How to Clean a Burnt Pot or Pan Bottom — Toronto Home Guide

Burnt pot bottoms look ruined but are usually recoverable with the right approach matched to the pan material.

Stainless Steel — Boiling Water Method

1. Add enough water to cover the burnt area, plus 2 tablespoons of dish soap
2. Bring to a boil on the stove for a few minutes — the boiling water and soap loosen the burnt-on residue
3. Turn off heat and let cool until safe to handle
4. Scrub with a non-scratch pad — most residue will lift easily
5. For stubborn spots: add baking soda to the water before boiling, or make a paste of baking soda and scrub after

Stainless Steel — Bar Keepers Friend

For scorch marks and discolouration on the exterior bottom of stainless pans:

1. Wet the pan bottom
2. Apply Bar Keepers Friend powder and scrub with a damp cloth in circular motions
3. Rinse thoroughly

Enameled Cast Iron (Le Creuset, etc.)

1. Fill with water and bring to a simmer — do not boil aggressively, which can damage the enamel
2. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda
3. Let cool and scrub with a nylon brush — never use steel wool or abrasive pads on enamel
4. For severe staining: fill with water, add an OxiClean tablet, let soak overnight

Non-Stick

1. Soak in warm soapy water — do not boil or use baking soda paste, which can damage the coating
2. Gently wipe with a soft cloth — if the residue doesn't come off with gentle cleaning, the pan needs replacing (a damaged non-stick coating is not safe to cook on)

Tips

• Act before the pan is fully cool — residue that sets cold is much harder to remove
• For the exterior bottom of pans: a paste of cream of tartar and white vinegar removes heat discolouration from stainless steel effectively