How to Clean a Burnt Pot With Things Found in Your Kitchen

Remedies to Remove Burns on Pots

We have all had those occasions when we have forgotten about the food cooking on the stove and end up with charred remains. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to remedy the problem with homemade cleaning solutions. Rather than throwing it away, give your burnt pot a new lease of life by using various items you already have in your home.

Regardless of the method you use to deal with a burnt pot, you first need to run cold water over it and then use a wooden spoon to scrape off whatever food you can. Do not worry if you still have clumps of burned food adhering to the pot. Soaking is the best way to deal with this to get it clean.

Give it a Soap and Soak

One of the easiest ways to deal with a burnt pot is to soak it. If it is not severely burnt, all you may need to use is some dishwashing liquid and water.

• Add dishwashing liquid and water to cover the burnt areas.
• Allow it to soak for at least an hour.
• Use a wooden spoon to scrape off the burnt bits.
• If burnt food is still stuck to the pot, empty it out and refill it with the soapy mixture.
• Put the pot on the stove and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes or so.
• Take it off the stove and allow it to soak overnight.
• In the morning, bring the mixture to a boil again.
• Remove the remaining grime with a wooden spoon.
• Wash the pot.

Try Some Salt

If you find that soap and water is not enough to deal with the problem, using some salt may work.

• Pour a generous amount of salt into the pot.
• Use a wet sponge to work it into the burnt areas.
• Rinse out the pot.

Some people swear by using a large potato, cutting it in half, pouring salt on the cut side and rubbing it into the burn marks. Others use salt on a cut lemon to rub it in.

Use Vinegar and Baking Soda

A combination of vinegar and baking soda can work wonders on burnt pots if soap and salt do not do the trick.

• Pour equal parts of white vinegar and water to cover the bottom of the pot.
• Heat it up on the stove until the mixture comes to a boil.
• Let it boil for a minute and then remove it from the stove.
• Carefully carry it to the kitchen sink. When you add the baking soda, there will be a chemical reaction that makes the solution fizz.
• Add one tablespoon of baking powder to the pot.
• Leave the mixture for a while to let the fizz settle and then pour it out.
• Use your wooden spoon and a little extra baking soda to scrape out the burnt residue.
• Rinse it clean.

You will be amazed at the shine you achieve when you dry your pot.
If this does not work, you can fill the pot with vinegar to cover the burnt area and bring it to a boil on the stove. Allow it to simmer for a while and then add the baking powder. Once the fizzing has stopped, pour out the liquid and scrape off the residue.

Use Cream of Tartar Paste

Like baking soda, cream of tartar is mildly abrasive so you can use it for getting off some of that gunk without damaging your pot. It is also acidic, so it helps to break down any food that is sticking to the pot.

Create a thick paste using cream of tartar and white vinegar. Apply it to the affected areas and when you start scrubbing, you will find that the burnt bits will start coming off.

Use a Dryer Sheet

If you thought dryer sheets are only for laundry purposes, you are wrong. A dryer sheet can help when you need to remove burnt residue from your pot.

• Add dishwashing liquid and hot water to your pot.
• Place a dryer sheet on top and press it down until it is fully submerged.
• Leave the pot to soak for an hour.
• Use your wooden spoon to remove the burnt residue.
• Wash the pot.

Other Methods That Might Surprise You

If you have a spare can of soda, you can use it to loosen up burnt grime. Fill your pot with a few inches of soda, leave it to soak overnight and you will find it easier to scrub off the burnt residue.

Ketchup also contains acetic acid that can break down the copper oxide that forms when food burns. Pour it onto the burn and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes before scrubbing away.

In Conclusion

As you can see, you do not need to fret. There are several ways to restore a burnt pot without having to resort to any specially bought products with harsh chemicals. You can find all the above ingredients in your kitchen.