Many of us have had that moment where we burnt the water we were boiling. We got distracted by other things and just lost track of time.
By the time we rush back to the kitchen, the pot is pitch black. It’s not a good experience. However, the worse part of boil drying something, water, or any other liquid, including stew and chili, is cleaning the pot afterward.
This task requires every ounce of patience and perseverance that can be mustered, or else frustration sets in. In many cases, people throw out the pot.
Do you need to take this route? The answer is no. There are techniques for cleaning your saucepan that has boiled dry that will help to salvage the pot.
You do not have to discard that precious kitchen utensil.
Table of Contents
What To Do If Your Saucepan Is Boiled Dry?
These steps should help you deal effectively with the saucepan.
Step 1: Allow the Pot to Cool Off
Immediately you rush in; you will be tempted to handle the pot by hand just to remove it from the stove. It’s impulse.
However, always try to keep a level head. First, switch off the stove. Then, find a potholder or insulated cooking glove to pick the pot from the stove to somewhere cool.
Be careful, as there might be smoke in the air. Let the pot cool off first.
Step 2: Soak and scrape the Pot.
Add water to the pot and let it soak. The soaking time should be very long, about 49 to 60 minutes, to allow the burnt residue to break off the pot.
After this, scrape the pot with a plastic spatula, scraper, or spoon. Metal utensils can harm your saucepan. Pour the debris away.
You can choose to repeat this procedure depending on how burnt the pan is; sometimes, it may take days to clean the pot.
Step 3: Wash the Pot
Your dish soap and sponge are enough for this. Use warm water and scrub the pot well to ensure that it is clean. Rinse and dry the pan afterward.
Note: Some people use denture cleaning tablets—the fizzing ones—to remove the stains from the pot.
Just drop two to six of these tablets in the pot and fill it with water. Leave it for about 10 minutes, and then wash it with warm water and dish soap.
Rinse and dry with a dry towel. It just might work, and there is no harm in trying.
Other Methods that Can Help
There are other methods you can try to clean your boiled dry pot, and all of them are practical. Let’s check them out.
1. Salt
That food sweetener, yes, salt has several uses. One of them is helping you clean your burnt pot.
Sprinkle salt inside the bottom of the pot and allow it to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Scrub the pot well after this. The stains should come off.
Note: Wet the pan a bit before you sprinkle the salt so that it can dissolve and break down the stains.
You can also use salt and lime instead of salt and water. Squeeze lime juice into the pan and add salt.
Allow the mix to sit for about 10 minutes, and then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse and wash with warm water and dish soap. Rinse and dry afterward.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Vinegar and Baking Soda are effective cleaners you should have in your kitchen.
They can help to break down food particles, making it easier to scrape these particles off while leaving your pot with a fresh look and smell.
- Step 1: Fill the pan with water. Let all the burnt parts be submerged under the water.
- Step 2: Add a cup of vinegar and boil.
- Step 3: Once boiled, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Please take down the pan from the fire.
- Step 4: Mix the solution together and let it sit for a while.
- Step 5: Empty the pan, and use a non-abrasive sponge to remove the food particles.
Note: You can also make a paste of the vinegar, baking soda, and water—mix in the ratio 1:3:1. Use this paste to rub every part of the pot and allow it to sit for about 10-20 minutes. Wash in warm soapy water and rinse afterward.
3. Tartar Cream
Mix this cream with water to create a paste. Cover the affected areas of your pan with this paste and let the pan soak overnight.
By morning, the paste should have broken down the burnt-up parts from the pan. Rinse out the paste and wash the pan with warm water and dish soap. Rinse and dry well afterward.
Tips to Maintain Your Saucepan
Proper care of your pan ensures that you will be able to use it for a long period. One of the care processes is to ensure that you do not burn things needlessly. Others include:
- Always clean your pan with non-abrasive cleaners, including a sponge and soap. Also, be gentle when you are cleaning or washing your pan.
- Dry the pans immediately after washing to prevent water spots on them. Baking soda and vinegar can help with water stains.
- Try not to use cold water to clean a hot pan. The temperature difference between the pot and the water can warp and disfigure your pan. Allow the pan to cool first, or use warm water instead.
- Use the right utensil for the right task. For example, a kettle is used to boil water, tea, et cetera. Do not use it for anything other than this.
Final Thoughts
Have you made the mistake of boil drying your saucepan? Do not fret. Try the methods above.
You will be able to get your pan back to its normal condition.
Also, make sure to take note of the maintenance tips given above. These tips will help to sustain the integrity of your pan for a long time.