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Cleaning burnt pans can be a hassle, but using cream of tartar can make the process much easier. To clean a burnt pan with cream of tartar, follow these steps:
1. Fill the burnt pan with water and add a tablespoon of cream of tartar.
2. Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil.
3. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to loosen the burnt residue.
4. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool down.
5. Use a scrub brush or sponge to scrub away the burnt residue.
6. Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water.
Cream of tartar’s acidic properties help break down the burnt residue, making it easier to remove.
If you believe that your scorched pan is beyond repair, think again. Instead of giving up and throwing away your burned pot, try using cream of tartar to remove the stubborn residue. Cream of tartar has numerous practical applications, and saving your favorite pan is one of them.
What is Cream of Tartar?
If you enjoy baking, you probably have some cream of tartar in your spice cabinet. But do you know what it actually is? Cream of tartar is an acidic substance that forms and remains on barrels during the process of making wine. It doesn’t have any taste, but when combined with baking soda, it triggers a chemical reaction. As a result, chefs often use cream of tartar to stiffen egg whites and prevent sugar from crystallizing.
Why Cream of Tartar Works on Pans
Similar to baking soda, cream of tartar has a slightly abrasive nature. This allows it to penetrate the burnt residue and loosen it without causing damage to the surface of the pan. Additionally, cream of tartar has a mild acidic property, which helps break down the burnt food and make it easier to scrub away. Cream of tartar is highly praised for its cleaning capabilities and is commonly employed to remove discolorations from aluminum pans, clean stainless steel appliances, and eliminate stains from scratched dishes, kitchen towels, and tablecloths.
How to Clean Pans with Cream of Tartar
The first step in saving your pan is to scrape off as much of the burnt food as possible. Use a spatula or plastic scraper for this task. Skipping this step will result in having a pan filled with foul-smelling water, so make sure to scrape off the residue thoroughly.
After scraping, you can choose between using a paste or boiling method to clean your pan. For the paste method, mix cream of tartar with water until you achieve a spreadable consistency. Apply the mixture to the bottom of the pan and let it sit overnight. In the morning, scrub the pan vigorously, and the burnt food should come off easily.
If preferred, you can also try boiling the burnt residue away. Combine 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar. Pour the mixture into the pan, bring it to a boil on the stove, and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Discard the water and wash the pot with hot, soapy water.
Cleaning Cast Iron Pans
Once cast iron pans have been seasoned, it is not recommended to wash them with soapy water. However, you can still use a cream of tartar concoction to remove burnt food. Afterward, wipe the pan down with a paper towel or cloth. You can rinse the pan if desired, but make sure to dry it thoroughly to prevent rusting.
If you are worried about leaving behind cream of tartar residue since you cannot use soap on your cast iron pan, you can remove burnt food with a small piece of chainmail called a ringer. Coarse salt can also be used to rub the pan clean.
A Cautionary Note on Teflon
Although you may be able to salvage your pot, it is important to consider the risks before attempting to save a burnt Teflon pan. When Teflon gets too hot, it starts to break down and release potentially harmful chemicals. Scraping the pot can also release these toxins and may scratch the nonstick coating.
Using cream of tartar as a cleaning agent can be effective for saving Teflon pans, however, the disadvantages of doing so are greater than the advantages. It is recommended to discard the pan and purchase a new one instead.
