How to Clean Burnt Copper Pan
Copper pans are often used in cooking due to their excellent heat conductivity and ability to evenly distribute heat. Copper is a popular choice for the bottom of pans because it allows for precise temperature control when cooking. However, a copper pan can become burnt or discolored over time. This can occur if the pan is left on a burner for too long or if it is used to cook acidic foods. Cleaning a burnt copper pan can be a challenge, but there are a few methods that can help restore its luster and shine. In this article, we’ll learn how to clean a burnt copper pan. We’ll try to discover the easiest ways of cleaning the burnt copper pot.
How to Care Well of Copper Cookware
To care well for your copper cookware, it is important to dry it thoroughly after washing. It is a good idea to store your copper cookware in a dry place, as moisture can cause it to tarnish more quickly. Moreover, it is important to handle your copper cookware with care, as it is a relatively soft metal and can become dented or scratched if handled improperly.
Why Copper Pans Lost Their Shine
Heat, water, and air finish the shine of copper pans. When copper is heated, it can become discolored and tarnished. Water also causes copper to tarnish, as it can react with the metal and create a patina on the surface. This patina can make the copper look dull and less shiny. Similarly, air can also react with the copper pot. It creates a thin layer of oxide on the surface of the pan and makes it dull.
How To Keep Copper Pots Shine
There are several ways to keep your copper pots and pans shiny and well-maintained. One method is to use a copper cleaner, which is a product specifically designed to remove tarnish and restore the shine to copper. Copper cleaners can be found at most hardware stores or online. Another method is to use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and salt to scrub the surface of the copper. This mixture can help to remove the tarnish and restore the shine to the copper.
Best Home-Made Copper Pans Cleaning Methods
1- Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
With a simple technique, you can effectively remove burnt food from copper pots using everyday household ingredients such as lemon juice and baking soda.
- Begin by filling the copper pot with water and bringing it to a boil. It will help to loosen any burnt food particles that are stuck to the surface of the pot.
- Add four-five tablespoons of lemon juice to the boiled water. Lemon juice will boost the boiled-water power to remove the burnt food from the pan.
- Next, add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda. The alkaline nature of the baking soda will help to neutralize the acid in the lemon juice, creating a gentle yet effective cleaning solution.
- Allow the mixture to sit in the pot for at least 15 minutes. This will give the cleaning solution time to work its magic and soften the burnt food particles.
- Now scrub the pan thoroughly with a sponge or scrub brush. If you are using a sponge for scrubbing, scrub the pan tightly to remove the stubborn food, oil, and mess well. On the other hand, don’t scrub the pan with a scrub brush forcefully. It will damage the surface and make your cookware dull.
- After washing and scrubbing, if the pan doesn’t clean thoroughly, repeat the same process to remove the tough burnt food from the bottom of the pan.
2. Salt and Vinegar
One of the challenges of cooking with copper pots is that they can easily become discolored or burnt, which can be difficult to remove. However, with a little bit of elbow grease and the right tools and techniques, it is possible to remove tough burnt food from copper pots using salts and vinegar.
- Start by filling the copper pot with water and bringing it to a boil. This will help to loosen any burnt-on food or stains.
- Once the water is boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the pot. The salt will help to scrub away the burnt food and stains.
- If the salt and water have been mixed well, scrub the inside and outside of the pot thoroughly with a sponge or scrub brush.
- If the burnt food or stains are still not coming off, you can try adding a small amount of vinegar to the pot. The vinegar’s acid will help break down and loosen the burnt food, making it easier to remove.
- Once you have scrubbed the inside of the pot as much as possible, empty the water and rinse the pot thoroughly with warm water.
Tip
If you are still unable to remove all of the burnt food or stains, you may need to try a more abrasive cleaning method, such as using a copper cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. Just be sure to use these products sparingly, as they can be harsh on the delicate surface of the copper.
3. Commercial Copper Cleaner
To clean a copper pan with a commercial copper cleaner, you will need:
- A commercial copper cleaner
- Water
- A soft cloth or sponge
- A sink or basin
- Fill the sink or basin with warm water.
- Apply a small amount of the commercial copper cleaner to the soft cloth or sponge.
- Rub the cleaner onto the surface of the copper pan, using circular motions.
- Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove the cleaner.
- Dry the pan with a soft cloth or towel.
Tip
Be sure to follow the instructions on the copper cleaner packaging, as the specific instructions may vary depending on the brand and type of cleaner you are using. It is also important to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using commercial cleaners.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed several ways to clean a copper pan, including using lemon and salt, white vinegar, and salt, or store-bought copper cleaners. To keep your copper pots shiny, you can buff them with a soft cloth after cleaning or use a product specifically designed to polish copper. The easiest way to clean copper cookware is to use a store-bought cleaner or a mixture of equal parts vinegar and salt, as these methods require minimal scrubbing. However, it is important to remember to always handle copper pots and pans gently to avoid damaging them.
Hello, I’m Benny Jensen – a kitchen expert specializing in daily used utensils. With more than a decade of professional experience, I’m excited to share my expertise to make your life easier, smarter, and more comfortable. Let’s uncover the magic of well-crafted utensils together and make your time in the kitchen efficient and delightful!
