Are you also struggling to clean your burned cookware? You probably already own all the products and materials you need to save scorched pots and pans from stains left by screaming hot burners and discolored food. A usual "let it soak and wait" technique is not always the best solution. Try one of these tried and true strategies for restoring scorched cookware to its original shiny state. Should all else fail, try these simple methods for how to clean a burnt pot so it looks brand new again!
Method 1: Boiling Water
This cleaning technique involves going back to the source of your problem: the stove. First, fill the pot with a few inches of water, or enough to cover the charred area. Bring the water to a boil and let it roll for 5 to 7 minutes. Next, remove the pot from the stove and set it aside to cool down. Once the water has returned to room temperature, pour it out. If needed, use a plastic spatula or wooden spoon to carefully scrape any large, now softened, burned bits into the garbage can. Finally, sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the wet pan and proceed to scrub any remaining stains with a cookware-safe sponge or scouring pad. You should find that the black residue comes off much easier, particularly with the potent abrasive combination of baking soda paste and a little bit of elbow grease.
Method 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda
In the most extreme cases, try this alternative method. Fill the pot with enough vinegar to cover the charred area. Here, vinegar is not diluted with water. Then, bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down slightly and let it simmer on the stove for a few minutes. Remove it from the heat and let the vinegar cool slightly. Next, add about 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the pot. The mixture of these two ingredients will cause a fizzing reaction (helpful hint: you may want to do this part in the sink to minimize potential messes). Once the fizzing has stopped, discard the liquid. Then, scrub the pot with a dish brush or scouring pad suitable for the type of cookware you're working with. If needed, add a bit more baking soda and elbow grease until the stain is completely removed.
Method 3: Boiling Lemons
Another popular method to remove caked-on debris from your cookware involves lemon and water. Similar to the acetic acid in white vinegar, the citric acid in lemons helps to break down burned food stains, but without the pungent odor. The lemon method, rather, will clean a burnt pot and add a refreshing citrus scent to your kitchen – that's a win-win! First things first, cut approximately two lemons into quarters or thick slices and place them along the bottom of the pot. Next, add enough water to cover the entire scorched area and bring it to a boil on the stove. You'll see the burnt food particles coming off the bottom of the pan as the lemon floats around. After about 5 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it soak while the water cools to room temperature. Discard the water and lemon pieces and then lightly scrub off any remaining grime with a soft sponge.