Using too much heat or stepping away too long can quickly scorch whatever you’re whipping up. And when you’re dealing with a burnt-on mess at the bottom of your cookware, a simple wash with soap and water likely won’t get it clean.
The best ways to clean burnt pots and pans involve 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. 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.
BHG / Ana Cadena
How to Clean Burnt Nonstick Pots and 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.
Step 1: Add Baking Soda and Water to the Pan. Sprinkle baking soda over the burnt area of the nonstick pan and add a small amount of water to form a thin paste.
Step 2: Let Sit. Let the pan sit overnight.
Step 3: Scrub and Rinse. Gently scrub the pan with a non-scratch sponge. Rinse and wash with soap and water.
How to Clean Burnt Stainless-Steel Pots and Pans
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first for specific cleaning instructions, as these might differ between brands. Then refer to these instructions on how to clean burnt pots and pans to eliminate stuck-on residue and restore shine.
Bar Keepers Friend Method
Step 1: Bring Pan to Room Temperature. Let the pan cool down before you attempt to clean it.
Step 2: Rinse and Add Cleaning Product. Rinse your pan under hot water. Then, wearing rubber gloves, sprinkle a small amount of Bar Keepers Friend, an abrasive, acidic cleaner that cuts through and loosens burnt-on food, onto the burnt surface. Rub in the powder with a damp cloth or sponge.
Step 3: 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.
Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil Method
Grab some baking soda and aluminum foil from your pantry to naturally clean burnt stainless-steel pans.
Step 1: Add Baking Soda and Water. Sprinkle 2-3 Tbsp. baking soda across the burnt area of the pan and add just enough hot water to form a paste.
Step 2: Scrub with Foil. Crumble a piece of aluminum foil into a ball (steel wool also works) and use it to scrub away stuck-on residue.
Step 3: Rinse the Pan. Wash in hot soapy water to rinse away any remaining debris.
Dishwasher Tablet Method
You can use the concentrated cleaning power of dishwasher tablets, such as Finish Powerball Deep Clean Tabs, to clean a burnt stainless-steel pan. Simply scrape the tablet over the burnt surface with a bit of warm water to loosen food debris and rinse clean.
