How to Rescue a Heavily Burnt Pot: Magic Cleaning Hacks

That burnt layer looks tough, but don’t worry—you don’t need to throw the pot away! Since it’s a deep burn, you need a chemical reaction to lift that “carbon” off the bottom.

Here are the best ways to clean it, ranked from “easiest” to “heavy-duty”:

Method 1: The Boiling Vinegar & Soda (Most Effective)

This is the “magic” trick for burnt pots.

  1. Boil Vinegar: Pour enough white vinegar into the pot to cover the burnt area. Bring it to a boil.

  2. Add Baking Soda: Remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda (it will fizz a lot!).

  3. Wait: Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.

  4. Scrub: Empty the pot and scrub with a scouring pad. The burnt bits should peel off like skin.

Method 2: The Dishwasher Tablet (The “Lazy” Trick)

If you have dishwasher tablets (the compressed powder ones), this works wonders.

  1. Put a little bit of water in the pot (just enough to cover the burn).

  2. Drop a dishwasher tablet in the water.

  3. Bring the water to a simmer for 5–10 minutes.

  4. Rinse and scrub. The enzymes in the tablet break down the burnt food proteins.

Method 3: Salt & Lemon (For stubborn stains)

If there are still small black spots left:

  1. Cover the spots with a thick layer of coarse salt.

  2. Cut a lemon in half and use it as a sponge to rub the salt into the stains.

  3. The acidity of the lemon and the grit of the salt will polish the surface.

⚠️ A Quick Warning:

  • If it’s Non-Stick: Do not use a metal scourer (l-selek/slek ma3on) or you will ruin the coating. Use a soft sponge and more vinegar.

  • If it’s Stainless Steel: You can be as aggressive as you want with the “slek.”

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