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If cooking a meal has left you with a nasty mess on your pots or pans, here's how to clean a burnt pan quickly. Steel wool works to remove burnt food, but it's incredibly harsh on non-stick pots and pans. Hot water helps, but it is not enough. You can use commercial products, but most are relatively expensive. Some easy remedies with common household ingredients include:
These methods work well for most types of pots or pans, with a few exceptions.
Never use pans with burnt food caked on the bottom; it can be a fire hazard. Also, any residue left inside the pot or pan can alter the taste of the food you cook. Read on to learn how to save money by using one of these seven easy remedies using everyday household products. Featured Video
Aluminum Foil Method
MaterialsBaking Soda and Vinegar Method
Baking Soda and Dish Soap Method
Alka-Seltzer Method
Dryer Sheet Method
Baking Soda and Lemon Method
Dishwasher Tablet Method
Aluminum Foil Method
InstructionsBaking Soda and Vinegar MethodMixing baking soda and white vinegar together creates a cleaning solution that is very successful in loosening and removing most burnt-on foods from almost all types of pots and pans, including a badly burnt stainless steel pot or pan. The baking soda and vinegar method can get your pot or pan shiny like new, also cleaning away scorch marks. The effectiveness of this method stems from the combination of abrasion plus a chemical reaction that occurs when acidic vinegar combines with alkaline, abrasive baking soda.
Baking Soda and Dish Soap MethodFor baking pans with baked-on gunk, one of the best solutions is a mix of baking soda, hot water, and dishwashing liquid.
Alka-Seltzer MethodAlka-Seltzer is an amazing workhorse of a product. Not only can it relieve indigestion, but it can also help you clean a surprising range of things around the house, including burned-on food.
Dryer Sheet MethodA strange-but-true option for cleaning grungy pots or pans is to use a new or used dryer sheet. The silicone coating on the dryer sheet will help soften the food. Best for: All types of pots and pans; avoid soaking cast-iron
Baking Soda and Lemon MethodUsing a real lemon as a scrubbing tool after applying baking soda is remarkably effective with stainless steel or copper pots and pans. The chemical reaction between the lemon and baking soda will help loosen the burnt-on material. Best for: All types of pots and pans
Dishwasher Tablet MethodClean off burnt-on food inside a pot or pan by dissolving and presoaking a dishwasher tablet in the vessel. Best for: Most all pots and pans; the exception is non-stick pots or pans since the detergent is too harsh for the coating
Aluminum Foil MethodInstead of a sponge or scrub brush, aluminum foil can be substituted as a scrubber. This method is very abrasive, so avoid using this on non-stick pans, seasoned cast iron pans, or bare stainless steel. Best for: Enamel-coated, aluminum, or food-grade stainless steel (contains chromium and nickel)
Preventing Pot Burns
How to Clean a Burnt Pot Article Sources The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. How do you clean a pan with vinegar and baking soda?Sprinkle the pot or pan with about a tablespoon of baking soda. Add a cup of water and 1/2 cup of vinegar then boil the mix for 10 minutes. The food or stain should wipe away easily once cooled.
How do you clean a badly burnt saucepan?Cleaning a pan with baking soda & vinegar. Add water and vinegar to your pan in equal measure.. Bring the mixture to a boil.. Throw in 2 heaped tablespoons of baking soda and watch it fizz up.. Repeat if needed, adding water and baking soda and mixing to a paste; let it sit for 10 minutes.. Wash your pan with dish soap as usual.. How do you clean a pan with vinegar?Pour a small layer of equal parts water and white vinegar on the bottom of the pan. Heat the diluted vinegar on the stovetop and allow it to come to a boil. After it boils for a minute, remove it from the heat and drain the vinegar down the sink.
Does vinegar clean burnt pans?Pour equal parts water and vinegar, into the pot, enough to cover the charred area completely. Once again, boil it for about 5 minutes. In addition to the heat, vinegar's acidity will help to loosen the stubborn stains left by burned food.
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