Buzz
There are numerous techniques for getting rid of burnt, crusted, or dried-on food from your cookware. Yet, I often find myself placing my pans in warm water and thinking, “I’ll deal with this later; it needs to soak.” This tendency only worsens the situation. Let’s put an end to it by exploring some effective ways to remove tough food residue from your pots and pans.
The Magic of a Magic Eraser
Magic Erasers (or melamine sponges) offer far more applications than you may think—and one of their uses is cleaning up your cookware. According to the official Mr. Clean website: “Simply swipe firmly across the soiled area. Start with the toughest spots, like greasy residue and burnt food, then gradually work your way to the smaller issues, such as dried batter and tiny crumbs.”
Oven cleaner solution
The next time you're reaching for oven cleaner, take a moment to check for instructions on 'spot cleaning.' Now, expand your thinking. The label doesn’t specify that your 'spot' can't be on a pan. Follow the directions for spot cleaning on your oven cleaner, and apply them to the stubborn burns on your baking sheet. The Kitchn offers additional insights here.
Baking soda and vinegar mixture
It’s a timeless, reliable duo, so why not trust it? Vinegar and baking soda can help clear up that tough, baked-on grime. According to HGTV, mix equal parts water and vinegar in a pan, bring it to a boil for a minute, then pour it down the drain. Afterward, add a tablespoon of baking soda and scrub away.
Basic baking soda
We've suggested this before for cleaning burnt enamel cookware: First, bring water to a boil, then add the baking soda. Let it simmer, and after a few minutes, use a wooden spoon to scrape off the charred mess.
Lemons
As suggested by Taste of Home, slice two or three lemons, place them in your pot, add enough water to cover them, and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat to soften the burned-on bits, making it easier to scrub them away.
Dishwasher tablet
This tip has been circulating for a while (and you can find more details at Taste of Home), but essentially, all you need to do is run your dirty pan under warm water and use a dishwasher tablet to scrub it. The combination of the dishwashing powder gradually activating and the abrasive action will help remove the stubborn food residue.
Salt
Consider using salt, which works as an abrasive and is particularly effective for greasy stains. As recommended by HGTV, you can apply it with just water, or mix in some Dawn for added scrubbing power and to break down grease more efficiently.
