Do you have a favorite cast iron pan that has started to rust? Did you burn a pot or pan while cooking and no matter what you do you can’t seem to get all the charred areas to come out? This is the ultimate guide on how to clean a cast iron pan and burnt stainless steel pots. This guide will go over the best methods to use, alternative methods, and how to keep those pots and pans looking brand new.
NeedHere’s What You
Cleaning burned stainless steel pots and pans is a whole different ball game than cleaning a rusted cast iron skillet. You can’t clean cast iron, nonstick pans, and stainless steel pots and pans the same way.
The Basic Cleaning Items:
- Steel wool
- Sponge, scouring pad or scrubbing brush
- Vegetable oil
- Mild dish soap
- Aluminum foil
- Baking soda
- Water
- Vinegar
The Best Method to Cleaning Your Burned Pot/Pan
The best way to clean a burned stainless steel pot or pan is the old fashion way. Put water in the pot or pan, just enough to cover the charred area. Turn the stove on and bring the water to a boil and allow it to continue boiling for about 3 minutes. Let it cool down to room temperature and pour the water out. Grab some baking soda and sprinkle over the burned areas. Using a scouring pad, scrub the pot or pan. The burned residue in the pot should come out with ease.
For the heavy-duty jobs, follow the steps above, however instead of water use vinegar. Bring it to a boil and cool down to room temperature, and sprinkle baking soda over the area. Don’t pour out the liquid until the fizzing has stopped, then scrub your pot.
Cleaning A Rusted Cast Iron Pan
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while the oven is preheating, use the steel wool to scrub the rust out of the pan. This will take a little elbow grease, but you want to scrub all the rust out of the pan. Once all the rust is gone, use warm water and mild dish soap to wash the pan, scrubbing with either a bristle brush or gentle scouring pad.
Dry the pan thoroughly then coat the entire pan with vegetable oil. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and place in the oven on the bottom rack. Place the cast-iron skillet in the oven upside down on the top rack and heat for about an hour. Turn off the oven and wait for the pan to cool before removing from the oven. Voila! Your cast iron skillet is as good as new.
Alternative Methods to Try
Substitute With Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar can be used as a substitute for baking soda. In the scorched pan, mix a tablespoon of cream of tartar with one cup of water and bring to a boil. Let it cool down and scrub the charred areas
Using Lemons
Slice 2 or 3 lemons and put in the burned pan, then fill the pan with water. Boil for about 5-10 minutes after bringing the water to a boil. Let the pan cool and then dump out the water and lemons. Use a scouring pad or tin foil to scrub the pan, lifting the leftover particles that did not dissipate when you boiled it.
Tin Foil
This method is very easy. Make a paste with baking soda and a few drops of water directly on the burned area of the pan. Grab some tin foil and crumple it in a ball. Using the tin foil ball scrub the pan clean. Wash the pan with soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
Dryer Sheet Hack
Dryer sheets are something that you should always have at your disposal. They are very versatile. You can soften clothes with them, scrub stains out of upholstery and carpets, clean your burned pan. Put soap and water in the pan, add the dryer sheet, and let it soak for about an hour, pour the water out and scrub the pan.
How to Keep Your Pots Looking Brand New
As you can see there are many tricks that you can use to clean a burnt pot or for cleaning a rusted cast iron skillet. If you want to keep your pots looking brand new, here are a few tips to use:
- Prevent food burning to the pan by using a non-stick cooking spray or cooking oil.
- Avoid soaking your pans in water, especially cast iron skillets. As soon as you are done washing it dry it thoroughly. You can even place it on the stove on low heat to dry.
- If your pans start looking dull, clean with baking soda paste and aluminum foil.
Follow these tips and your pots and pans will always shine and sparkle.
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