First, remove as much of the debris as possible. If it’s a non-stick metal pan, you should use a plastic or rubber utensil to scrape loose debris, then sprinkle baking soda and enough water to cover the leftovers. Bring it to a boil and simmer it for 15-30 minutes to loosen the burnt sugar.
Cooking or melting sugar isn’t easy because there’s always a risk of burning it. Sugar melts very quickly! Therefore, at higher temperatures, if you’re not paying attention, you can easily burn it and ruin your pan.
In these situations, you should know methods on how to remove it from the pan without damaging your pan. Below, I will share a few methods on how to do this without causing further damage, so let’s dive right in!
How To Remove Burnt Sugar From Pan: 10 Methods
Removing burnt sugar from a pan can be a nightmare as the sugar quickly caramelizes and goes from solid to liquid, especially at higher temperatures. Once it’s stuck and your pan cools down, the sugar becomes solid again and becomes one with your pan.
Don’t worry! I’ve experimented with different methods and found 10 effective ways you can remove burnt sugar from your cookware without damaging it, so definitely take a look and take notes.
Method 1: Bar Keeper’s Friend
Also known as BKF, Bar Keeper’s Friend is a popular product for cleaning and polishing different surfaces.
You can use it on fiberglass, chrome, stainless steel, porcelain, tile, ceramic, and other materials, so it’s also suitable for cleaning cookware.
Step 1: Obtain BKF in powder form and a cleaning sponge.
Step 2: Sprinkle a generous amount of the product on the pan and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Take a damp cleaning sponge and start cleaning the burnt sugar using circular motions.
Step 4: If you’re handling a stubborn burn, add 1 cup of hot water and turn the product into a paste.
Step 5: Let the paste sit for 2-3 minutes before using a cleaning sponge on it again. Once you’re done, wash the pan with lukewarm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
Method 2: Baking Soda
Baking soda is a super versatile and abrasive product. It’s a common affordable product you can easily find in any shop. The best part? A little goes a long way!
Step 1: Obtain 2 cups of baking soda and enough water to cover the bottom of your pan.
Step 2: Sprinkle the baking soda on the bottom of your pan and add water.
Step 3: Put your pan on the stove and let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes.
Step 4: If you’re dealing with a stubborn burn, let it simmer for longer (30 minutes).
Step 5: Once your pan cools down, wash it as you normally would! Instead of baking soda, you can also use 3 cut-up lemons and table salt and yield the same results.
Method 3: Fabric Softener Sheets
Your fabric softener sheets can soften burnt sugar without damaging your pan. All you need is 1 sheet and you’re good to go!
Step 1: Obtain 1 fabric softener sheet, water, and a cleaning sponge. Also, have 1 tablespoon of liquid fabric softener just in case.
Step 2: Fill a quarter of your pan with water and put it on the stove. Let it come to a boil on low heat. Then, take it off the heat and add the fabric softener sheet inside.
Step 3: Let the pan sit for a couple of hours or overnight. Then, take the sheet out and scrub the pan with your cleaning sponge.
Step 4: If you opt for a liquid fabric softener, add 1 tablespoon to the water while it’s still boiling and stir it occasionally. Let it sit for a couple of hours, then clean as you normally would.
Step 5: Rinse your pan thoroughly with warm soapy water.
Method 4: Cream Of Tartar
Cream of tartar is common in baking, cooking, and wine brewing, but you can also use it as a cleaner. The cream of tartar is effective and affordable, so give it a try!
Step 1: Obtain 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar, 1 cup of water, and a cleaning sponge.
Step 2: Mix the cream of tartar with 1 cup of water, then add the mixture to the pan. Stir until it’s completely dissolved.
Step 3: Turn on your stove and bring the mixture to a boil on low heat.
Step 4: Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down. Then, scrub it with a sponge. Lastly, rinse it with warm soapy water thoroughly.
Step 5: Make sure all the residue is gone and enjoy your shiny pan!
Method 5: Tomato Ketchup
Surprise, surprise! Tomato ketchup can successfully clean your pans because it’s acidic. Further, it has vinegar which is also excellent for cleaning. You can use any brand of tomato ketchup. It’s very affordable and easily accessible.
