Effective Methods to Clean Burnt Pots and Pans

Accidentally burning food can leave your cookware with stubborn, stuck-on residues. Restoring your pots and pans doesn’t require harsh chemicals; here are some effective, natural cleaning methods:​Southern LivingAllrecipes

1. Boiling Water Method:

• Fill the Pot: Pour enough water into the burnt pot to cover the affected area.​
• Simmer: Heat the pot over medium-high heat until the water reaches a simmer.​Southern Living
• Loosen Residue: Allow the simmering water to loosen the burnt food particles.​Southern Living
• Scrub: After cooling, use a non-abrasive scrubber to clean the pot. ​EatingWell

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar Soak:

• Create the Solution: Fill the pot with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water.​
• Boil: Bring the solution to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes.​Clean My Space
• Add Baking Soda: Carefully add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda; the mixture will fizz.​
• Soak: Let the solution cool, then scrub the pot with a non-abrasive pad. ​Allrecipes+3EatingWell+3thekitchn.com+3

3. Dishwasher Detergent Method:

• Prepare the Pot: Remove excess food particles from the burnt pot.​
• Add Detergent: Fill the pot with water and add one tablespoon of dishwasher detergent.​Allrecipes
• Simmer: Heat the pot and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.​
• Clean: After cooling, scrub the pot with a non-abrasive scrubber. ​

4. Bar Keepers Friend Application:

• Apply Cleaner: Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend powder directly onto the burnt areas.​Reddit+3GQ+3Serious Eats+3
• Add Water: Dampen a cloth or sponge and gently scrub the stained areas.​
• Rinse: Wash the pot thoroughly with warm water. ​

Additional Tips:

• Soaking: Allowing the pot to soak overnight with the chosen cleaning solution can help loosen tough residues.​
• Avoid Abrasive Tools: Use non-abrasive scrubbers to prevent damaging the cookware’s surface.​
• Regular Maintenance: Clean pots and pans promptly after use to prevent buildup.​

For a visual demonstration of these cleaning methods, you might find this video helpful:​