How To Clean A Saucepan
By Jannika Resido
Keeping your saucepans clean is essential for both the quality of your food and the longevity of your cookware. Whether it's a light wash after a meal or tackling the tougher challenge of a burnt saucepan, knowing the right cleaning methods can make all the difference.
This guide provides you with detailed steps to effectively clean your saucepans on a daily basis, manage burnt residues, and address those stubborn stains on the bottom of your pans.
With these straightforward techniques, you can keep your saucepans in top condition, ready for whatever dish you next prepare.
Browse our complete collection of saucepans here or read our guide to saucepans here.
How to clean a saucepan
For everyday cleaning of saucepans, follow these simple steps:
- Use warm water and soap
- Scrub gently
- Rinse thoroughly
- Dry promptly
Use warm water and soap. Right after cooking, fill the saucepan with warm water. Add a few drops of dish soap. This helps loosen food particles.
Scrub gently. Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe the interior. Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch.
After scrubbing, rinse the saucepan under warm water to remove any soap residue.
Use a soft towel to dry the saucepan completely. This prevents water spots and maintains shine.
For saucepans used with ingredients like sugar or dairy, soak them in warm soapy water for an hour before cleaning. This technique helps lift stubborn residues easily.
How to clean a burnt saucepan
A scorched saucepan is a common kitchen mishap, but fear not - there's nearly always a remedy. A few pantry staples and a bit of know-how can make a huge difference.
For badly burnt saucepans, the deglazing technique can be a good start. Start by loosening the charred residue, then proceed to scrub away the remnants baking soda.
Alternatively, make a paste of baking soda and water, slather it onto the affected area, and let it work its magic overnight. When morning comes, scrub away the grime to reveal a gleaming surface.
If you favour vinegar, combine it with baking soda for an even more powerful clean. Boil vinegar in the pan, add baking soda, and watch as the fizzing reaction lifts away stubborn burnt-on food.
Cleaning a burnt saucepan can be straightforward with the right approach:
- Fill with water
- Add baking soda
- Heat gently
- Cool and scrub
- Wash as usual
Add enough water to cover the burnt area. This softens the residue. Sprinkle one to two tablespoons of baking soda into the water. Place the saucepan on the stove and heat until the water simmers. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Allow the pan to cool slightly, then use a wooden spoon to gently scrape off the loosened burnt bits.
Wash as usual. Empty the saucepan and wash with dish soap and a soft sponge. Rinse and dry.
For tougher burns, repeating the baking soda treatment or using vinegar instead can be effective. For example, simmering a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water works well for burnt grease.
How to clean a saucepan with burnt bottom
When facing a burnt bottom on a saucepan, here’s how to tackle it effectively:
- Create a baking soda paste
- Apply the paste
- Let it sit
- Scrub off
- Rinse and dry
Mix three parts baking soda with one part water to form a paste. Spread this paste evenly over the burnt area on the bottom of the pan.
Allow the paste to sit on the burnt area for about two hours. Using a soft brush or sponge, scrub the burnt area gently. Wash the saucepan with warm soapy water, rinse well, and dry.
This method helps lift the burnt residue without harsh chemicals. For example, using this baking soda paste is especially good for removing burnt starches from the bottom of saucepans used for boiling pasta or potatoes.
Learn how to make poached egg in a saucepan here or browse our saucepan collection here.
About the author
Jannika Resido is Sous Chef's online content specialist. She is an expert in southeast Asian food and ingredients! Jannika has several years of experience writing blogs and features for online publications. She loves savoury dishes, trying new ingredients (especially the fruity ones!) and discovering recipes from across the world.