If you never learnt how to clean a burnt pan, today’s the day!
It can be so frustrating when a silly cooking mistake threatens to destroy your favourite kitchenware. But the good news is that a burnt pan can actually be cleaned and fixed pretty easily.
Cleaning a burnt pan just takes a little bit of know-how, and that’s exactly what you’ll learn in this article.
Right from our team of expert domestic cleaners and housekeepers, here’s how to clean a burnt pan once and for all.
Understanding The Challenge of Burnt Pans
If you’re reading this article, it’s probably because you have at least one pan that’s recently fallen victim to a cooking failure. It might look doomed, but most pans can be brought back from the dead with the right skills.
Here’s everything you know about how to clean a burnt pan bottom even when it looks unfixable!
Why Do Pans Burn?
There are a couple of different reasons your pan may have scorched. Some of them are fairly obvious, like having the heat too high, overcooking your food, not using enough oil or butter, or forgetting a pot on the stove (often leaving a lingering smoke smell in your house).
But did you know that cheaper pans can be more prone to burning and damage? It’s because the cheap materials can heat unevenly which means some areas burn while others haven’t properly heated yet.
It’s also important to use the right oils, preferably one with a higher smoke point. Low smoke point oils can’t handle the higher temperatures and break into compounds that can damage your pans.
The Impact of Burnt Pans on Cooking and Kitchen Hygiene
Not only are burnt pans bad for cooking (unless you’ve got a hankering for charcoal), but they’re also pretty unhygienic. You want your kitchen to be a clean environment and eliminate any germs or bacteria.
But when you cook on a burning pan, remnants of food can stay stuck in the char and lead to contamination in your next dish.
Another concern is that when your pots and pans become burnt, some coatings (such as Teflon) can leach chemicals into the air and food that’s cooked on the pan. Not exactly appetising!
Essential Tools and Ingredients for Cleaning Burnt Pans
If you want to learn how to clean a burnt pot, you’ll need the right tools for the job! Here’s what you’ll need in your kitchen rescue kit.
Natural Cleaning Agents You Can Find at Home
For those who like a more holistic approach to cleaning, you’ll be pleased to hear there are several natural cleaning agents you’ll likely find in your kitchen cabinets!
Some common natural cleaning solutions include:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lemons
- Salt
- Boiling water
- Cream of tartar
Must-Have Tools for Effective Cleaning
Some more trusty cleaning tools you’ll want to have on hand are things like:
- Rubber gloves
- Microfibre cloths
- A sponge
- Scrubbing brushes
- Steel wool or a scourer
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean a Burnt Pan
Now that you’ve got your cleaning kit, it’s time to learn exactly how to clean a burnt pan with simple instructions.
Pre-Cleaning Steps for Burnt Pans
Before you rush to clean your burnt kitchenware, it’s important to make sure the pot or pan has completely cooled down first. Working with a hot pan can be a lot less effective, and dangerous as you risk scalding yourself.
You should also try your hand at loosening any debris with a spatula first, to get as much off as you can. Even if it’s unsuccessful, at least you tried!
Try soaking your pan in hot water to see if any more loosens up, and give it a gentle scrub. If it’s well and truly stuck, then we move on to the big guns…
Deep Cleaning Methods for Tough Burns
Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire. If your pan burn is stubborn, try filling it with water and bringing it to a boil on a stove. The combination of heat coming from below and the movement of the bubbles can sometimes get things moving.
Some other variations include adding some baking soda while you’re boiling the water, or simmering vinegar instead.
If no combination of boiling or simmering is helping, then it’s time to scrub. Salt or baking soda both have abrasive properties that can help scrub the burnt substance off and adding some vinegar can boost the cleansing properties.
Special Techniques for Burnt Pan Bottoms
When you’re trying to care for your quality cookware, it’s important to still be gentle and avoid damaging the bottom of your pan. Scrubbing too hard might feel like it’s helping but can seriously damage your pan protective coating – which is no better than a burn.
To gently and effectively clean a burnt pan bottom, try covering the bottom in a paste of cream of tartar and water and letting it soak for a few hours. Or you could use a paste of baking soda and vinegar and allow it to fizz and sizzle before scrubbing the burn-off. It works a treat!
When all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask for a helping hand – book a professional cleaner through Wecasa.
Wecasa can connect you with local professional cleaners who are well-equipped to handle any kitchen nightmare.
You get your pan back to normal, and a professionally cleaned kitchen. That sounds like a win-win!
