How do you clean badly burnt cast-iron pans and pots?

Sara Idenfors

Today, we’re sharing some simple tips for cleaning difficult-to-wash and heavily burned pans and pots, especially for those of you who have switched to old-fashioned cast-iron alternatives. 

Last edited on May 8, 2024

 




 

 

How to clean blackened pans and pots

More and more people have also abandoned non-stick and Teflon after numerous warnings about toxins leaching from these coatings, in favor of old-fashioned cast iron. Those of you who use cast iron know that it can actually be easy for food to burn onto it and look like the picture above, after frying chicken as shown here. 

 


How to clean with Soapa

 

Here’s how:

1. Place the pan in the sink, take a dollop of  solid soap (we always use the original version for washing pans) and a natural-material dish brush for pots & pans.

2. Add a little hot water and then scrub with the dish brush. It’s easier than you think!

3. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.



Of course, you can stop here, BUT if you want the pan to last a long time, do the following now: 

 

Put the pan back on the hob, set it to high heat, and add a few drops of neutral cooking oil. Remove the pan from the hob and quickly wipe out the hot pan with a paper towel. The pan will not rust in the cupboard, nor will food burn onto it as easily the next time you fry something.

My grandfather, who was a very wise man and a good cook (and the one who taught me how to make soap), always said: “When your first daughter gets married, the frying pan is seasoned and ready to be used.”

 
 

A pot with, for example, burned-on macaroni can be cleaned in the same way, but with pots it can sometimes be easier to do this:

1. Fill the pot with water

2. Add  solid soap 

3. Stir vigorously, and scrape the bottom with a spoon if there is a lot of burned food left.

4. Leave overnight, then wash it out with a dish brush and more soap.

5. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

 

Good luck with your pans and pots!

 

//Sara Idenfors

 

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Questions and Answers

 

- Which tools and products are recommended for cleaning burned pans and pots?

To clean burned pans and pots, use a dollop of  solid soap and a  natural-material dish brush. These are effective, natural tools for removing stubborn dirt.

 

- How should you use a dish brush to clean pans and pots?

Place the pan or pot in the sink, apply solid soap and hot water, then scrub with the  brush. It’s easier than you might think!

 

- What is the recommended step for extending the pan’s lifespan and preventing future burning?

After cleaning the pan or pot, place it over high heat and add a few drops of neutral cooking oil. Then remove it from the heat and quickly wipe out the hot pan or pot with a paper towel to prevent rust and future food from burning onto it.

 

- How can you clean a pot with burned-on food residue?

Fill the pot with water, add  solid soap, and stir vigorously. Leave it overnight, then wash out the pot with a dish brush and more soap before rinsing and drying it thoroughly.



Order natural cleaning products here: Soapa 

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