3 tricks to polish burnt pans and leave them like new

August 23, 2025 by admin

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## 🧽 Trick #2: Salt and Lemon Scrub

### Best for: Cast iron pans (no soaking!) and light surface burns.

### What You’ll Need:

* Coarse **kosher salt**
* Half a **lemon**
* Paper towel or cloth

### How To Do It:

1. Sprinkle salt over the burned area.
2. Use the cut lemon (cut side down) as a scrubber and rub in circles.
3. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

This method deodorizes, lifts grime, and is gentle enough for delicate surfaces — plus, it smells great.

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## 🔥 Trick #3: Dishwasher Tablet Method

### Best for: Nonstick and enamel-coated pans with burnt-on grease or discoloration.

### What You’ll Need:

* 1 **dishwasher tablet** (powdered type, not gel pod)
* Warm water
* Gloves (optional)

### How To Do It:

1. Add warm water to the pan just to cover the burnt area.
2. Wearing gloves, rub the wet dishwasher tablet directly on the stain.
3. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

The detergent enzymes in dishwasher tablets break down grease and carbonized food without scratching the surface.

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## 🛑 A Few Things to Avoid

* **Don’t use steel wool** on nonstick or enameled pans — it can scratch or ruin the surface.
* **Avoid bleach or oven cleaner**, which can corrode cookware.
* **Check manufacturer instructions**, especially for specialty pans like copper or cast iron.

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## ✨ Final Thoughts

With these three tricks, you no longer have to mourn your scorched pans. Whether you use the fizzing power of baking soda and vinegar, the freshness of lemon and salt, or the surprising strength of a dishwasher tablet, your cookware can be revived — **clean, polished, and ready to cook again**.

Because every pan deserves a second chance!

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Would you like a printable cleaning chart or eco-friendly pan care tips? Just say the word!