How to clean burnt pans – no vinegar needed

Burnt pans are a common kitchen mishap, leaving many home cooks frustrated and tempted to toss their scorched cookware in the trash.

But before you give up on your pan, a simple and surprisingly effective solution could save the day, with no vinegar required.

The Cleaning Collective, a leading expert on household cleaning tips, shared their go-to method for rescuing burnt pans.

This technique is quick, requires minimal effort, and uses items you likely already have at home.

Here’s what to do: 

1. Drop in a Dishwasher Tablet
   Begin by placing a standard dishwasher tablet into the burnt pan.
2. Add Hot Water
   Fill the pan with hot water from the tap.
3. Bring to a Boil
   Set the pan on your hob and bring the water to a boil. Stir the water occasionally to help distribute the cleaning agent.
4. Wait for the Magic
   As the water simmers, the burnt-on material will begin to loosen from the pan’s surface. This process can take a few minutes, so be patient and keep stirring occasionally.
5. Wash as Usual
   Once the residue has loosened, simply wash the pan as you normally would. If stubborn spots remain, repeat the process.

For those who don’t have a dishwasher tablet on hand, dish soap can serve as a decent alternative. Add a generous squirt of liquid dish soap to the hot water and follow the same steps.

The key lies in the powerful cleaning agents found in dishwasher tablets, which are specifically designed to break down stubborn grease and grime.

Heating the water amplifies this effect, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate and loosen the burnt residue more effectively than scrubbing alone.

Unlike some other popular cleaning hacks, such as using vinegar or baking soda, this method doesn’t leave behind a lingering smell or require an additional rinse to neutralise odours. It’s straightforward, effective, and leaves your pan looking like new.

So, next time you find yourself staring at a charred pan, remember, there’s no need for despair. Reach for a dishwasher tablet, and let the magic unfold.

With this genius cleaning trick in your repertoire, burnt pans will never be a source of stress again!