How to Clean Burned-On Food From Pots Without Scrubbing

Soak pots to remove burnt food.

No matter how attentive or experienced the cook, forgotten food can scorch and burn onto the inside bottom of a pot. The result is a black, charred mess that is often challenging to remove without excessive scraping and scrubbing. However, you can restore the pot to a clean, shiny condition by softening the food particles with liquids, which makes removing the stains a much quicker and less labor-intensive process.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden spatula
• Dish soap
• Dish rag
• Dish towel

Instructions

1. Place the burned pot back on a stove burner turned to high. Wait one to two minutes and then place one drop of water into the pot to see if it sizzles on the bottom. If needed, wait an additional one minute until the water sizzles instantly.

2. Pour 1 cup of lukewarm water into the pot, standing back after pouring it in to prevent the hot steam from burning you.

3. Wait until no more steam is produced and then insert a wooden spatula or other utensil into the water. Move the spatula around in a circular motion on the bottom of the pot to loosen the burnt-on food. Continue until the spatula moves smoothly around the pan, and you no longer feel rough food on the bottom.

4. Turn off the stove and pour the water into a sink with a garbage disposal or dispose of it outdoors to prevent the food particles from clogging up the sink.

5. Wash the pot with a dish rag and 1 tsp. of liquid dish soap. Dry the pot well with a dish towel.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a nonstick pot, remove the burnt-on food by combining 2 tbsp. baking soda, 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 cup water in the pot. Allow the mixture to boil for 10 minutes and then wash the pot as normal.

References

• Reader's Digest: 20+ Ways to Easily Clean Pots and Pans
• The Kitchn; Kitchen Nightmares: Cleaning Scorched and Burnt Food Off Pots and Pans; Emma Christensen; July 2008