Method 1: Baking Soda Boil (Works on Most Pans)

  1. 1

    Add water to cover the burnt area

    Fill the pan with enough water to cover all the burnt spots — usually about 2–3cm deep.

  2. 2

    Add a tablespoon of baking soda

    Add one heaped tablespoon of baking soda to the water and stir briefly.

  3. 3

    Bring to a boil and simmer 5 minutes

    Heat on the stovetop. As the alkaline water heats, it softens and loosens the burnt residue from the pan surface. You may see pieces of burnt food detaching and floating — that is exactly what should happen.

  4. 4

    Cool slightly and scrub

    Remove from heat. Let cool for a few minutes. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to gently push off the loosened residue. Wash normally. Most burnt food lifts easily after this treatment. For stubborn spots, repeat or leave to soak longer.

Method 2: Bar Keepers Friend (Stainless Steel — Best)

Bar Keepers Friend (powder or cream) is the gold standard for restoring stainless steel pans. Wet the pan, sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend, rub with a damp cloth in circular motions, rinse. Removes burnt residue, discolouration and heat stains from stainless steel remarkably effectively. Available at supermarkets and hardware stores.

Method 3: Vinegar and Baking Soda (Very Stubborn Burns)

Add a thin layer of white vinegar to the pan. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda — it fizzes vigorously. Leave 10 minutes. Scrub with a non-scratch pad. The combination of acid (vinegar) and alkaline (baking soda) tackles different types of residue.

Method 4: Salt Scrub (Cast Iron Only)

For cast iron: add coarse salt and a little oil to the still-warm pan. Scrub with a paper towel or stiff brush. The salt acts as an abrasive without damaging the seasoning. Never use soap or soak cast iron.

Non-stick pansNever use abrasive scrubbers, steel wool or harsh chemicals on non-stick coating — they scratch and damage it. The baking soda boil method is safe. If a non-stick pan is deeply burnt and the coating is visibly damaged, replace it — damaged non-stick coating is a health concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fill the pan with water and bring to a boil — the hot water dissolves the burnt sugar and it lifts easily. For very thick burnt caramel, fill with water and let soak for 30–60 minutes first, then bring to a boil. Burnt sugar is actually one of the easier stains to remove because it is water-soluble once rehydrated.
Yes — stainless steel is durable enough to handle steel wool for badly burnt residue. Scrub with the grain of any brushed marks on the pan to avoid visible scratch patterns. Bar Keepers Friend used with a standard scrubbing pad achieves the same result with less scratching risk.