAN: CLEANING SCORCHED COOKWARE
Discovering your pan is scorched and has developed a layer of burnt, baked-on food doesn’t mean you have to start looking for a new one. Keep reading to learn how you may be able to restore your burnt pan with simple cleaning methods using common household ingredients.
IS A BURNT PAN RUINED?
In many cases you can restore burnt pans, however, if food continues to burn or stick to your pan, a replacement may be the best option. Keep reading to discover different methods that can help you clean burnt pans.
HOW TO CLEAN BURNT POTS AND PANS: 5 METHODS
If your burnt pot or pan doesn’t have a dishwasher-safe symbol, it’s recommended that you clean it by hand. Common cleaning agents, like dish soap, baking soda and even cream of tartar can help make your pans sparkle again. Be sure to reference the owner’s manual for your dish, as some cleaning methods may not be suitable for certain cookware.
SUPPLIES:
Baking soda
Vinegar
Salt
Dish soap
Lemons
Aluminum foil
Cream of tartar
Water
TOOLS:
Sponge
Gloves
Wooden spoon
Non-abrasive scrubbing pad
METHOD 1: BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR
Measure out equal parts water and vinegar before pouring the mixture into your cookware and bringing to a boil on your stovetop. Remove your pan from heat, pour the diluted vinegar down the drain and add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the empty cookware. Use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad to help lift burnt bits away from the pan before rinsing completely.
If your pan is severely burnt, try soaking it in a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar and a tablespoon of baking soda overnight before scrubbing. Be aware that adding baking soda to the diluted vinegar will cause the mixture to fizz.
METHOD 2: SALT AND DISH SOAP
Fill your burnt pot or pan with water before bringing it to a boil. Then, add coarse salt and dish soap. Use a wooden spoon to work away the burnt bits. If your pot or pan is still soiled, repeat the process and let the mixture sit overnight before scrubbing the burnt pieces away.
METHOD 3: LEMONS
When cleaning with lemons, use gloves to protect your hands from the juice. Slice your lemons and arrange them so they cover the pan's surface before filling the pan with water and bringing it to a boil. Once the mixture cools, you can work away the burned pieces with a wooden spoon or empty your pan and scrub it with a non-abrasive pad.
You can also use the lemons to scrub your pan. The acidic juices and firm outer rind can help work away burnt food.
METHOD 4: ALUMINUM FOIL AND BAKING SODA
Using baking soda and aluminum foil can be helpful if you’re trying to clean scorched stainless steel pans. Use hot water to loosen charred layers from your pan before adding a baking soda and water mixture. Form aluminum foil into a ball before using it to scrub your pan in a circular motion.
This method isn’t suitable for nonstick pans, as the aluminum foil could scratch the coating and may cause food to stick to the pan.
METHOD 5: CREAM OF TARTAR
Cream of tartar can be helpful for more than just baked goods, it can also help you clean burnt pans. Mix cream of tartar, which contains potassium hydroxide and tartaric acid, with water until a paste forms. Then, apply it to burnt areas on your pan before letting it sit overnight. Afterward, use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad to work burnt debris away from your pan.
WHY DOES FOOD STICK TO STAINLESS STEEL PANS?
Food may stick to your stainless steel pan if you fail to properly preheat it or use cooking lubricants, such as oil or butter. To ensure your pan is properly preheated, add a small amount of water to it. If the water forms into droplets before evaporating, it’s ready to use and food typically should not stick.
HOW DO I GET BLACK OFF THE BOTTOM OF A PAN?
To remove blackened areas from the bottom of your pan, start by scrubbing it with steel wool before sprinkling it with salt and baking soda. Pour some dish soap on top and use the steel wool to scrub everything together. Cover the bottom of the cookware with paper towels and pour vinegar over top. Let it sit and wipe it clean.
CAN I CLEAN A BURNT PAN WITH SALT?
Messaging salt into your pan or boiling salt and water can help you clean burnt pans. Use a wooden spoon to work the salt into your pan instead of abrasive alternatives, which could scratch your pan’s surface. It may also be beneficial to use the acidic juices of lemons or limes to scrub the salt into your pan.
Be careful when cleaning nonstick or ceramic pans, as you want to prevent potential damage to the surface.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® DISHWASHERS
Maytag® dishwashers come with a variety of features that can help you tackle tough grime on your dishes. Select models come with the Powerwash® feature, which uses high-pressure jets, increased water temperature and hot steam to help clear food from your dishes.
