How to Clean the Outside Bottom of a Burnt Pan

The first thing that comes to our mind when we speak of cleaning pans is cleaning the insides.

Even though it’s not half as much as difficult as cleaning the outside of a pan, especially if it’s burnt. And that is why we decided to show you easy and effective methods of cleaning the outside bottom of burnt pans.

And the number of methods of cleaning a burnt pan is too many to keep count. But we all know that only a few are truly effective.

Let’s dive right in to know how to clean the outside bottom of a burnt pan properly.

Methods to Get Back That Shiny Outside

All of the mentioned methods have been tried and tested. So, we had to cross out many methods, which apparently turned out to be myths.

Among the many cleaning methods on the internet, we only handpicked the ones that truly pay off.

SALT, VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA

Let’s get started with the easiest ones

Sprinkling Method

• Sprinkle a layer of baking soda on the surface you want to be cleaned.
• Then add a layer of salt atop the baking soda.
• Spray vinegar on the top to wet the salt and soda.
• Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it for 5-8 minutes.
• The grease should come right off. Use a little lemon juice to scrub off the remaining stains.

Paste Method

• Make a paste using 3 tbsp baking soda, 1 tbsp sea salt, 2 tbsp vinegar.
• Apply the paste covering all the greasy areas on the outside of your pan.
• Let it sit to de-grease for at least 10 minutes.
• Scrub the grease off using no-scratch scrubs, and the grease should come right off, leaving only a little for the labor of arms.
• This method works best on stainless steel and iron cast pans. Using a no-scratch scrub is important to retain the paint job of your painted pans as well.

Barkeeper’s Friend

Here’s the step-by-step process for you.

• Get some barkeeper’s friend from your local store.
• Make a paste out of 3 tbsp barkeeper’s friend, 1 tbsp water.
• Apply the paste onto the greasy area and let it sit for 7-10 minutes.
• Use a no-scratch scrub to clean the grease off of the pan by scrubbing gently.
• If the grease is too adamant on staying, then use a balled-up aluminum foil to scrub the outsides.
• Keep in mind that even though using the aluminum ball is much more convenient for grease removal, it will most likely ruin the painted pans too.

Barkeeper’s friend is a proven method, but make sure to pay attention when scrubbing with aluminum foils to avoid damaging/scratching your favorite cookware.

Fabric Softener

Even though it may not seem the right product for the job, this is one of the most sure-fire ways to get the gunk off of your pan.

• Turn your pan upside down and pour a sufficient amount of fabric softener to cover all of the greasy surfaces.
• Boil half a liter of water in another pan and carefully pour it onto the bottom of your dirty pan.
• You’ll notice a very little forming of foams. That’s a good sign.
• If you don’t see the gunk to loosen right away, then that’s because your fabric softener isn’t strong enough. In that case, switch softener and try again.
• If your softener of choice is starting to work, then repeat the process and rinse using hot water a couple more times.

This method works fine but requires some repetition and a little more effort than others. If you’re not willing to put a lot of effort into cleaning, then stand clear of this method.

Calcium Carbonate Cream Cleanser

Another great way to clean the stink from your pans is by using cream cleansers. For best results, look for calcium carbonate cleaning creams in your local supermarket. Here are a few steps you can follow to make the best out of this method.

• Wet the uneven greasy surface with water and pour cream cleanser on it.
• Start scrubbing with your scrub of choice until it starts to foam up.
• Rinse with water and repeat the process 2-3 times.
• Every time you repeat the process, the grease is supposed to wash off slowly but gradually.
• Finally, rinse the bowl with hot water carefully so that you don’t burn yourself.
• If you can still see some oil stains remaining on the surface, take a waterproof sanding paper and give it one last rub.

Tomato Ketchup

The tomato ketchup works the same as the ‘cream cleaner method’ mentioned above. Follow the same steps of the calcium carbonate cleaning to get a squeaky clean bottom of your pan using the sauce. All you need to do is use tomato ketchup instead of the calcium carbonate cleaner.

And the acidic properties of the tomato ketchup come in handy in cleaning this mess. Go for this beneficial method if you think you don’t have sufficient materials for the other methods.

Precaution and Tips for Best Results

Here are some precautions that you can take:

• More products don’t mean better cleaning. So don’t waste your money on products that don’t work for you.
• Always let your cleaning agents sit on the grease for at least 10 minutes after application so that it can soak and soften it.
• Be careful while handling acidic products as they may irritate your skin.
• Do not pour hot water directly onto your hand to avoid burn injuries.
• If any soap or cleaning agent enters your eyes, consider getting medical help.

A burnt-bottom pan cooks almost the same as a new pan. So, lastly, it all comes down to your preference for aesthetics.

Burnt Pan? Clean the Outside Bottom in No Time!

Be it stainless steel or iron cast pans, with these amazing methods, you will be able to fight off the grease starting right now.

Save your valuable time for worrying about other important things in the kitchen because cleaning the mess off of burnt pans is a no-brainer for you now.