How To Clean Burnt Sugar From A Pan (11 Ways)

How to remove caramelized sugar from pans and pots with stuff you probably have in your kitchen

Whether you make a recipe that needs caramelized sugar or sugar wax to remove hair, there is always a chance of the sugar burning and sticking to the bottom of your pan.

Stirring sugar caramel with a spoon on an orange pot and the words how to clean burnt sugar from pans

Burnt sugar is tough to remove with just a scrubber, but there are a few ingredients you can use to clean burnt sugar from a pan or pot.

Here are a few methods I tried to remove burned sugar from a pan.

How to Clean Burnt Sugar From a Pan

1. Just water and soap

Water is the most logical solution when food sticks to the bottom of a pan or pot. Just fill the pan with hot or warm water and add a trickle of liquid dishwasher like Down or Fairy. Let it sit for 30 minutes or longer. Clean the pan with the help of a scouring pad if necessary.

2. Baking Soda

To employ this technique, sprinkle a good amount of baking soda over the burned area before adding boiling water on top.

Before using a scouring pad or brush, let the baking soda soak in the pan for about 15 minutes.

You won’t need to scrape the pan very much when the burnt sugar dissolves, and the pan will be clean and shining.

You might need to repeat the procedure several times if your pan has a lot of burnt sugar to fully clean it.

After cleaning the pan, give it a rinse and dry it with a paper towel.

If you enjoy cleaning with baking soda have a look at these baking soda cleaning hacks and tips.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

Add warm water to the pan, and then hydrogen peroxide until the bottom of the pan is completely covered.

Before removing the burnt sugar with a steel wool or scouring pad, let the
solution settle for a few minutes.

After thoroughly cleaning the pan, rinse it with fresh water and let it air dry.

It is ideal for people searching for an environmentally friendly alternative because it is also generally safe and non-toxic.

4. Tomato Ketchup

One of the most popular cooking items that may be used to remove burned sugar from a pan is tomato ketchup.

Apply a coat of ketchup to the bottom of the pan and let it sit for around 10 minutes.

Once the time has passed, scrape the burned sugar residue from the pan using a scrub brush or a moist towel.

This technique can effectively clean your pan, but it can call for some patience and hard work.

To get rid of any leftover residue, you might wish to follow up with a thorough rinse.

5. Tin Foil

Take a small piece of tin foil and make a small ball with it.

Use the ball of tin foil to scrape the pan’s bottom by dipping it in some warm
water.

Any burned sugar that could have become caught in the pan should be able to be removed using the foil ball.

This approach works best if the burnt sugar has been around for some time.

When drying and storing the pan after cleaning it with tin foil, be sure that all of the burnt sugar has been eliminated.

6. Dishwashing Tablet

A different approach to getting burned sugar off of a pan is using dishwashing tablets.

Add a dishwashing tablet and hot water to the pan.

After letting it stand for 10 to 15 minutes, use a scouring pad to remove the burnt sugar.

If your pan has a large coating of burnt sugar on the bottom, this technique is extremely helpful.

Also, it will aid in the breakdown of any bits of food that may have remained at the pan’s bottom, making it easier to remove for cleaning.

7. Vinegar & Salt

If you need to tackle tough stains, vinegar, and salt can be very effective in removing them.

Make a paste using equal parts of vinegar and salt, and apply it directly to the burned area.

Then, wait about 15 minutes before wiping away the paste with a damp cloth or sponge.

What else can you clean with vinegar? Check out these vinegar-cleaning hacks and uses around your home.

8. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is another natural way to help loosen burnt sugar stuck to your pan. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping away the residue.

9. Fabric Softener Sheet

Fabric softener sheets are not just for making your laundry smell nice. They can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks, including getting rid of burnt sugar from a pan.

To do this, wet the sheet with a bit of water and rub it on the burnt sugar until it starts to break down.

You can then use a scrubbing pad or sponge to finish the job.

The fabric softener will also help prevent future burnt sugar from sticking to the pan.

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10. UBar Keeper’s Friend (BKF)

Bar Keeper’s Friend (BKF) is a multipurpose cleaner that works well on burnt sugar.

To use it, you should wet the pan and then sprinkle BKF into it. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the burnt sugar away with a damp scouring pad.

BKF is especially effective on glass, ceramic, and metal surfaces. It is also non-toxic, safe to use on food-related items, and won’t leave behind any strange tastes or odors.

Keep in mind that BKF is abrasive and should not be used on surfaces like enameled cast iron, nonstick cookware, or aluminum.

11. Carbonated Soft Drinks

Using carbonated soft drinks is another effective and convenient way to get rid of burnt sugar from your pan.

This method requires you to pour a generous amount of your favorite soda into the pan with the burnt sugar.

Allow it to sit for at least an hour before scrubbing away the softened remains of the sugar.

Be sure to use a non-abrasive scrubber so that you don’t damage the surface of the pan.

Once the burnt sugar has been loosened, wipe away any remaining residue with a damp cloth or sponge.

This method of cleaning burnt sugar is incredibly simple and can be done quickly with minimal effort.

The carbonation in the soda helps to dissolve the sugar and makes it easier to remove without damaging the surface of your cookware.

How to Clean Burnt Sugar From a Pan Bottom Line

Cleaning burnt sugar from a pan is not the most fun chore, but it can be done in a few easy steps.

From baking soda to tomato ketchup, all of these methods can be used to effectively remove that stubborn burnt sugar.

Remember to always use caution and proper safety equipment when using any of these methods.

How to Clean Burnt Sugar From a Pan (11 ways)