The ingredient that instantly removes burns on pots and pans

What You’ll Need:

• Baking soda
• Water
• A soft sponge or cloth
• A bit of elbow grease

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Add Baking Soda: Start by sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the burned area of your pot or pan. You don’t need to measure it exactly—just cover the burned spots with a good coating of the powder.
2. Add Water: Pour a small amount of warm water over the baking soda. The goal here is to create a paste-like consistency. Add just enough water to wet the baking soda and form a thick paste that will stick to the surface.
3. Let It Sit: Allow the baking soda paste to sit on the burned area for at least 15 minutes—longer if the burns are particularly stubborn. This gives the baking soda time to work its magic by loosening up the charred bits and grime.
4. Scrub Gently: After the paste has had time to sit, take a soft sponge or cloth (something non-abrasive, so you don’t scratch the surface of your cookware) and start scrubbing gently in a circular motion. The baking soda paste will act as a mild abrasive, helping to lift away the burned food without damaging your pot or pan.
5. Rinse and Repeat if Necessary: Once you’ve scrubbed the area, rinse the pot or pan with warm water. You should notice that the burn marks have lightened or even completely disappeared! If there’s still some residue left, repeat the process—just add a bit more baking soda and water and scrub again.
6. Final Rinse: Once the burn marks are gone, give your cookware a final rinse to remove any leftover baking soda. You’ll be left with a clean, shiny surface!

Extra Tips for Stubborn Burns

While baking soda works wonders on most burns, there are a few additional tips you can try if you’re dealing with particularly tough stains or heavily scorched cookware:

• Vinegar and Baking Soda: For extra cleaning power, try adding a splash of white vinegar to the baking soda and water mixture. The fizzy reaction between the two ingredients helps break down the burned-on food even more effectively. Sprinkle the baking soda, pour the vinegar, let it fizz, and then scrub away!
• Boil with Baking Soda: If the burn marks are really stubborn and stuck to the bottom of a pan, you can try boiling a mixture of water and baking soda in the pan for a few minutes. This method helps loosen the grime and makes it easier to scrub off afterward.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: For extreme cases where the burn marks have been there for a while, you can create a paste using baking soda and a bit of hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste to the affected area, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub it off.
• Soak Before Scrubbing: For especially tough burns, you can let your pots or pans soak in warm water for a while before applying the baking soda paste. This will help soften the burned-on food, making the cleaning process easier.

Why It’s Better Than Harsh Chemicals

There’s no denying that some commercial cleaning products are effective at removing tough stains. However, they often come with a long list of chemicals that can be harmful to your health and the environment. Plus, many of these cleaners can damage the finish of your cookware over time.

Baking soda is a safe, natural, and inexpensive alternative. It’s non-toxic, eco-friendly, and gentle on your cookware, making it the ideal solution for everyday kitchen burns. You don’t have to worry about breathing in fumes or worrying about leaving behind harmful residues. Baking soda is a win-win!

Prevention Is Key

While this baking soda trick is perfect for cleaning up those inevitable cooking accidents, it’s always best to prevent burns from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips to keep your pots and pans in tip-top shape:

1. Monitor Heat: Avoid cooking on high heat when possible, as this can easily lead to burns and scorch marks. Use lower settings to maintain control over the cooking process.
2. Don’t Let Food Sit Too Long: Don’t leave food unattended on the stove, as this increases the risk of burning. Keep an eye on your pots and pans to prevent them from overheating.
3. Regular Maintenance: Give your cookware a good clean after every use to prevent build-up and minimize the risk of stubborn burns in the future.

Final Thoughts

Burns on pots and pans are frustrating, but with this simple baking soda trick, you can remove those stubborn marks in just minutes with minimal effort. It’s a natural, safe, and effective solution that’ll save you time and frustration—and the best part? You don’t have to buy expensive cleaning products!

So next time you burn your favorite pot or pan, reach for the baking soda instead of the harsh chemicals, and watch the magic happen. You’ll have your cookware looking like new in no time!