Every home chef deals with unwanted guests clinging to appliances. That’s right, those burn spots on pots and pans are a common kitchen nuisance that just refuse to quit! The stubborn stains can seem impossible to remove, and while there are powerful cleaning products that can help, there are also a few common household staples that can bust those burns in a pinch.
Before heading out in search of harsh cleaners or new cookware, try these foolproof cleaning methods to eliminate pesky burn spots and polish up your favorite pots and pans.
How to Clean a Burnt Pan & Why You Should Give it a Try
Scrubbing the burns from your pots and pans at home is a satisfying experience. Maintaining your pots and pans keeps them out of landfills, and the simple act of cleaning can benefit your mental and physical health, too!
Cleaning can relieve stress, boost mood, improve focus and gets the body moving. Other benefits of using household items to scrub away burns from kitchenware include saving money on cleaning products, avoiding harsh chemicals and a gentler touch on your skin and kitchen tools.
How to clean burns from stainless steel pots and pans
Inside
Gather:
- 2-3 lemons
- Baking soda
- Aluminum foil
Directions:
Quarter two to three lemons and drop them into the bottom of the pot or pan. Add enough water to cover the lemons, bring to a boil and reduce to simmer for five minutes. Remove lemons and pour water down the drain. Sprinkle baking soda along the bottom of the pot or pan, then use a handful of bunched-up aluminum foil to scrub away remaining burn spots. Rinse with hot water and air-dry.
Outside (bottom)
Gather:
Directions:
Flip pot or pan upside down, then sprinkle a generous amount of kosher salt and baking soda along the bottom surface. In a zig-zag motion, squeeze dish soap over the salt and baking soda, then scrub vigorously with a sponge. Cover the surface with paper towels, pour white vinegar over the top and let it soak for five minutes. Scrub, rinse with hot water and air-dry.
How to clean burns from cast iron pots and pans
Inside & outside
Gather:
- Baking soda
- Kosher salt
- 1 lime
- Cast iron seasoning
Directions:
Cover the bottom of the pot or pan with water, sprinkle in baking soda and bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat, discard liquid and sprinkle a generous amount of kosher salt into the inside and outside of the pot or pan. Using lime halves, scrub at burn spots. Rinse with hot water, air-dry and season your cast iron to maintain its look and function.
How to clean burns from non-stick pots and pans
Inside
Gather:
Directions:
Add equal parts water and white vinegar to the pot or pan, then bring to a boil. Allow mixture to simmer for five minutes, remove from heat and discard liquid. Pour a generous amount of baking soda into the bottom of the pot/pan and scrub with and abrasive sponge or crumbled aluminum foil. Rinse with hot water and set aside to air-dry.
Outside (bottom)
Gather:
Directions:
Fill the bottom of the oven tray with water and bring to a boil. Add in dishwasher detergent tablet and dish soap, then carefully set your burned pot or pan into the water. Let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the pot or pan from the mixture and scrub the bottom with the abrasive sponge. You may need to repeat this sequence several times, but once the bottom of your pot or pan is clean, rinse it with hot water and set it aside to air-dry.
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