Even the best home cooks scorch their cookware now and then. If your usual soaking method does little to loosen stubborn char, don’t throw the pot or pan out. Instead, try one of these methods to restore your cookware to its clean and shiny state. And the best part is you don’t need to break your back scrubbing. You just need the right supplies, most of which you probably already have on hand.
Before you begin, be sure to check the finish as abrasive scrubbers should not be used on nonstick cookware.
Here are 6 techniques for cleaning burned pots and pans.
- Dishwasher Detergent
Add one tablespoon of powdered dishwasher detergent or one tablet to the pot. Fill the pot with enough hot water to cover the mess, and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Using a plastic spatula, gently scrape the bottom of the pot. If the burned-on food comes up, continue scrubbing. If not, simmer the pot with the mixture on the stove for 10 minutes. Remove from the stove and let cool. Empty the pot and scrub off remaining gunk.
- Aluminum Foil
Add a couple inches of warm water to the pot, then add a teaspoon of dish soap and let soak for at least 30 minutes. Crumple up a small sheet of aluminum foil into a ball and use it to scrub the pot until food residue is removed. Do not use this method on nonstick pans as the aluminum foil can scratch the coating.
- Vinegar and Baking Soda
For tougher jobs, fill the pot with a couple inches of white vinegar, enough to cover the charred area. Bring to a boil, turn the heat down, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the stove and let cool slightly, then add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to create a fizzing reaction. Once fizzing stops, empty the pot and scrub with a dish brush until the stains are removed.
- Lemons
Cut 2 to 3 lemons into thick slices and place them in the bottom of the pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. After about 5 minutes, remove the pot from the stove and let it soak while the water cools. Discard the contents and scrub lightly with a soft sponge to remove any remaining grime.
- Vinegar and Water
Add equal parts white vinegar and water into the pot, enough to cover the burnt area. Boil the mixture for 5 minutes, remove for the heat and let soak while it cools. Dump out the liquid and scrub the remaining gunk with a sponge or brush.
- Water and Baking Soda
Cover the charred area with water and bring the pot to a boil. Keep it at a rolling boil for about 6 minutes then remove the pot from the stove and let cool. Once the water is at room temperature, dump it out and use a plastic spatula to scrape away any large bits into the trash. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the pot and scrub away remaining debris with a cookware-safe scrubber.
What do all these techniques have in common? They depend on a steady supply of water. If plumbing problems are getting in the way of your day-to-day tasks, call the pros at Norhio Plumbing. From simple repairs to complex installations and everything in between, Norhio is ready to serve you.
Leave a Reply