If you have burnt pots and pans, you can use everyday household items to clean them effectively.

Baking soda is not only a cooking ingredient but also a versatile cleaner for household items. It has mild abrasiveness and alkaline properties, which can neutralize acidic burnt food residues. When combined with acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon, baking soda creates a bubbling reaction that helps loosen burnt food from pots and pans.

1.   Using Baking Soda

First, place the pot or pan on the stove and heat it until you hear a sizzle when a drop of water is added. Pour in a cup of water or a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar, depending on the size of the pan.

Once the water is boiling, use a spoon to scrape off the loosened food bits. When most of the residue is gone, pour out the liquid and food debris. Sprinkle baking soda over the pan and allow it to cool. Then scrub the pan as you normally would.

For stubborn burnt spots inside the pan or on the bottom, make a paste with baking soda and water. Spread the paste on the affected areas and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, add more baking soda as needed and scrub thoroughly to remove the remaining stains.

2.   Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

To enhance the cleaning effect, try combining baking soda with vinegar. Start by pouring vinegar into the pan until it covers the bottom surface. Place the pan with vinegar on the stove and bring it to a boil. Turn off the heat, and add baking soda to the pan. The mixture will fizz as the baking soda reacts with the vinegar. Leave it until the fizzing stops, and the vinegar cools slightly. Pour out the liquid and scrub the pan to remove any remaining residue.

3.   Using Baking Soda and Lemon

Baking soda also works well with lemon to create a cleaning paste for burnt pans.

First, wet the pan and sprinkle baking soda over the surface. Cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub the pan, adding more baking soda as needed for friction. This method can be used for burnt spots inside the pan or on the bottom.

These methods will help make your pots and pans look as good as new!