How do I clean a stainless steel pan that was scorched with rice?

Question

I cooked rice in my stainless steel pan and burned it black, all thats left is black scorched on the bottom and it is as hard as the pan itself. Help this pan cost a fortune!

Answer 1

I had the same problem with an All-Clad pan. I felt so terrible! First I ised oven cleaner. it didn't hurt the pan at all, but it didn't take off much of the rice. I tried a lot of things and then went to Williams-Sonoma to buy another. The saleswoman there said, "Don't replace it yet...dishwasher detergent and boiling water."

It actually did help. You boil it for a while, let it sit, and then scrub it with a green scochbrite pad, which is pretty abrasive. After a while, quit and come back and repeat the procedure another day. When most of the burnt substance has been removed, you can use your pan as usual. The stuff certainly isn't going to come off during cooking.

My pan still has black dots inside, but they're almost gone, worn off through normal wear and tear.

But if you haven't tried oven cleaner, do that first. spray it on and leave it for several hours. Then rinse well, and scrub or scrape.

Answer 2

This is what the professionals say ...

"Remove burned-on food from a stainless steel pan by pouring boiling water into the pan. Let it sit for 15 minutes. If the pan still won't come clean, let the water cool, then wash with warm soapy water and a scrub brush made of nylon."

"If a stubborn burn has been created partly fill the pot with water and bring to a boil. Use a wooden spoon to remove the burned particles. If the stain remains use a kitchen scouring pad a any good stainless steel cleaner which is available in most hardware stores."

These sites give good information.

Answer 3

Baking soda: I've run into the same thing a number of times. Soak the pan for a while, drain it and sprinkle baking powder in it, then scrub. It'll take a lot of elbow grease, but your pan will be like new.

Answer 4

Fill it with hot soapy water and leave for at least a day. A scouring pad (wire) and elbow grease is next step

This should not damage the pot if it is stainless steel

Answer 5

I think I soaked mine. I don't know if I warmed it or not. And I may have used oven cleaner on it.

All I can remember is that I did it. I had a cold and thought that the smoke was just haze due to mucous in my eyes.

Answer 6

try putting water in the pan and boil it, this sometimes loosens the stuck on food that is scorched

Answer 7

Soak and use soft scrub or comet. A less abrasive cleaner will take more time, but you will have fewer deep scratches.

In fact, soaking may be enough.

Answer 8

fill it with water ,put in a half cup or so of baking soda, put it on the stove & let it simmer for a few hours (add water as necessary)
it should loosen most of it. scrub it with an sos pad.

Answer 9

put cold water and fabric softener sheet in the pot or dish let it soak while your finishing the other dishes by the time you are through whatever"s stuck will come right off works for me all the time

Answer 10

BAKING SODA AND HOT WATER SOAK.....IF THAT DOESNT WORK MAYBE PUT PWDR OXICLEAN AND 1/4 CUP CLOROX AND LET IT SIT OUTSIDE FOR A 24 HOUR PERIOD.....THEN RINSE WITH HOT WATER ALSO.... DID YOU EVER USE EASY OFF OVEN CLEANER FOR THIS....PLACE IT OUTSIDE WHILE ITS WORKING... HOPE SOMETHING HERE IT WORKS