To clean a burnt pan effectively, common and effective methods use kitchen staples like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and water:
- Baking soda is a mild abrasive and helps neutralize burnt food acidity. Make a paste with water or use it with vinegar or lemon juice to create a fizzing reaction that loosens burnt food. Scrub the pan with a sponge or brush after letting the mixture sit.
- The deglazing technique involves heating the pan with water or a water-vinegar mix to loosen burnt bits, scraping them off, then scrubbing with baking soda.
- White vinegar boiled in the pan followed by adding baking soda causes fizzing that helps separate burnt residue for easier scrubbing.
- Lemon combined with baking soda works to remove discoloration and restore shine.
- For tougher stains, scrubbing with a ball of crumpled aluminum foil and baking soda paste is effective on metal pans.
- Dishwasher tablets can also clean burnt pans efficiently when scrubbed under warm water.
- For cast iron pans, avoid soaking and acidic cleaners; use baking soda paste and a stiff brush, then re-season with oil and heat.
These methods work well for stainless steel, aluminum, and metal pans. Adjust cleaning based on the pan's material for best results.
