Ever left a pot simmering a little too long while doomscrolling TikTok, only to return to a blackened disaster? Yeah, me too. That moment when you lift the lid and see the charred remains of what was supposed to be dinner is pure millennial horror.
But here’s the good news: your pot isn’t ruined. With a few simple (and cheap!) tricks, you can bring it back to its former glory—no elbow grease required.
1. The Baking Soda & Vinegar Power Duo
Science fact: Baking soda is mildly abrasive, while vinegar is acidic—together, they break down burnt-on gunk like magic.
How to do it:
Pro tip: “If your pot could talk, it’d thank you for this spa treatment.”
2. The Lazy (But Genius) Dish Soap & Hydrogen Peroxide Hack
Why it works: Dish soap cuts through grease, while hydrogen peroxide lifts stubborn stains.
How to do it:
Bonus: This also works for baking sheets and stainless steel pans.
3. The Salt & Potato Scrub (Yes, Really)
Old-school wisdom FTW: Potatoes contain oxalic acid, which helps dissolve burnt residue.
How to do it:
Millennial-approved hack: “Who knew potatoes could do more than just become fries?”
4. The Nuclear Option: Oven Cleaner (For Stubborn Cases)
Warning: Only for non-coated pots (no nonstick or ceramic).
How to do it:
Safety note: Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
5. The Preventative Move: Stop Burning Pots in the First Place
Because let’s be real—we’re all distracted chefs.
Final wisdom: “A burnt pot is just a reminder that you were busy adulting—now go fix it in 10 minutes.”
Your Turn!
Which method are you trying first? Or do you have a secret hack we missed? Drop your best kitchen rescue stories below!
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