All of us have burned a pot at some point – either when we got distracted and left the food “alone” for too long, or when we set the temperature and power of the burner incorrectly. However, a burnt pot does not have to mean disaster. There are several home methods that allow effective cleaning without the need to use aggressive chemicals.

Burning dishes is a problem that is most often caused by high temperatures and insufficient amount of liquid in the food. Other causes include uneven heat distribution or using the wrong cookware on certain types of stoves. To avoid burning in the future, it is a good idea to control the cooking process, use dishes with a thick bottom and make sure that the food has enough liquid.

How can I clean my dishes without damaging them?

When cleaning kitchenware, it is important not to damage its surface. This applies especially to cookware with a non-stick surface, which requires gentler handling. When using home methods, avoid sharp brushes and aggressive chemicals. For stainless steel or enamel cookware, you can use more intensive techniques, such as using baking soda or aluminum foil.

Home methods for cleaning a burnt pot

Here are five effective ways to help you restore the shine of even the most burnt pots. This will get rid of old, insufficiently cleaned grease.

  • Baking soda and vinegar – the classic method

Fill a burnt pot with water and vinegar in equal proportions and bring the mixture to a boil. After a few minutes of boiling, remove the pot from the heat and add two tablespoons of baking soda. A characteristic chemical reaction occurs – the mixture begins to foam. Leave the pot to boil for 15 minutes and then wash it thoroughly with a soft sponge.

This method is cheap, effective and uses ingredients you can find in every kitchen. Works great on steel and enamel pots.

  • Lemons – a natural method without chemicals

Cut two lemons and put them in a burnt pot. Add water to cover the lemons and bring to a boil. After about 10 minutes of boiling, the burns should begin to peel off. Finally, remove the lemons, pour out the water and gently wipe the pot.

This method is ideal for those who appreciate natural cleaning products. Lemons act as a natural degreaser and odor neutralizer.

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  • Baking soda and tin foil – an alternative to rough sponges

How it works. Sprinkle some baking soda on the burnt surface of the pot and then add some water to make a paste. Crumple a piece of tin foil into a ball and use it as a ‘sponge’ to scrub the pot. Finally, rinse the pot thoroughly. Aluminum foil is strong enough to remove burnt-on spots, but also soft enough not to scratch the surface of the pot.

  • Potato and salt – it’s not obvious, but it’s effective

Cut the potato in half, sprinkle one of the halves with coarse salt and rub it on the burnt surface of the pot. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive and the potato starch helps dissolve the burns. It is a method that works well for less intense burns and is completely ecological.

  • Boiling water and a wooden spatula – on delicate surfaces

If you have a delicate pot, fill it with boiling water and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then use a wooden spatula to gently scrape away the burnt residue. In addition, you can add a few drops of dish soap to make cleaning easier. The ideal method for dishes with a non-stick surface that is easily damaged by rough tools.

How to prevent pots from burning?

So that you don’t have to worry about the condition and appearance of your pots, you can successfully prevent them from burning. How? By controlling the cooking or stewing temperature, using medium heat and stirring the food regularly (from below).

Use cookware with a thick bottom that distributes heat evenly, preferably with a non-stick surface. Before cleaning the dirt that has stuck to the bottom and walls of the pot, soak it and let it soak for a few minutes.

Cleaning a burnt pot doesn’t have to be difficult or require the use of harsh chemicals. It is enough to reach for home methods, such as baking soda, vinegar, lemons or even potatoes. See for yourself how effective they are.

How to easily clean a burnt pot at home? Five methods that really work