To clean a burnt pan, the most effective and commonly recommended method involves using baking soda due to its mild abrasive properties and alkaline nature which helps neutralize burnt food residues. Here's a general step-by- step process:
- Remove as much burnt food as possible from the pan.
- Heat the pan on the stove until a drop of water sizzles on it.
- Add water or a mixture of half water and half white vinegar, then bring it to a boil. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape off loosened burnt bits.
- Pour out the liquid and let the pan cool slightly.
- Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the burnt area.
- Add a little water to make a paste and scrub the pan vigorously with a scouring pad or a ball of scrunched-up aluminum foil (for stainless steel pans).
- Rinse and wash as usual.
For cast iron pans, avoid soaking or using acidic substances; instead, use baking soda paste and scrub gently, then re-season by coating with oil and heating. Other alternatives include soaking the pan in a mixture of baking soda and boiling water, using dishwasher tablets to scrub burnt pans, or boiling lemons and water in the pan for natural cleaning and deodorizing. This approach works well for most types of pans, including stainless steel and aluminum, with caution to use gentler methods on non-stick or ceramic surfaces to avoid damage.
