13 Ways to Clean the Outside Bottom of a Pan

Somehow it is implied that the inside of cookware needs to be washed regularly. However, the question is how to clean the outside bottom of a pan and remove the greasy deposits from it. It often requires more effort since there is no non-stick coat over your cookware’s outer surface.

Clean the Outside Bottom of a Pan

Luckily, you probably have a few inexpensive and convenient ingredients you can use to make the outside of your pan shine. Keep in mind that the type of agents you should use primarily depends on the material your pan is made of.

Most things will work for stainless steel and carbon steel pans, but hard-anodized and non-stick pans can be quite tricky for washing. So, you should be careful to prevent damage.

This article will cover

  • The Process of Cleaning the Outside of the Pan.
  • Cleaning the Outside Bottom of Different Pans.
  • 13 Best Ways to Clean the Outside Bottom of a Pan.

The Process of Cleaning the Outside of the Pan

Cleaning the stained bottom of the frying pan is never a quick and comfortable task, especially if there are burnt dried-on food scraps over the surface. Let’s see what to do.

Degreasing

The first thing you should do once you start cleaning is to remove excess grease from the outside bottom of your pan. Degrease the surface with white vinegar or dishwashing soap. If the dish is extremely greasy, you will need a cream degreaser you can buy in your local shop.

Removing baking grime

As soon as you remove a grease layer, it is time to clean leftovers of burnt food and baked-on cheese. The best option to get rid of these heavy stains is with a thick paste made of baking soda and water.

Scrubbing, cleaning, and drying

It is time to scrub all food scraps from the outside bottom of your cookware with a brush or scrubbing pad. Be careful to prevent any possible scratching during the process. Finally, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly and store it appropriately until the next use.

Cleaning the Outside Bottom of Different Pans

how to clean burnt grease from bottom of frying pans

Always keep in mind that various materials require different approaches. So, always take care to clean the outer surface of your pan adequately.

Stainless steel Pan

If you have a pan made of this easy-to-maintain material, it will be enough to scrub food scraps with baking soda gently. Then, rinse it thoroughly and dry before storing it.

We have a complete guide on cleaning stainless steel pan if you are wanting something more specific.

Cast Iron Pan

Your cast iron pan will require special treatment, which includes regular maintenance. The primary issue with this cookware is rust development. Therefore, you should avoid washing it with water. The most efficient method of cleaning involves using potatoes and salt as cleaning agents.

how-to-clean-the-outside-bottom-of-a-pan

Aluminum Pan

Keep your pan made of aluminum clean with lemon and salt. Take care to avoid using bleach and ammonia to prevent discoloration of the surface. Also, always wash this piece of cookware by hand to prevent scratching.

Copper Pan

Treat your copper pan with vinegar, salt, and lemon juice, and it will shine for an extended period. Don’t forget to rinse and dry it properly.

Best Ways to Clean the Outside Bottom of a Pan

1. White vinegar

how to clean the outside bottom of a burnt pan

Unfortunately, it is common to find grease on the outside bottom of your pan, especially if you use it regularly.

So, the first step includes degreasing the surface with white vinegar.

Add a water solution of vinegar in a big enough bucket and put the pan inside. Always mix vinegar and water in a 1:2 ratio and soak your cookware for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. That will be enough to get rid of the greasy coating.

2. Baking soda

how to clean burnt pots outside

Once you remove grease, it is time to clean the remaining stains. Make a thick but spreadable paste of three parts baking soda to one part warm water.

Spread a paste over the outside part of your pan and let it sit there for at least 10 to 20 minutes. Then, clean the outside bottom of the pan with a scrubbing pad or non-scratch sponge. Finally, rinse and dry your cookware thoroughly with a paper towel.

3. White vinegar and baking soda

how do i clean the outside of my pans

Stains on the outside bottom of a pan can be really stubborn sometimes, so you need to find a more efficient agent to remove them. Fill a larger pot with a mixture of white vinegar and warm water and put your skillet inside. Turn on the stove and let the mix boil.

Remove the pot from the stove and add baking soda inside. After a short fizzy reaction, you will see stains disappear from the pan surface. In some cases, you will need to scrub some leftovers.

Another possibility is to sprinkle baking soda over the pan bottom and add a few drops of white vinegar. Clean the surface with a brush and sponge, rinse it thoroughly, and dry with a paper towel.

4. White vinegar, baking soda, and dishwashing liquid

how to clean the outside bottom of a pan

Make a powerful cleaner of white vinegar, baking soda, and dishwashing liquid to remove even the most stubborn stains from the outside bottom of your fry pan.

Start by covering the entire surface with baking soda and add a few drops of white vinegar over it. As soon as fizzing stops, add three drops of dishwashing liquid. Dip the sponge in warm water and begin washing.

