What helps get burnt food off a pan that doesn't have nonstick coating?

Question

My pan is (was) a very nice solid pan, which I'd like to salvage if possible. The food is burnt on pretty darn good. HELP please!!!

WOW, these are some great answers! I'm interested to see what others come in...meanwhile one of the solutions below worked along w/some good 'ol fashioned "elbow grease". Will keep you posted!

Answer 1

pour enough vegetable oil to cover burnt food residue. heat the pan on the stove on the lowest heat setting possible. cover the pan, and heat for at least an hour. scour the pan with a non-abrasive pad. if it still wont come off, then just let it sit for a day,covered. it will eventually come off when its saturated with the oil.

Answer 2

I had a pan a couple of weeks ago that my son let get too hot when making pancakes. It was burned really bad and I thought it was a goner.I tried soaking in soap and water. Then I tried vinegar, then Zepp commercial foaming citrus cleaner & degreaser, Then Grease Bullet that my mother-in-law got off of TV. None of these worked. Then I got out an old can of Bon-ami cleanser that was under my sink, way way in the back. I used it and a Mr. Clean magic eraser to scour with (so not to scratch it) and it was the only thing that worked for me. If I hadn't thought of using this cleanser, my frying pan would have gone in the garbage can that day!!!

Answer 3

Put enough water in the pan to cover the burnt spot area, then sprinkle dishwasher powder (like Cascade) all over the bottom. Turn on the heat and let the water come to a boil then turn off the heat and wait til the next day. May have to do it again if not all came off. That takes off burnt foods very well.
(I always set the kitchen timer because once I let all the water boil away and the mess was worse than before- a throwaway!)

Answer 4

If you soak it in the dishwashing cleaner you would use in a dishwasher (for a day or so) it often helps loosen up the stuff.

I know some of the pan manufacturers say don't do this, but I use a Brillo pad (being careful not to scrub too hard) for stubborn stuff.

I've found that soaking it in dishwashing stuff and using the Brillo for whatever is left usually works pretty well.

Answer 5

Anything that you cook, will need some type of oil, wheather it is pan spray,olive oil,etc. Foods that are high in water, cabbage,mushroomsbrocoli dont need much oil, or a non stick pot/pan. Thypes of food high in protien, meat,fish,pork, sould be cooked in a non-stick pan, with a good coating of oil. Stanless steal pots/pans are great to cook in a at home.

Answer 6

Only use this suggestion if this pan is cast iron. Place pan on a burner and turn on high. After cooling, you can wipe it clean. Just like self-cleaning oven.
Bigbair70
Never let them see you sweat

Answer 7

I put a little dish soap and water in the pan and then put it on the stove and bring it to a low boil. Let it boil for a few minutes and then let it cool and try washing it .You can repeat as needed. It has always worked for me.

Answer 8

i like to put a little bit of fabric softener in the pan and let it sit overnight. Works most every time with little to no scrubbing. Good Luck

Answer 9

Pour one cup of cola into the saucepan or skillet and bring to a boil for two minutes. Repeat if neccessary. You can also allow the pot to soak overnight with a cup of cola as well, although this might not remove the stubbornest stains.

Answer 10

There is a product called (dip it) it is used on coffee pots to clean the inside, I burnt the inside of the pot and I tried it and low and behold it looks as good as new.. I would think it should do a good job on that pan.