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- Pour a generous amount of water into the pan, covering the burnt area.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda to the water. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and helps loosen burnt food without scratching the surface of your cookware.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
For a more powerful effect, heat the pan with the baking soda and water mixture. This can help loosen the burnt food faster:
- Place the pan on the stovetop over medium heat, or bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. You’ll notice the water starting to bubble and steam, which means it’s working to loosen the burnt-on food. Tip: If the burnt residue is very thick or hard to remove, let the water simmer longer (10-15 minutes), but make sure it doesn’t boil over or evaporate completely.
Step 3: Add Vinegar
After the water has simmered, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vinegar to the pot. You’ll see a fizzing reaction as the vinegar combines with the baking soda – this is the cleaning magic happening! The fizz helps to lift away the burnt food and grease from the surface of the pan.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the vinegar and baking soda to work their magic. You’ll notice that the burnt food begins to soften and loosen.
Step 4: Scrub the Pan
Once the mixture has had time to sit, grab a sponge or scrubbing brush and gently scrub the burnt areas. The combination of the baking soda’s abrasiveness and the vinegar’s acidity should make it easy to remove the burnt residue.
- For stubborn spots, apply a little more baking soda directly onto the burn marks and scrub in a circular motion. You can also add a little extra vinegar to help lift any remaining burnt bits.
- Be sure to use a soft sponge or brush to avoid scratching non-stick surfaces or delicate cookware.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
Once the burnt food has been removed, rinse the pot or pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any leftover cleaning solution.
- If the pan looks clean, dry it with a towel or let it air dry. If there are still traces of burnt food, repeat the process for any remaining spots.
Additional Tips for Cleaning Burnt Pots and Pans
- Use a Paste for Stubborn Burns: If the burnt food is particularly stubborn, mix baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply this paste to the burnt areas, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then scrub away. The paste will help lift tougher stains without causing scratches.
- For Non-Stick Pans: Be extra gentle with non-stick surfaces to avoid damaging the coating. Use a soft sponge, and avoid abrasive scrubbers or brushes that could scratch the pan.
- Try a Salt Scrub: For an eco-friendly alternative to baking soda, sprinkle coarse salt (such as kosher salt) into the pan, add a little water, and let it sit for 10 minutes. The salt acts as a mild abrasive to help lift burnt food.
- Use a Commercial Cleaner if Necessary: If your cookware is still looking grimy after using this hack, consider using a specialized cooking spray cleaner or a pot and pan cleaner. These products are designed to cut through grease and grime, but make sure they’re suitable for the type of cookware you have.
- Prevention Is Key: To avoid burnt food sticking to your cookware in the future, be sure to cook with the right heat level, use enough oil or liquid, and stir your food regularly to prevent it from sticking or burning.
Final Thoughts
With this easy cleaning hack using baking soda, vinegar, and water, you can tackle even the toughest burnt-on messes in just a few minutes. By simmering the pan with these simple ingredients, you’ll soften the grime and make it much easier to scrub away. No need to spend hours scrubbing or risking damage to your pots and pans—this natural and effective method will save you time and effort, while keeping your cookware looking fresh and new.
So next time you burn a batch of food, don’t stress! Just grab some baking soda, vinegar, and water, and watch the magic happen. Your pots and pans will be sparkling clean, and you’ll be ready to cook up your next meal with ease!
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