Say goodbye to stubborn burn marks on pans — learn how to clean scorched pots fast.
Burned food stuck to the bottom of a pan is annoying — and sometimes feels impossible to clean.
But you don’t need to throw away your favorite pan or spend forever scrubbing. There’s a simple way to restore your cookware — and it’s probably already in your kitchen.
🔥 Why Food Burns to Pans
Overheating, not enough liquid, or forgetting a pan on the stove can lead to burned-on food.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need steel wool or aggressive scrubbing — just patience and the right technique.
🧼 Step-by-Step: How to Remove Burn Marks from Pans
Step 1: Boil Water in the Pan
Fill the pan with hot water and bring it to a gentle boil.
Let it simmer for 5–10 minutes — the heat helps loosen the burnt bits.
Step 2: Add Baking Soda
While the water is still warm, sprinkle in a few tablespoons of baking soda .
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Scrape Off the Burn Marks
Use a wooden spoon or plastic spatula to gently scrape off the loosened food.
No need for steel wool — the marks should come off easily.
Step 4: Rinse and Repeat if Needed
Empty the water, rinse the pan, and check for remaining marks.
Repeat the process if necessary — usually one round is enough.
🧽 Bonus Cleaning Tips
- Never use metal scrubbers — they scratch non-stick surfaces.
- Clean pans right after cooking — it’s easiest before food dries.
- Soak pans overnight — for tougher stains, let them sit in hot water and vinegar.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🧴 Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?
Yes! Lemon juice is acidic and helps break down burned-on food.
🧼 Can I use dish soap?
Yes — add a squirt of dish soap to the water for extra grease-fighting power.
🔥 What if the pan is non-stick?
Avoid abrasive materials. Stick to soft sponges and gentle scraping.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Removing burn marks from pans doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With just a few minutes and basic ingredients, you can save your cookware — and your sanity.
Next time your pan ends up with a scorched bottom, try this trick — and enjoy a clean pan without stress.
👉 What’s your go-to pan-cleaning hack? Share it below!
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