How to Easily Clean Scorched Pots and Pans
If you burn food to the bottom of your saucepan, skillet, or casserole dish, don't despair. Hours of soaking are not usually necessary if you follow the easy steps below. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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After you turn off the heat and remove the food from the scorched pan, let it cool a little (but not completely) for a few minutes.
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Sprinkle baking soda all over the bottom of the pot or pan while it's still warm, then add a few squirts of dish soap. The two substances will foam on contact and produce a strong, slightly unpleasant smell, so don't breathe deeply.
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After the two mix, add hot water to the pot or pan, then begin scrubbing with a dishrag or scrubber. Not too hard, as the combined effects of the soap and soda should make a little elbow grease sufficient. Scrub for a few minutes, or until all traces of the burned food are removed, then rinse.
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Tips & Warnings
Some pans may require an hour to soak after the mixture is applied, but most should be easily cleaned with five minutes' work or so.
Heat is key in encouraging the soap and baking soda to work, so a still-hot pan is best treated using this method (otherwise, the pan may need to be reheated or soaked in hot water).
Be careful when working with hot pans in order to avoid burns.
Make sure the smell of the soap and soda mixing does not make you feel ill during the cleaning process.
- Photo Credit courtesy A.E.B.
