Burnt-on food in an enamel pot – water, lemon or linseed oil soap
Time: about 25 min
The porridge caught or the sauce got too much heat. No harm done – with water, a little patience and lemon juice or linseed oil soap, burnt-on food comes away without any scraping.
Short answer
Let the pan cool, then fill it with water and leave it for 10–15 minutes. Pour the water away, add lemon juice or linseed oil soap and leave it for a few minutes. Work off the last traces with a soft sponge, wash as usual, rinse with clean water and dry. Avoid knives, steel wool and harsh cleaning products, which can scratch and damage the enamel.
What you need
- Enamel saucepan or casserole
- Linseed oil soap or lemon juice
- Soft nylon sponge or dish brush
- Mild washing-up liquid
- Tea towel
How to do it
- Let the pan coolTake the pan off the hob and let it cool down on its own. Cold water in a hot enamel pan can damage the enamel.
- Soak in water for 10–15 minutesFill the pan with enough water to cover the burnt-on food and leave it for 10–15 minutes. The water softens the residue.
- Pour the water awayEmpty the pan. Often some of the burnt-on food has already come loose and goes out with the water.
- Add lemon juice or linseed oil soapPour lemon juice or linseed oil soap over whatever is left and leave it for a few minutes.
- Work it with a soft spongeRub gently with a soft nylon sponge or dish brush until the last traces come away. It is better to repeat once more than to reach for something abrasive.
- Wash, rinse and dryWash the pan in warm water with a mild washing-up liquid, rinse well with clean water and dry it.
Common mistakes
- Scraping with a knife, metal spoon or steel wool, which scratches the enamel.
- Running cold water into the pan while it is still hot.
- Reaching for scouring powder or harsh cleaning products that can damage the surface.
- Cooking porridge and sauces on too high a heat instead of heating gently and turning down once the pan is hot.
Why it lifts without scraping
Enamel is smooth and dense and resists dirt, so burnt-on food sits on the surface. Water softens the residue, and lemon juice or linseed oil soap helps loosen the last of it. A soft sponge is then all you need – and the enamel stays free of scratches.
FAQ
Lemon juice or linseed oil soap – which should I use?
Kockums recommends both, so use whichever you have at home. Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterwards, whichever you choose.
Can I use steel wool or a sharp knife?
No. Steel wool, scouring pads and metal utensils can scratch the enamel. Use only soft nylon sponges or dish brushes.
There is still some left – what now?
Repeat the treatment with water and lemon juice or linseed oil soap. If a stubborn stain remains, a paste of baking powder and a few drops of water, rubbed in with a raw potato, can help.
How do I stop food burning on next time?
Heat the pan gently with liquid or fat in it and turn the heat down once it is hot. If the pan overheats, take it off the hob and let it cool gradually.
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