Anyone who cooks anything burns at some point. It’s easy to get distracted, let something cook too long, and end up with unsightly burnt spots on your best cookware.
However, stainless steel pots are relatively easy to clean, even if burnt food is seemingly stuck to them forever.
Here, cleaning experts share their tried-and-tested tips for cleaning burnt-on food from stainless steel pans to keep them looking shiny and even better than non-stick pans.
We often use harsh abrasives such as steel wool to remove food debris. But it could do more damage, warns Laura Avila, a professional janitor at Cleaning Fan.
”Abrasive sponges or harsh chemicals can scratch or damage stainless steel surfaces, so it’s best to use non-abrasive materials and gentle cleaning methods.”
The list of items that can be cleaned with vinegar is endless, including stainless steel pots. The use of natural, food-safe ingredients helps protect stainless steel and prevent further damage. Laura Avila adds that mixing vinegar with baking soda can help create a fizzy cleaning paste, perfect for removing hard deposits like burnt food.
Apply the paste to the burnt area, let it sit for a few minutes, then use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to gently scrub the area until the burnt residue is gone. Rinse the skillet with water and dry thoroughly. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove burnt-on food without damaging the stainless steel,” she explains.
If the burnt food is relatively fresh in the pan or the pan is still hot, sprinkle a layer of baking soda and boiling water on the stove to soften the burnt food, including the burnt sugar.
“First, fill a pot with water and add a teaspoon of baking soda to it for every quart of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes, then let it cool. Food is laid out on the sides,” said Justin Carpenter, owner of Modern Maids in Houston.
“Then, pour in the baking soda mixture and use a metal spatula or spoon to scrape off any remaining charred food. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the pan.
Boiling water and dishwashing detergent, especially a strong dishwashing detergent such as Dawn Powerwash, are usually sufficient to remove burnt food. “Fill a saucepan with enough water to cover the burned area, then add a few drops of dish soap. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for a few minutes,” advises cleaning expert Laura Avila. “Turn off the heat and let the pan cool down. Use a non-abrasive sponge or washcloth to gently remove burnt residue, then rinse the pan with water and dry thoroughly.
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If things are really bad, try a cleaner designed for stainless steel. Bobby Griggs, vice president of Heritage Steel Cookware, recommends using a powdered stainless steel cleaner to clean burnt or burnt stainless steel.
“Wet the bottom of the pot before applying a coat of powdered stainless steel cleaner,” he advises. Try to choose cleaners that are safe for pans rather than cleaners made for cleaning stainless steel appliances, as they may not meet food safety standards.
Wipe the skillet with a soft cloth in a circular motion to apply the paste to the burnt areas, lifting them up and giving them a nice sheen. Then wash with dish soap and dry thoroughly,” says Bobby.
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Cleaning with baking soda and salt is another great solution for burnt food since it’s natural and won’t harm the metal.
“Sprinkle the burned areas with plenty of salt and baking soda. Add some water to make a paste,” advises cleaning expert Laura Avila. “Use a non-abrasive sponge or washcloth to gently scrub the area until the burnt residue is gone. Rinse the pan with water and dry thoroughly.
Lemon juice cleansing is often underestimated and little used in the home. This highly acidic substance is ideal for breaking down grease and burnt-on food without damaging surfaces or risking food contamination. What’s more, this method works with both fresh lemons and pre-packaged lemon juice, which can be stored deep in your pantry.
“Cut a lemon in half and rub the cut against the burnt spot in the pan. Leave on for a few minutes and then rinse with hot water,” says Jennifer Smith, professional housewife and appliance expert at Urban Home Corner.
”Lemon juice contains citric acid, a natural cleaner that can help remove stains and discoloration from stainless steel.”
Stainless steel pans are not the best choice for cooking sour foods, as the metal and acid can react during long cooking times, staining the metal and even giving food a slightly metallic taste, especially if you have a lower quality stainless steel pan. .
Often the metal of a stainless steel pan will not burn, and a layer of burnt material will stick to the food, leaving the bottom of the pan black and uneven in texture. With a little effort, this burnt layer will usually disappear and your pan will take on a new look.
If the metal of the pan is discolored, due to severe burns or overuse, you may begin to notice a burnt taste in the food, even if it is fully cooked. At this point, you may need to completely replace the pan.
Burnt food at the bottom of a stainless steel pot doesn’t mean it should be thrown away. There are some simple household solutions that will help remove the hardest burnt food from the bottom of the pan and keep the steel shiny.
Post time: Mar-27-2023