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Don’t throw it in the trash: this way you can make a burnt pot look like new
**Why it works:**
The chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda helps lift burnt particles while softening residue.
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### 2. **Salt + Lemon Scrub (Great for Stainless Steel)**
**What you need:**
* Coarse kosher salt
* Half a lemon
**Steps:**
1. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt onto the burnt area.
2. Use the cut side of the lemon to scrub the surface.
3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing.
**Why it works:**
Salt acts as a gentle abrasive while lemon’s natural acid cuts through grease and stains.
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### 3. **Boiling Dish Soap Method (Simple and Effective)**
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**What you need:**
* A few drops of dish soap
* Water
**Steps:**
1. Fill the pot with water and add dish soap.
2. Bring it to a boil and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
3. Let it cool, then scrub with a sponge.
**Why it works:**
Heat helps loosen stuck-on food, and dish soap breaks down grease.
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### 4. **Baking Soda Paste (Spot Treatment for Stubborn Areas)**
**What you need:**
* Baking soda
* Water
**Steps:**
1. Mix baking soda and a few drops of water to form a paste.
2. Apply to burnt spots and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Scrub with a soft brush or sponge.
**Why it works:**
This concentrated formula breaks down buildup without scratching.
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### 5. **Hydrogen Peroxide + Baking Soda (Extreme Cases)**
**What you need:**
* Baking soda
* Hydrogen peroxide
**Steps:**
1. Sprinkle baking soda over the burnt area.
2. Add hydrogen peroxide until a paste forms.
3. Let sit for several hours—or overnight.
4. Scrub clean with a non-abrasive pad.
**Why it works:**
Hydrogen peroxide lifts deep stains and works as a natural bleach without damaging metal surfaces.
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## Tips to Prevent Future Burns
* Always cook on low to medium heat with a watchful eye.
* Use pots with thick, even bottoms to distribute heat.
* Soak your pot immediately after use—don’t let burns set.
* Avoid high heat with sugar-based or dairy recipes unless constantly stirred.
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## Don’t Toss It—Transform It
A burnt pot isn’t the end—it’s just a temporary setback. With the methods above, you can restore shine and usability without resorting to harsh chemicals or replacements. So next time you think about tossing a scorched pan, give one of these tricks a try first. You might just save your favorite cookware—and your wallet.
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