Pan burnt dry - can I save it ?

[Deleted User]

I had one of those "senior" moments today and left a pan of water on the cooker (whilst I answered the phone), then forgot all about it until the smoke alarm went off! It's completely black at the bottom. I've soaked it all day but no change. Is it beyond saving? Does anyone have any ideas I can try (apart from chucking it)? Thanks.

Sofitos

Try Cif Oven Cleaner(light green bottle). Apply and leave for 15-20 minutes, then wash and repeat. If it doesn't help - say bye-bye to your pan, sorry)

suzeesu2000

I do that quite often!!

I always use neat washing powder, a couple of tablespoons is enough, in the bottom of the pan then add boiling water to about halfway up the pan. Leave overnight and it should be easy to clean off all the burnt bits with a green scourer.

Alternatively, found by accident, if you have a dishwasher then put the burnt pan in and wash as normal. When it is finished the burnt comes off really easy with a scourer. I think its the re-heating of the burnt bit that makes it eier to get off. Good luck!

tacpot12

If Ovencleaner doesn't remove it, sandpaper will. I recently rescued a stainless steel saucepan this way. It was quit hard work, and needed some fine wet and dry paper to get the scratch marks out from the rough paper I used to start with but it worked.

Badrick

If you can get half a dishwasher tablet and simmer it in an inch of water for about 15 minutes, leave to soak overnight and it should come off fairly easily with a plastic scourer.
But I wouldn't recommend this for an aluminium pan.

Softstuff

I second the washing powder suggestion. 2 teaspoons of washing powder, fill up with boiling water, wait until it's cooled a bit, it'll scrub right off.

paddy's_mum

Most times when I've burnt a pan, I can get it clean again but I can't remove the buckling of the base and in terms of energy inefficiency, it's long term cheaper to replace the pan than waste the hob heat.

PS Are you wanting to chuck the pan or the talkative friend?

natbags

soap powder - amazing stuff leave to soak overnight and burnt bit will lift off

freyasmum

I've used washing powder on the past.

I was also going into suggest those 'magic sponges' that you get - you know, the ones that you only add water to? They are quite brilliant

[Deleted User]

paddy's_mum wrote: »

Most times when I've burnt a pan, I can get it clean again but I can't remove the buckling of the base and in terms of energy inefficiency, it's long term cheaper to replace the pan than waste the hob heat.

PS Are you wanting to chuck the pan or the talkative friend?

Your PS made me smile :rotfl: Alas, not a talkative friend who can be chucked but a very elderly relative who lives on her own and loves a good natter (!)

SailorSam

I use salt. A handful of salt and then boil water and leave simmering until all the water has gone, and use a plastic scrubber on it.