If the pan is very stained, you can let the mix sit for 15 to 20 minutes before cleaning. Use a brush when necessary and repeat sprinkling baking soda until you get the desired result. Then rinse and dry the pan with a paper towel.

5. Salt

how to clean bottom of pans

Sprinkle coarse kosher salt over the stained surface and start scrubbing. To make the process more comfortable, you can add some soapy hot water or lemon.

It has been reported that some people use half of a potato instead of a sponge to facilitate salt scrubbing.

6. White vinegar, lemon, and baking soda

how to clean the outside of a burnt pan

When you plan to clean a pan with a copper bottom, the best option is to combine baking soda, vinegar, and lemon.

First, sprinkle baking soda on the surface until covering it entirely. Add vinegar to make a paste. Then, cut a lemon o half and use one piece to scrub the stained pan bottom. Finally, rinse and dry cookware with a paper towel.

7. Ketchup

clean bottom of pan

Acid from ketchup will efficiently clean the outside pan bottom, especially if it is made of copper. Apply it over the stained area and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Then, scrub the surface with a non-scratch sponge. It is better to avoid this method if you have a skillet made of stainless steel and cast iron.

8. Cream of Tartar

how to clean bottom of pans

Make a paste with three parts cream of tartar and one part water. Apply it over the wet stained or burnt area and let it sit at least 10 minutes.

Grab a damp, non-scratching sponge and start scrubbing. Don’t use this method on your stainless-steel and cast iron pan.

9. Coca Cola

how to clean outside of pots and pans

Coca Cola is widely used for removing greasy stains from cookware. So, you can efficiently clean the outside bottom of your pan with this popular drink. Pour cola over the surface and try to clean burnt leftovers.

When you need to deal with stubborn stains, fill a bigger pot with cola, and put your pan inside. Let it sit there for a few hours until remains start loosening or bring it to boil to speed up the process. Use a sponge or plastic scraper to clean the surface, rinse, and dry it thoroughly.

10. Bar Keeper’s Friend

clean bottom of pans

Bar Keeper’s Friend is an excellent fragrant solution to clean a burnt bottom of your pan, whether you have cookware made of copper, aluminum, cast iron, or stainless steel.

Apply this agent over the outside bottom of your pan, add a few drops of water, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, gently scrub the leftovers with a non-abrasive sponge or soft brush. Rinse the pan and let it air dry.

Another way is to make a paste of three parts BKF and one part water and apply it over the affected area. After approximately 10 minutes, you can wipe down the surface with a non-scratch sponge.

11. Oven cleaner

how to clean the bottom of a pan

You should avoid using the oven cleaner for cleaning the outside cookware bottom.

Keep in mind that some manufacturers will void the warranty when you use these harsh chemicals to wash your pan.

If you have to use oven cleaner, you’d better protect yourself with rubber gloves and mask.

12. Bon Ami

how to clean burnt grease from bottom of frying pans

Bon Ami is an excellent, biodegradable, and affordable solution for cleaning the outside pan bottom. Wet the stained area with water and sprinkle Bon Ami over it.

Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes and scrub the stains with a sponge or non-abrasive brush. Finally, rinse the pan and dry it with a paper towel. Repeat the process when necessary.

13. Dishwasher

how to clean frying pan bottoms

Despite the fact that cleaning your pan in the dishwasher may seem like an excellent idea, you should avoid this method.

In fact, using a dishwasher is the quickest way to ruin both your cast iron and non-stick pans.

On the other hand, you can safely wash your Teflon skillet in the dishwasher.

Conclusion

Since the outside bottoms of your pans are made of different materials, you can’t use the same method to clean them. To avoid any damage, be careful when using some agents or want to wash cookware in the dishwasher.

Also, be patient since it will sometimes be necessary to repeat cleaning the outside pan bottom. Finally, never use harsh oven cleaners and abrasive sponges to prevent scratching the outside bottom of the pan and risk voiding the warranty.

 

how to clean the outside bottom of a pan

7 thoughts on “13 Ways to Clean the Outside Bottom of a Pan”

  1. I put the very hot burning pan on a countertop pad. It quickly burned and stuck to the pad!!
    Can I get rid of the burned on pad???

    Reply
  2. I put my aluminum baking pans in the electric oven while it is in self cleaning mode. They come out as good as new.

    Reply
  3. I use a ceramic hob. It’s always clean. However, some pans do go greasy on the bottom while others never do. Why is that?

    Reply
  4. One of the biggest, widest spread myths. Using Vinegar and Baking Soda together in any combination. They are opposite in Ph and neutralize each other. Please stop spreading this myth!!!

    Reply

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