Quck answer
To clean severely burned stainless steel pots, follow these steps:
1. Fill the pot with equal parts water and vinegar.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool.
4. Use a sponge or scrub brush to scrub away the burned residue.
5. If necessary, sprinkle baking soda on stubborn stains and scrub again.
6. Rinse the pot thoroughly with water.
7. For extra shine, polish the pot with a stainless steel cleaner or a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda.
Stainless steel pots are a popular choice for cookware due to their durability and nonreactive properties. However, when these pots become scorched, their shiny appearance quickly diminishes. Fortunately, there are food-safe cleaning options available that can effectively remove burnt marks without causing damage to the stainless steel surface.
Eliminating Burnt Residue
If food becomes burnt onto the inside of the pot, it is best to begin by scraping off as much of the burnt food as possible. Using a wooden spoon is recommended as it allows for effective removal without causing damage to the pot. Dispose of the food particles properly before proceeding with the cleaning process.
Boiling Water and Dish Soap
While soaking the pot in warm, soapy water can help, heating it up further can expedite the removal of burnt-on residue. Combine water and a few squirts of liquid dish detergent in the pot. Place the pot back on the stove and turn on the burner until the water begins to simmer. Allow it to simmer for approximately 15 minutes.
By this point, the burnt food should have softened, making it easier to remove. Use a nonabrasive pad or sponge to scrub away the burnt marks once the pot has cooled down sufficiently. Avoid using steel wool or overly abrasive scrubbers as they can cause damage to the stainless steel surface.
Utilizing Vinegar and Baking Soda
If the dishwashing liquid alone is not sufficient to remove all of the residue, vinegar and baking soda can be effective alternatives. Start by adding enough water to cover the bottom of the pot. Then, add approximately 1 cup of white vinegar. Heat the pot until the vinegar mixture reaches a simmer and allow it to simmer for five to 10 minutes before disposing of it.
Do not rinse the pot. Instead, sprinkle a few tablespoons of baking soda evenly over the pot. Once the pot has cooled down enough to handle safely, use a nonscratch scouring pad to scrub the pot, creating a paste-like consistency with the baking soda by adding a small amount of water. Continue scrubbing until all of the burnt marks have been eliminated.
If the burn marks are present on the exterior of the pot, baking soda can also be used to remove them. Flip the pot upside down and sprinkle baking soda over it. Use a damp cloth to scrub the soda into the pot. The moisture from the cloth will create a paste that aids in the cleaning process.
Combining Salt and Lime
While salt and lime are commonly used for making margaritas, they can also be highly effective in removing burnt marks from stainless steel. Lime’s acidity helps loosen the stuck-on food, while salt acts as a mild abrasive. These food items are safe to use, eliminating any concerns about toxicity in your pots.
Add a generous amount of lime juice to the pot and sprinkle a few teaspoons of salt. Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before using a sponge or nonscratch scrubber to scour away the burnt marks. Additional salt can be added if further scrubbing assistance is needed.
Thoroughly Clean the Pan
Although all the techniques used to clean stainless steel pans are safe for food, it is still important to rinse the pan well after cleaning. This step is necessary to eliminate any leftover food particles and dirty water that may have formed during the cleaning process. Additionally, rinsing the pan can prevent any potential stains or marks caused by the cleaning agents from being left on the surface. Rinse the pan under warm water until all remnants of burnt food and cleaning agents have been completely removed.
