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How to Clean a Burnt Pot or Pan

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published December 24, 2024

Cooking can sometimes result in burnt pots and pans, a common mishap that leaves many home chefs wondering how to effectively clean their cookware. Let’s learn effective methods on how to clean burnt pots and pans, including the use of baking soda vinegar and other natural cleaners.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Steps on How to Clean a Burnt Pot

Burnt pots made of stainless steel, cast iron and aluminum require different cleaning techniques to avoid damage.

Cast Iron

  • Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape off any large food particles or burnt-on bits.
  • Add 1 or 2 cups of water to the bottom of the pot to cover the burnt area.
  • Wear protective gloves and spread a generous amount of baking soda over the wet surface.
  • Use a spoon to mix the baking soda into a paste.
  • Use a non-abrasive scouring sponge to scrub the pot vigorously on areas with burn-on spots.
  • Rinse the pot with hot water to remove all the baking soda.
  • Dry the pot with a clean towel.

Caution

Avoid using a metal spoon, as it can scratch the protective layer of the pot.

Aluminum

  • Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape off the burn-on bits.
  • Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the pot, ensuring it fully covers the burnt area.   
  • Sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda over the vinegar-filled pot.
  • The baking soda will react with the vinegar, creating a fizzy mixture that helps to loosen stubborn grime.
  • Allow the mixture to sit overnight. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be at breaking down the burnt-on food.
  • Use a non-scratching sponge to scrub the pot.
  • The baking soda and vinegar mixture should have loosened the grime, making it easier to remove.
  • Scrub gently to avoid damaging the surface of the pot.
  • Rinse the pot thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of the cleaning solution.
  • Dry the pot immediately with a clean cloth to prevent water spots.
Good to Know

Vinegar is too acidic for surfaces like cast iron and is a powerful cleaning agent for aluminum.

Caution

Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the acidic nature of vinegar and the abrasive action of scrubbing.

Ways to Clean a Burnt Pan

Discover the best way to clean burnt pans, depending on whether they're made of stainless steel, cast iron or aluminum.

Aluminum

  • Sprinkle a generous amount of salt on the burnt area in the pan.
  • Pour a small amount of oil over the salt.
  • Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the burnt area. The salt will act as a gentle abrasive, helping to lift the burnt food.
  • Rinse the pan thoroughly with water. 
  • You can also use baking soda to clean a burnt pan, as described above, while cleaning the pot.

Stainless Steel and Cast Iron Pan

  • Pour hydrogen peroxide over the burnt areas in the pan.
  • Allow the hydrogen peroxide to sit inside the pan for 15-20 mins.
  • Use a soft brush to scrub the burnt areas. 
  • Rinse the pan with warm water. 
  • Dry the pan with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
Caution

Wear chemical-resistant gloves to protect your hands from potential skin irritation and wear safety goggles when handling concentrated hydrogen peroxide or cleaning in enclosed spaces.

Restoring your burnt pot or pan to its original shine is achievable with a little patience and the right approach. By following these tips mentioned above and using the right tools and materials, you can easily clean your burnt pots and pans and restore them to their original condition.

FAQ’s

1. How to clean a burnt pot?

To clean a burnt pot, first remove any loose debris. Then, fill the pot with water and add baking soda. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer. Once cooled, scrub the burnt areas with a non-abrasive sponge or brush. For stubborn stains, repeat the process or use a commercial cleaner.

2. What is the best way to clean a burnt pan?

To clean a burnt pan, fill it with water and add baking soda. Bring to a boil, let it cool, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. For stubborn stains, repeat or use a commercial cleaner. Avoid harsh abrasives that can damage the pan's surface.