To clean a burnt stainless steel pot effectively, several reliable methods use common household ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, lemon, and sometimes aluminum foil. Here are the main approaches: The Deglazing Technique:
- Remove burnt food debris.
- Heat the pot on the stove until a drop of water sizzles.
- Add water or a mix of water and white vinegar and bring to a boil.
- Use a wooden spatula to loosen burnt bits.
- Pour out the liquid and sprinkle baking soda on the base.
- Once cooled, scrub vigorously with a scouring pad or sponge.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Method:
- Remove food debris.
- Add enough white vinegar to cover the burnt area and boil it.
- Remove from heat and add baking soda to create a fizzing reaction.
- Let it sit until fizzing stops, then scrub with a nylon brush or sponge.
- Rinse and dry.
Baking Soda and Lemon Method:
- Remove debris.
- Leave a thin layer of water and sprinkle baking soda.
- Use half a lemon to scour the pan with baking soda.
- The acid from lemon and baking soda will help lift stains.
Using Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda:
- Crumple foil into a ball and sprinkle baking soda in the burnt pan.
- Use the foil ball to scrub away burnt areas (works only on metal, not nonstick).
These methods rely on baking soda's abrasive nature and its alkalinity combined with acidic elements like vinegar or lemon juice to break down burnt residues without damaging stainless steel. After scrubbing, wash and dry the pot as usual for best results.
