Final answer: A combination of detergent and abrasive cleaner is most effective for removing baked-on food in pots and pans. While detergents break down food particles chemically, abrasive cleaners scrape off remaining residues physically.
Many people swear by the combination of water and a natural soaking agent, such as vinegar or baking soda. Others claim specialty products are the way to go. These agents do help to break down the food, making it easier to remove. However, I found an even better product: dishwasher detergent.
Baking soda is your go-to for cleaning a burnt pot or pan because it has mild abrasive properties and its alkaline pH can help neutralize acidic burnt foods. It can also combine with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food to get it off your pan.
Start with baking soda. This natural scrubbing powder is also mildly base, like a soap. The base baking soda breaks down acids, which helps to scrub away food residue. At the same time, the sharp soda particles make an excellent scrubbing powder to simply scrape away your burnt-on food.
Final answer: An Abrasive cleaner is ideal for removing baked-on food in pots and pans thanks to its mixture of surfactants and abrasive powders. Alkaline cleaners can also effectively dissolve tough residues but must be used with care due to their caustic nature.
Add 1 cup water or a mixture of ½ water and ½ white vinegar to the hot pan and allow to boil. Use more if you have a large pot or pan. As the liquid simmers, use the spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening bits of burnt food. Pour the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan.
Soak your oven trays in hot, soapy water straight after use – be careful not to burn your hands. Avoid scrubbing too hard with abrasives on any non-stick baking trays that you have. Use paper towels to remove excess grease before and after cleaning.
Cleaning removes dirt and organic matter from surfaces using soap or detergents. EPA regulates cleaning products only if they sanitize or disinfect. Learn more about EPA's role. Sanitizing kills bacteria on surfaces using chemicals.
Here's how you do it: Cover the baking pan with 2 tsp. baking soda and 1 cup vinegar and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. Gently scrub then wash the pan with mild dish soap.
Baking soda is effective for oven cleaning and helps eliminate odours. The acidity of vinegar also helps break down baked-on grease and debris. To remove baked-on grime, mix two parts baking soda to one part water. The mixture should form a spreadable paste that you can spread over the interior of the oven.
Explanation: The cleaning agent that removes baked-on food is d) Oven cleaner. Oven cleaners are specially formulated to dissolve tough, baked-on residues from the surfaces of ovens. They typically contain sodium hydroxide, solvents, and other ingredients that work best when used in a slightly warm oven.
You can make your own mix of equal parts of baking soda and water, or opt for a commercial cleaning product such as a degreaser spray. For stubborn stains, you can also use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to create a paste and apply it to the affected area.
Consider Effectiveness on Baked-on Grease
Our top picks, such as the Goo Gone Oven and Grill Cleaner, ZEP Heavy-Duty Oven and Grill Cleaner, and the Carbona Oven Cleaner Spray, are great for heavy-duty cleanups.
Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over five litres of gas!
Create a mix of 1/3 baking soda, 1/3 vinegar and 1/3 warm water and mix in a spray bottle. Generously spray the inside of the over with the solution, begin with the oven ceiling, and let the solution sit for 2-3 minutes. Use a microfibre cloth to remove the solution along with any build-up.
Expert-Verified Answer. The best cleaning agent for removing baked-on food is Abrasive Cleaner, as it contains scrubbing particles that effectively remove tough residues. Other options like delimer, detergent, and degreasers may not be as effective for this specific cleaning task.
Chlorine and quaternary ammonium (quat) are commonly used as chemical sanitizer solutions in food service operations, but other suitable sanitizers are detailed in 4-501.114 of OAR 333-150 (the Oregon food code). **Note: Ensure that your bleach is safe to use for food contact surfaces.
Make a thick paste from baking soda and water. Spread it on the burnt-on spots and let it sit overnight. If the residue is particularly stubborn, add vinegar until you see a bubbling reaction. In the morning, wipe away the paste and food remnants.