Cleaning a burnt pot
Difficulty: Easy · Time: approx. 30 minutes
A burnt pot looks worse than the cleanup actually is. The trick: don't scrape, but soften the burnt-on residue with heat and baking soda until it comes off by itself.
This works very well on stainless steel and enamel pots. With coated (Teflon) pans be more careful – don't use metal scrapers or abrasive cleaners there.
What you'll need
- Baking soda
- Water + washing-up liquid
- Wooden or silicone scraper
- Sponge
- Optional: vinegar or citric acid for limescale/discolouration
Step by step
- 1
Remove loose bits and add water
Tip out loose residue. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the burnt-on area well.
- 2
Add baking soda and boil
Add 2 teaspoons of baking soda to the water, bring it to the boil and simmer for 5–10 minutes. The crust starts to loosen.
- 3
Soak
Turn off the hob and let the pot soak – 30 minutes is often enough, overnight for a heavy crust.
- 4
Loosen and wipe
Gently go over the base with the wooden or silicone scraper – the residue now comes off in flakes. Wipe over with the sponge.
- 5
Rinse
Wash normally with washing-up liquid. For any remaining discolouration, repeat the step or work over it with a little vinegar/citric acid.
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Upload a photo →Frequently asked questions
- Can I use steel wool?
- Only on uncoated stainless steel or cast iron pots, and even then carefully. On coated pans steel wool destroys the non-stick layer – use only a soft sponge there.
- Baking soda or vinegar – which is better?
- For burnt-on residue (an organic crust), baking soda + heat works best. Vinegar/citric acid is more for limescale and discolouration.