The best ways to clean burnt pots and pans involve additional household ingredients or cleaners that can cut through the grease and lift away stuck-on grime. Most methods also require a bit of scrubbing, so be prepared to do some work to make your pot or pan sparkle again. It’s also important to note that your approach should differ depending on the material of your cookware. Stainless-steel pans can stand up to a certain amount of scouring, but abrasive cleaning methods could damage your nonstick pans. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first for specific cleaning steps, as these might differ between brands, and let the pan cool down before you attempt to clean it. Then refer to these instructions on how to clean burnt pots and pans to eliminate stuck-on residue and restore their shine.
How to Clean Burnt Stainless-Steel Pans
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first for specific cleaning steps, as these might differ between brands, and let the pan cool down before you attempt to clean it. Then refer to these instructions on how to clean burnt pots and pans to eliminate stuck-on residue and restore their shine.
What You Need
Bar Keepers FriendRubber glovesDamp cloth or spongeScouring pad (optional)Baking soda (optional)Aluminum foil (optional)Dishwasher tablets (optional)
Step 1: Rinse Pan and Add Cleaning Product
Step 2: Rinse and Repeat
Wait one minute, then rinse the pan again and scrub off any loosened bits of food with a sponge or scouring pad. Repeat this process as necessary until the pan is clean.
How to Clean Burnt Nonstick Pans
When cleaning burnt nonstick pans, take care not to use abrasive tools, such as scouring pads or steel wool, which could scratch or otherwise damage the surface. The mild abrasiveness of baking soda should be enough to clear away most stuck-on residue.
What You Need
Step 1: Add Baking Soda and Water to Pan
Sprinkle baking soda over the burnt area and add a small amount of water to form a thin paste.
Step 2: Let Sit and Scrub
Let the pan sit overnight, then gently scrub with a non-scratch sponge. Rinse and wash with soap and water.
DIY Cleaner for Stainless-Steel Pots and Pans
What You Need
Baking sodaAluminum foilSteel wool (optional)
Grab some baking soda and aluminum foil from your pantry to clean burnt stainless-steel pans. Sprinkle 2-3 Tbsp. baking soda across the burnt area and add just enough hot water to form a paste. Crumble a piece of aluminum foil into a ball (steel wool also works) and use it to scrub away stuck-on residue. Wash in hot soapy water to rinse away any remaining debris.
