How to Remove Carbon

Do you have pans and/or skillets whose bottom has turned black from baked on carbon?   

Some say that the only way to remove the carbon is to use a knife to scrape the stuff off or simply throw it out. 

But what if this is your favorite pan or skillet and don’t want to throw it away? 

How do you remove the carbon? With hydrogen peroxide, that’s how.  Pour an amount to coat the bottom of the pan and place it on top of the stove.  Heat it, but don't boil it. Turn off the heat and let the pot stand until cool.  You should be able to clean it within an hour or two. 

Other recommendations are oven cleaner for skillets, products that are designed to remove carbon from aluminum pans, Sokoff Carbon Cleaner, Carbon-Off Carbon Remover as well as other similar products you can purchase at supermarkets or online. 

For other eco-friendly solutions, try dipping the bottom of the pan in coca cola and heating it; or use a scouring pad and scrub the stuff off (provided the pan is not Teflon). 

You may have your own methods to remove carbon from pans or skillets, some of which may have been handed down from generation to generation. 

However you choose to remove carbon from pans, skillets, and other cookware; always be sure to read the directions of the product you are using.  Try to stay away from any harsh cleansers that may give off toxic fumes or have chemicals that someone in your home may be allergic to. 

Finally, when all else fails here is one idea found on a website that may take care of the problem:  Place the pan into a bed of hot coals.   Supposedly, the carbon will simply deteriorate.