To clean a burnt pot effectively, several methods can be used depending on the type of pot and the severity of the burn:
- Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste with baking soda and water (3 parts baking soda to 1 part water). Cover the burnt area with the paste, let it sit for a while, and then scrub with a wet sponge or nylon brush. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and its alkaline nature helps neutralize burnt residues.
- Baking Soda & Vinegar: Add white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pot and boil it. Remove from heat, add baking soda (which will fizz), wait for the reaction to stop, then scrub and rinse. This method uses the chemical reaction to loosen burnt food.
- Deglazing with Water or Vinegar: Heat the pot, add water or vinegar to boil, and use a wooden spatula to scrape off burnt bits while the liquid simmers. Then, sprinkle baking soda and scrub once cooled.
- Lemon and Baking Soda: Keep some water in the pot, sprinkle baking soda, and scrub with half a lemon. The acid and baking soda combination helps break down burnt stains and can shine certain types of pots like stainless steel or copper.
- Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda: Form a paste with baking soda and some water, then scrub the burnt pot with crumpled aluminum foil, which is an effective abrasive for metal pots.
- Other methods include soaking the pot overnight with dish soap and warm water, or using dishwasher tablets to scrub burnt residues.
Avoid using harsh abrasives or soaking methods that can damage pans like cast iron, as they can harm the seasoning or surface. These approaches typically require removing loose debris, applying the chosen method, scrubbing, and then rinsing and drying to restore the pot's cleanliness.