Step 1: Obtain tomato ketchup and a cleaning sponge.
Step 2: Add a thick coating of tomato ketchup into your pan.
Step 3: The layer should be thick enough to fully cover the burn on the bottom of your pan.
Step 4: Let it sit overnight. Then, scrub your pan with a cleaning sponge.
Step 5: Rinse with warm soapy water thoroughly.
Method 6: Coca-Cola
I’m sure you’re not surprised that this carbonated sugary drink can clean cookware. It’s perfect for removing burnt sugar and you can find it in any store.
Step 1: Obtain 1 small bottle of Coca-Cola, a plastic scraper, and a cleaning sponge.
Step 2: Fill your pan with Coca-Cola. If you have purchased a large bottle, add 2 full cups only.
Step 3: Let it soak for a couple of hours. Or overnight. Then, use your plastic scraper to remove as much of the burnt sugar as possible.
Step 4: Use your cleaning sponge to clean the pan as you would normally do.
Step 5: Rinse your pan with warm soapy water thoroughly.
Method 7: Vinegar
You can either use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Vinegar, in general, is a super versatile, affordable, easily accessible, and effective product.
Step 1: Obtain 1 cup of vinegar and a cleaning sponge.
Step 2: Pour the vinegar into your pan. Make sure the bottom of your pan is fully covered. If you don’t have much time, put the pan on the stove and let it simmer for about 15 minutes on low heat.
Step 3: Let the pan cool down completely. Then, use a cleaning sponge to remove the residue.
Step 4: If you’re not in a hurry, let the vinegar sit inside your pan overnight. The next day, scrub the pan and rinse with warm soapy water thoroughly.
Step 5: If you’re dealing with stubborn stains, heat the pan to help lift the burnt sugar.
Method 8: Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a potent substance that can help you clean your pan. A small amount of hydrogen peroxide goes a long way. It’s perfect for cleaning stains such as burnt sugar.
Step1: Obtain hydrogen peroxide and a cleaning sponge.
Step 2: Add the hydrogen peroxide inside your pan and make sure the bottom is fully covered.
Step 3: Put the pan on the stove and bring it to a boil on medium heat, then take the heat down a notch and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Let the pan cool down before using a cleaning sponge to remove any residue. Make sure the vent is on during the process as hydrogen peroxide creates a strong and unpleasant smell.
Step 5: Rinse your pan with warm soapy water thoroughly.
Method 9: Dishwashing Tablet
As you would expect, dishwashing tablets can remove tough stains. They can easily break down different ingredients including burnt sugar.
Step 1: Obtain 1 dishwashing tablet and water.
Step 2: Fill your pan with water. Make sure the bottom is fully covered. Then, add the tablet like you would add a bath bomb into your bathtub.
Step 3: Put the pan on the stove and bring it to a boil.
Step 4: When the mixture starts boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Rinse your pan with warm soapy water thoroughly and use a cleaning sponge to remove any residue.
Method 10: Soak It!
Since sugar is water-soluble, you can soak burnt sugar in water for 1-2 days if you’re not in a hurry.
Step 1: Add as much water as necessary to cover the bottom of your pan.
Step 2: Let it sit for about 1-2 days.
Step 3: If everything goes according to plan and the burnt sugar is fully dissolved, wash your pan with warm soapy water thoroughly.
Step 4: If the burnt sugar hasn’t completely dissolved, use 600 wet and dry sandpaper to remove any leftovers. This works well with metal pans.
Step 5: If you notice stains on the outside as well, finish with 100 grit and Brasso.
FAQs On How To Remove Burnt Sugar From Pan
How To Remove Burnt Sugar From Oven?
Heat your oven to 150-170 degrees. Then, add a pan with water and vinegar essence or lemon inside. For 1 liter of water, you need 20 g of acid. Let the mixture sit for about 30-60 minutes. If necessary, heat your oven again for about 15 minutes.
How To Dispose Of Burnt Sugar Syrup?
To prevent clogs, add the burnt sugar syrup to a jar and toss it. Sticky things shouldn’t go into your sink’s drain.
