How to Clean Burnt Bottoms of Frying Pans

ULTIMATE GUIDE: How to Clean Burnt Bottoms of Frying Pans (Like a Pro)

For Pans Like: Cobal, Non-Stick, Stainless Steel, Ceramic-Coated, and Aluminum

Why Pan Bottoms Get Burnt

Burnt or discolored bottoms are caused by:

• Prolonged high heat
• Oil residue buildup
• Gas stove flames licking up the sides
• Spilled food or sugar that carbonizes
• Cheap cooking sprays or oils that burn quickly

Before You Start: Materials Checklist

Item	Why You Need It
Baking Soda	Mild abrasive, lifts stains
White Vinegar	Dissolves grease, reacts with soda
Dish Soap (degreaser type)	Cuts through oil and residue
Lemon + Coarse Salt	Natural cleaner with acid and grit
Scrub Sponges	For general scrubbing
Scouring Pads (non-metal)	Tougher jobs without scratching
Aluminum Foil Ball	Effective scrubber alternative
Bar Keepers Friend (optional)	Industrial-strength cleanser
Rubber Gloves	To protect hands from hot water
Old Toothbrush	For small crevices and patterns
Towel	For drying and polishing

Method 1: Baking Soda + Vinegar (Classic & Safe for All Pans)

Best for: Mild to moderate burn stains

Safe on: Non-stick, aluminum, stainless steel

Steps:

1. Flip the pan upside down.
2. Sprinkle baking soda thickly over the entire burnt area.
3. Pour white vinegar slowly over it. Let it fizz for 10–15 seconds.
4. Leave the mixture to sit for 15–30 minutes.
5. Scrub with a sponge or soft scouring pad in circles.
6. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a towel.

Tips:

• For deeper stains, reapply and let sit longer (up to 1 hour).
• Use a toothbrush to get into patterned bottoms like in your pan image.

Method 2: Boiling Vinegar + Baking Soda in the Pan

Best for: Tough, baked-on grease and black carbon stains

Safe on: Stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron (not enameled)

Steps:

1. Fill the pan with enough water to cover the base (if stains are inside) or immerse the bottom in a larger pan if cleaning externally.
2. Add 1 cup white vinegar.
3. Bring to a gentle boil for 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat. Add 2 tablespoons baking soda (careful, it will fizz).
5. Let it cool, then scrub the base.
6. Rinse and dry.

Tips:

• This method breaks down sticky oil and grease layers.
• Do not use boiling on non-stick interiors unless you’re cleaning just the outside.

Method 3: Lemon + Salt Scrub (Natural and Smells Great)

Best for: Light stains, eco-friendly cleaning

Safe on: All surfaces

Steps:

1. Sprinkle coarse salt (like kosher or sea salt) over the burnt area.
2. Cut a lemon in half and use it as a scrubber.
3. Squeeze gently to release juice as you scrub.
4. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes.
5. Scrub again, rinse, and wipe dry.

Tips:

• Add a splash of vinegar for extra punch.
• Ideal for regular weekly maintenance.

Method 4: Aluminum Foil + Dish Soap Scrub

Best for: Greasy, sticky residue or discoloration

Safe on: Stainless steel and aluminum (not non-stick interiors)

Steps:

1. Squirt grease-cutting dish soap over the burnt area.
2. Create a ball of aluminum foil and use it to scrub in circles.
3. Add a few drops of warm water if needed.
4. Scrub well until clean.
5. Rinse and dry.

Tips:

• This is a super cheap but effective method for surface carbonization.
• Don’t use this on soft ceramic coatings or teflon—can scratch.

Method 5: Bar Keepers Friend or Commercial Products

Best for: Extremely stubborn stains or discoloration

Use on: Stainless steel, enamel, and ceramic (not non-stick)

Steps:

1. Wet the pan bottom slightly.
2. Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend or your chosen cleaner over the burnt area.
3. Scrub in a circular motion with a sponge or pad.
4. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub again.
5. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Tips:

• Wear gloves—it can be harsh on the skin.
• Always test on a small spot if unsure.

Maintenance: Prevent Future Burn Marks

Tip	Why It Helps
Avoid high heat on non-stick or aluminum	Reduces carbonization
Wipe pan bottoms after every use	Prevents buildup of residue
Use oils with high smoke points (e.g., avocado oil)	Reduces burning
Don’t let food spill over edges	Avoids black rings and scorching
Clean monthly with a gentle polish	Keeps pans shiny and functional

Pro Tip: Restore Shine with a Final Polish

Once your pan bottom is clean, try this:

1. Mix baking soda and a few drops of water into a thick paste.
2. Rub all over the bottom using a soft cloth.
3. Rinse and buff dry with a towel for a near-new shine.

Summary Chart: Best Method by Pan Type

Pan Type	Best Method	Avoid
Non-Stick	Baking soda + vinegar	Aluminum foil, Bar Keepers Friend
Stainless Steel	All methods	None (just rinse thoroughly)
Aluminum	Boiling vinegar, lemon	Abrasive scouring pads
Ceramic-Coated	Lemon + salt	Boiling methods, metal scrubbers
Cast Iron	Dish soap + foil	Vinegar (removes seasoning)