6 Easy Ways to Clean Burnt Pots and Remove Stubborn Stains

Clean Your Pot and Remove Stubborn Stains

Burning a pot or pan happens to the best of us. Overcooked food may be a loss, but you don’t have to toss your cookware! Here are six tried-and-true methods to help restore your pots and pans to their original shine.

1. Wood Ash

If you have a fireplace, put those leftover ashes to good use! Wood ash is mildly abrasive and can effectively clean burnt pots.
How to Use:

• Dampen a sponge with water and dip it in sifted ash, then scrub the burnt spots.
• Alternatively, sprinkle some ash directly into the pot, add hot water, and boil for a few minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly and wipe with a sponge.

Tip: Clay can also be a suitable replacement if you’re out of ash.

2. Citric Acid

Citric acid, found naturally in lemons, is a fantastic descaler and stain remover. Ideal for stainless steel or cast iron, it breaks down stubborn stains and leaves cookware spotless.
How to Use:

• Add 2 tablespoons of citric acid powder to the pan and cover with boiling water.
• Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a wooden spatula or sponge.
• Rinse thoroughly.

Warning: Avoid using citric acid on enamel or aluminum as it can damage these surfaces.

3. White Vinegar

White vinegar is an economical and eco-friendly cleaner that cuts through burnt-on residue with ease.
How to Use:

• Pour a little white vinegar into the burnt pan.
• Heat for about 2 minutes over low heat until it starts to boil, then turn off the heat.
• Allow it to cool, then scrub with a sponge to lift the burnt areas.

Tip: White vinegar is also great for disinfecting and deodorizing your cookware!

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness makes it an excellent choice for cleaning burnt pots.
How to Use:

• Sprinkle baking soda generously over the burnt area.
• Add enough water to cover the baking soda by about an inch, then bring to a boil.
• Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge. Rinse and clean as usual.

5. Baking Powder (Chemical Yeast)

Baking powder can work wonders on burnt stains, lifting dirt without too much scrubbing.
How to Use:

• Sprinkle baking powder on the burnt area, lightly spray with water, and let sit for 10 minutes.
• Scrub with a sponge, then rinse and wash as usual.

6. Coarse Salt and Aluminum Foil

Coarse salt, combined with aluminum foil, provides a gentle abrasive action without scratching your pot.
How to Use:

• Sprinkle a tablespoon of coarse salt over the burnt area and let it sit.
• Crumple a piece of aluminum foil into a ball and use it to scrub the burnt areas.
• Rinse with hot water and dish soap, then wash as usual.

Conclusion

With these simple, effective tips, your burnt pots and pans can look like new again! Try any of these methods to remove stubborn stains and make clean-up a breeze. From natural solutions like baking soda and citric acid to clever tricks like wood ash, these methods make it easy to keep your cookware in top shape.