If your pots and pans are burnt and covered in stubborn residue, don’t rush to throw them out — you can restore their shine using simple household ingredients. Everyday items like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon can work wonders in cleaning even the toughest burnt surfaces.
Baking soda, in particular, is not just for baking. It’s a powerful, natural cleaner thanks to its mild abrasiveness and alkaline properties, which help neutralize acidic burnt food. When combined with vinegar or lemon, it produces a bubbling reaction that lifts away stuck-on grime, leaving your cookware looking good as new.
1. Using Baking Soda
– Step 1: Place the burnt pot or pan on the stove and heat it until a drop of water sizzles on the surface.
– Step 2: Pour in a cup of water, or a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar, depending on the size of the pan.
– Step 3: Once the liquid reaches a boil, use a spoon to scrape off the loosened bits of burnt food. When most residue is gone, pour out the liquid and debris. Sprinkle baking soda over the pan and let it cool.
– Step 4: Scrub the pan as you normally would.
For tougher burnt spots, make a paste with baking soda and water. Spread it over the affected area and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then, sprinkle a little more baking soda and scrub thoroughly to remove the remaining stains.
2. Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
To boost the cleaning power, try combining baking soda with vinegar.
– Step 1: Pour vinegar into the pan until it covers the bottom surface. Place it on the stove and bring it to a boil.
– Step 2: Turn off the heat and add baking soda. The mixture will fizz as the two react.
– Step 3: Let it sit until the fizzing stops and the liquid cools slightly.
– Step 4: Pour out the mixture and scrub the pan clean.
This dynamic duo effectively lifts stubborn, burnt-on grime and restores your cookware’s shine.
3. Using Baking Soda and Lemon
Baking soda also pairs beautifully with lemon to create a natural cleaning paste that cuts through burnt residue.
– Step 1: Wet the pan slightly and sprinkle baking soda generously across the surface.
– Step 2: Cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub the pan, squeezing lightly as you go. Add more baking soda as needed to increase friction.
This method works great for both the inside and bottom of burnt pans, leaving them looking — and smelling — fresh and clean.
With these simple tricks, your burnt pots and pans can look shiny and new again — just like “my nana taught me.”
