How Does Ketchup Help Clean a Burnt Pan?

One of ketchup’s primary ingredients is vinegar. A main component of vinegar is acetic acid, which can break down the structure of some dirt, oils, films, stains, and bacteria. When applied to the bottom of pots and pans that have seen better days, the acid in the ketchup attacks and helps loosen the layer of greasy grime that forms on the bottom of the pan, rendering the pan shiny and mess-free. Plus, it’s thick consistency allows the ketchup to completely coat the pan and stay in place during the soaking period unlike if you tried to use vinegar on its own, for example.
How to Clean a Burnt Pan with Ketchup
The process of cleaning a burnt-on mess from the bottom of a pan with ketchup can work with all stages of dirt and grunge. Because the aroma of a large amount of ketchup might be a bit overpowering, it’s a good idea to open your windows or take the pan and condiment outside to a patio table for your cleaning session.
Place a layer of newspaper on a flat surface and turn the pan over to access the underside. Use a spoon or rubber spatula to slather an even layer of ketchup onto the bottom surface.
Let the pan sit with the ketchup and reapply where needed if the ketchup drips down the sides. Allow the ketchup to sit and work on the grime for approximately 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, wipe a small area with a paper towel and see if the dirty surface has thinned out. If it looks like the burnt-on part of the pan needs more time for the acid in the ketchup to break down the gunk, you can let the ketchup sit for another 20 minutes or so.
When you’re ready to remove the ketchup, work with a metal spatula to scrape off the grime to reveal a clean surface underneath. You can also ball up some aluminum foil and work in a circular motion.
Give the pan a rinse with warm, soapy water in the sink and dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. All done!
Does Cleaning a Burnt Pan With Ketchup Work?
I tried this kitchen hack on a pan I thought was beyond help and while it’s not perfect (see image above for the before and after), it did a good enough job to save my pan from the trash can. So much so that I actually decided to use the method on a few others and will definitely use this again.
To clean sheet Pans:
Try Peroxide and Baking Soda
Go scrounge up the hydrogen peroxide from your first aid supplies because this method makes cleaning dirty sheet pans a breeze. It should be noted that this method is likely too harsh for sheet pans with nonstick coatings.
Start by mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste.
Spread the mixture across the surface of the pan and allow it to sit for 2 to 3 hours.
Use a sponge to wipe away the paste. No harsh scrubbing should be needed!