If your pots and pans are scorched and covered in stubborn burnt residue, don’t toss them just yet — you can bring back their shine with a few simple household ingredients. Everyday items like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon can work wonders in cleaning even the toughest burnt surfaces.
Baking soda, for instance, isn’t just for baking. Thanks to its mild abrasiveness and alkaline nature, it’s an effective, natural cleaner that helps neutralize the acids in burnt food. When combined with vinegar or lemon, it creates a fizzy reaction that lifts away stuck-on grime — leaving your cookware looking almost brand new.
1. Cleaning with Baking Soda
Step 1: Place the burnt pot or pan on the stove and heat it until a drop of water sizzles on contact.
Step 2: Pour in a cup of water, or a 1:1 mix of water and vinegar, depending on the size of the cookware.
Step 3: Once the liquid starts boiling, use a spoon or spatula to gently scrape off the loosened bits of burnt food. When most of the residue is gone, discard the liquid and debris. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the pan and allow it to cool.
Step 4: Scrub the pan as usual.
For especially stubborn burns, mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Spread it over the affected area and leave it for several hours or overnight. Once set, sprinkle more baking soda and scrub thoroughly to remove any remaining stains.
2. Cleaning with Baking Soda and Vinegar
To give your cleaning routine an extra boost, combine the power of baking soda and vinegar.
Step 1: Pour vinegar into the pan until it covers the bottom. Place it on the stove and bring it to a boil.
Step 2: Turn off the heat and add a few spoonfuls of baking soda. The mixture will fizz as it reacts.
Step 3: Let it sit until the fizzing stops and the liquid cools slightly.
Step 4: Pour out the mixture and scrub away the loosened grime.
This powerful combination easily breaks down tough, burnt-on residue and restores your cookware’s natural shine.
3. Cleaning with Baking Soda and Lemon
For a fresh and natural alternative, pair baking soda with lemon.
Step 1: Lightly wet the pan, then sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface.
Step 2: Cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub the pan, squeezing gently as you go. Add more baking soda if needed for extra friction.
This simple method works beautifully on both the inside and outside of burnt pans, leaving them spotless and pleasantly citrus-scented.
With these easy, time-tested tricks, you can rescue even the most burnt pots and pans — making them look as good as new, just like Nana used to do.
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