After a long day, it’s all too easy to devote time to preparing a delicious meal, only for some momentary distraction to result in the whole thing going up in flames. True, it may not always be quite so dramatic, but who among us hasn’t accidentally burned a dish and ruined a favorite pan in the process? While it’s not always possible to rescue scorched food, with a little elbow grease, you can at least save your pans and return them to their pre-burnt glory. Read on to learn how.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that works wonders for removing stuck-on food and scorch marks from burnt pans. Just sprinkle your pan with enough baking soda to cover the bottom, then add warm water 1 teaspoon at a time to create a paste. Leave the pan to sit overnight, then give it a scrub with more water and a soft sponge.
White Vinegar
If baking soda alone doesn’t quite do the trick, you can also use vinegar to finish the job. Pour equal parts water and white vinegar into the burnt pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to sit for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and let the solution cool before pouring it down the drain. Use a scrub brush or sponge to wipe away any remaining food or burn marks.
Lemon Juice
Like vinegar, lemon juice contains acid that can help to break down stuck-on food and leave your pans looking shiny and new. To try it, cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the pan. Sprinkle with a little salt, then use the squeezed lemon rind to massage the salt into the burnt areas. The salt will enhance the cleaning power of the lemon juice by acting as a mild abrasive.
