How to Remove Burnt Spots on Pots & Pans

Use common household products to get rid of nasty scorch marks on your pots.

Pots and pans are designed to withstand high temperatures, but nevertheless they are susceptible to burn and scorch marks just like more fragile objects. These marks usually don't interfere with cooking, but they do interfere with the overall look of the pan. If you store your pots and pans from a hanging rack out in the open, these marks may be more of a problem for you. You can use some household products to remove these marks from your pots and pans.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Mesh dish cloth
• Baking soda
• Ketchup

Instructions

Inside of the Pot or Pan

1. Place the pot or pan onto the stovetop burner.

2. Pour enough vinegar into it to cover the bottom of the pan. Add an equal amount of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the vinegar

3. Turn on the burner and allow the solution to boil in the pan for 20 minutes.

4. Pour out the liquid and scrub any stubborn marks using a mesh dish cloth and baking soda.

5. Rinse the baking soda out of the pot or pan thoroughly.

Outside of the Pot or Pan

1. Cover the marks on the pot or pan with a generous amount of baking soda.

2. Add enough water to the baking soda to form a paste on the surface. Allow it to saturate the stain for four or more hours.

3. Rinse the paste away.

Tips & Warnings

• For copper pots, spray a solution of vinegar and 3 tablespoons of salt onto the marks. Let it stand for four hours, then scrub it clean. Rub ketchup onto the pot or pan to remove any tarnish.

References

• The Kitchn: How to Clean Tough Burnt Stains Off Stainless Cookware
• Global Village Institute for Appropriate Technology: Old Time Cleaning Remedies