A pot is an essential kitchen utensil that makes it easy for you to cook pasta, soups, vegetables and even meats. If properly cared for, pans can last a long time and can be used for years or decades. One form of kitchen utensil maintenance that is important to do or consider is the removal of charred food residues that stick to it. Therefore, by knowing how to submerge pans, deglaze them, and clean them with baking soda and vinegar, you can keep them in good condition.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Soaking the Pot
Step 1. Fill the pot with warm water
Make sure you soak the affected part of the scorched food residue thoroughly. If possible, cool the pan and fill it with water as soon as you see any charred food residue. This way, the leftovers can be removed more easily.
Step 2. Add a few drops of dish soap
For a small pot, 2-3 drops of soap is enough. For larger pans, add 4-5 drops of soap. Once added, mix the water and soap with a cleaning brush so that the soapy water mixture coats the entire surface of the pan.
Step 3. Let the pan sit overnight
If not possible, let stand for at least 1 hour. The longer the food residue absorbs the soap mixture, the easier it will be to remove the leftovers.
Step 4. Brush the leftovers with a double-sided sponge
Once the pan has been soaked, use the rough side of the sponge to scrape off any leftover food. While it's not mandatory, you can dip the sponge in the water first if you prefer. If there is still food residue stuck to it, repeat the soaking process.
Method 2 of 3: Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Fill a pot with enough water to cover the area affected by the scorched food residue
Unlike when using soap and water, you need to make a more concentrated mixture for the area that you want to clean specifically.
Step 2. Pour 240 ml of vinegar into the saucepan
Vinegar is a very acidic ingredient, making it perfect for removing charred food residue. Pour 240 ml of plain vinegar into the saucepan. Use a spoon or brush to stir and coat all surfaces of the pan with the vinegar.
Step 3. Bring the vinegar to a boil
Place the pot on the stove and turn the stove on to medium-high or high heat. Make sure you don't cover the pot. Heat until the vinegar begins to boil. At this point, the pan will appear cleaner. Turn off the heat and move the pan to a cooler place.
Step 4. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and let the pan sit for 30 minutes
When used with hot vinegar, baking soda can be a powerful cleaning agent. Add about 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the vinegar and sprinkle it on the soiled area. Let the pan sit for 30 minutes to allow it to cool down and the baking soda to soak into the leftovers. Keep in mind that baking soda can foam when mixed with vinegar.
To prevent foam from overflowing from the small saucepan, remove to of the vinegar from the pan before you add the baking soda
Step 5. Clean the pan with a double-sided sponge
After 30 minutes, brush the pan using the rough side of the sponge. For stubborn stains or food residue, sprinkle half a tablespoon of baking soda on the surface of the stain and brush again. If necessary, repeat the vinegar boiling process.
Method 3 of 3: Removing the Crust with the Deglazing Technique
Step 1. Place the empty pot on the stove
For enameled or stainless steel pans that cannot be cleaned by other methods, heat deglazing may be the best solution. Place the pot on the stove, without filling it with water, dish soap, or other ingredients.
Step 2. Turn on the stove to high heat
Raise the heat to 100°C or higher, such as when you want to boil water. To see if the pan is hot enough, drop a few drops of water into the pan. If the water evaporates immediately, you're ready to move on to the next step.
Step 3. Put 240 ml of warm water into the pot
Pour water on areas that have charred food residue or crusts as water can soften the food and make it easier to remove. Once the water is added, get out of the way immediately so you don't get exposed to the hot steam.
Step 4. Remove the pan from the stove if necessary
It will be easier for you to remove the leftovers while the pan is still hot. However, this step isn't always safe, especially if the pan has high enough walls, you don't wear protective gloves, or you don't have a long spatula. If you're afraid to clean a hot pan, turn off the heat, remove the pan, and allow it to cool before you clean it.
Step 5. Scrape off any charred food residue using a long spatula or similar tool
Press the spatula against the sides or bottom of the pan and scrape the area where the charred food remains. If necessary, add more water. If you are cleaning while the pan is still hot, wear cooking gloves to avoid burning the skin.
