Don’t throw it in the trash: this way you can make a burnt pot look like new

Steps:

1. Add Baking Soda: Pour a generous amount of baking soda into the bottom of your burnt pot.
2. Fill with Water: Add just enough water to cover the burnt areas. You can also use hot water for quicker results.
3. Let It Soak: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stove, or if the pot is really burnt, let it sit for an hour or so to loosen up the scorched residue. If you’re simmering, let it bubble on medium heat for 10-15 minutes.
4. Scrub Away: Once the water has cooled, use a scrubbing sponge or brush to scrub away the burnt food and stains. You should notice the burnt bits starting to lift off with ease.
5. Rinse and Dry: After you’ve scrubbed off the burnt residue, rinse the pot with warm water and dry it thoroughly.

Pro Tip: For extra tough spots, make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the stained area. Let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing.

2. Vinegar and Baking Soda: A Dynamic Duo

If the baking soda method alone doesn’t quite do the trick, try combining it with vinegar for a double whammy of cleaning power. The acidity of vinegar helps break down stubborn burnt food, while baking soda provides gentle abrasion.

What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 2-3 tablespoons baking soda
• Water
• A sponge or soft brush

Steps:

1. Add Vinegar: Pour white vinegar into the burnt pot, enough to cover the burnt areas. You’ll notice it fizzing as it interacts with the burnt food.
2. Sprinkle Baking Soda: Add the baking soda over the vinegar. The combination will bubble and foam, helping to lift off the grime.
3. Let It Sit: Allow the vinegar and baking soda mixture to sit for 30 minutes to an hour. For really tough stains, let it soak overnight.
4. Scrub and Rinse: Use a sponge or brush to scrub away the burnt residue. The bubbling mixture should have loosened the burnt food, making it easier to wipe away. Rinse and dry the pot.

3. The Salt Method: For Light Burns and Stains

If you’re dealing with light burns or stains that don’t require a heavy-duty cleaning method, using salt is a simple and effective option. Salt is mildly abrasive and helps to scrub off the burnt food without damaging your cookware.

What You’ll Need:

• Coarse salt (like kosher salt)
• A sponge or soft cloth
• Water

Steps:

1. Cover the Burnt Area: Sprinkle a generous amount of coarse salt onto the burnt area of the pot.
2. Add Water: Pour a little water over the salt, just enough to form a paste.
3. Scrub the Surface: Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the surface in circular motions. The coarse salt will help lift the stains and burn marks from the surface.
4. Rinse and Dry: Once the stains are gone, rinse the pot with warm water and dry it thoroughly.

4. Cream of Tartar: A Magic Ingredient for Stainless Steel Pots

For stainless steel pots that have suffered from stubborn scorch marks, cream of tartar is a secret weapon. This kitchen staple is known for its ability to polish stainless steel and remove burnt food stains.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup water
• A sponge or soft cloth

Steps:

1. Make a Paste: In a small bowl, mix cream of tartar with water to form a thick paste.
2. Apply the Paste: Apply the paste directly to the burnt areas of the pot. You can also use a damp cloth to rub the paste onto the stains.
3. Let It Sit: Let the paste sit for 15-30 minutes to loosen the burnt residue.
4. Scrub and Rinse: Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the surface of the pot, then rinse with warm water and dry it completely.

5. For Nonstick Pots: Baking Soda and Dish Soap

Nonstick cookware requires a gentler approach to avoid damaging the coating. For light burns or stains on nonstick pots, a mix of baking soda and dish soap can do wonders.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1-2 drops of dish soap
• Warm water
• A soft sponge

Steps:

1. Create a Cleaning Solution: Mix baking soda and dish soap with warm water to form a paste.
2. Apply and Soak: Apply the paste to the burnt areas and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
3. Gently Scrub: Use a soft sponge to gently scrub the stained areas, avoiding any harsh scrubbing to protect the nonstick coating.
4. Rinse and Dry: After cleaning, rinse the pot with warm water and dry it thoroughly.

Conclusion: Don’t Throw It Away—Restore It!

Before you toss that burnt pot into the trash, take a moment to try one of these simple yet effective methods to restore it. With just a few common household ingredients, you can bring your burnt cookware back to life, saving you money and keeping your kitchen running smoothly.

Whether it’s a stubborn scorch mark on your stainless steel pot or a nonstick pan with burnt food, there’s always a solution to bring your cookware back to its original condition. So, next time you burn your pot, don’t panic—grab some baking soda or vinegar and get cleaning. Your pots—and your wallet—will thank you!