How to Clean a Burnt Pot (and Salvage Your Cookware)

Nothing improves the daily routine of meal preparation like shiny new cookware. Make your trustiest pots and pans look just-off-the-shelf by tackling burns and stains as soon as they happen, allowing them to cook evenly (and sparkle) for years to come.

We asked two experts to break down the step-by-step process for cleaning burnt pots and pans in a variety of materials, from stainless to cast iron and aluminum to copper. Follow their tips to keep even your most-used pots as clean as the day you got them.

Cleaning a Burnt Stainless Steel Pot

Allow stainless pots and pans to cool before cleaning. "Material like stainless steel can warp when exposed to rapid temperature changes," says Kathy Cohoon of Two Maids.

1. Rinse the pan in a solution of warm water and dish soap, and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.
2. To release stuck-on food, add more soapy water to the pan and bring to a simmer on the stove. "[This] will loosen the residue," says Cohoon. "Use a larger kitchen utensil to scrape away the rest."
3. For stains from burnt oil, boil a small amount of water mixed with baking soda.
4. Allow the pan to cool before scrubbing again with a non-abrasive sponge and warm, soapy water. 
5. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth to avoid scratches, watermarks, or rust. 
   

Cleaning a Burnt Nonstick Pot

Tackle burns and stains on nonstick cookware immediately, suggests Cohoon. "The benefit of using a nonstick pan is that it’s usually easier to clean because residues don’t adhere," she says. "The longer you let the pan sit with residue, the more likely it'll stick, which defeats the purpose of having one in the first place!" Dishwasher detergent and temperatures can damage the coating, so it's best to hand-wash. 

1. "Rinse and rub the pan with warm soapy water using either a sponge or cloth," says Cohoon. Use non-abrasive tools—no steel wool or metal scrapers—to avoid scratching the delicate coating.
2. For burnt-on food, make a paste of baking soda and water. "Rub the mixture on the pan with a nonabrasive sponge, and rinse when finished," says Cohoon.
3. Preserve the nonstick coating by spreading a thin, even layer of oil onto the pot after drying. "Make sure you don't use too much, and wipe away any residue with a clean paper towel before putting it away!" says Cohoon.

Cleaning a Burnt Ceramic Pot

Ceramic nonstick pans have similar cleaning requirements as other types of nonstick pans: Use only nonabrasive tools and cleaners to avoid scratches. Like stainless pots, ceramic should be allowed to cool before washing, says Cohoon.

1. Use a nonabrasive sponge to lightly scrub the pan with warm, soapy water. 
2. If residue remains, fill the pan with warm water and dish soap and allow to soak.
3. Remove burnt-on food with a soft, damp sponge dipped in baking soda; rinse with clean water.
4. To remove stains, says Cohoon, cover the bottom of the pan with hydrogen peroxide. "You will know it's working when you see it bubble," she says. "Let it sit in the pan for about a half hour, and then rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water and dry with a clean dish towel."

Cleaning a Burnt Copper Pot

Copper can look burnt if it's tarnished; bring back its glow with these homemade solutions.

1. Rinse the pot with warm water to remove residue, scrub with a nonabrasive sponge and mild dish soap, and rinse.
2. For severely tarnished copper, Cohoon recommends a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda. "Make sure you mix it completely before applying it to the tarnished surface; you might see bubbles because of the chemical reaction between the acidity in lemon juice and baking soda," she says. "Use a nonabrasive sponge to wipe in a circular motion."
3. Ketchup can also remove tarnish from copper, Cohoon says. "Smear ketchup on the pan and use either a soft cloth or nonabrasive sponge to rub the ketchup in circular motions," she says. "Then rinse off with warm water, and dry."

Cleaning a Burnt Aluminum Pot

"If the cookware's entire surface has been darkened from being put in the dishwasher, try scrubbing it with a paste of baking soda and either lemon juice or vinegar; the acidic solution will lift the dark coating off," says Meredith Abbott, culinary director at Sur La Table.

1. Wash the pan with dish soap, warm water, and a soft sponge; rinse with clean water.
2. "When there are tougher stains or discoloration, try scrubbing with a paste of baking soda and water," says Abbott. "The mild abrasive quality of the baking soda should release stubborn stains and food without scratching the surface of the aluminum."

Cleaning a Burnt Cast Iron Pot

Like some other types of metal, cast iron can warp if washed before it is cool, says Cohoon. "Do not let this pan soak," she warns. "It can lead to rusting."

1. Use warm water, dish soap, and a nonabrasive sponge to wash the pot.
2. "For heavily soiled cast iron skillets or pans, apply a few tablespoons of coarse salt (kosher salt or sea salt) to the cooking surface," says Abbott. "Use a clean paper towel and scrub the salt into the pan to remove food bits and debris." 
3. After washing the pot, heat the cast iron pot on the stove to dry it; then use a paper towel to spread a thin layer of oil evenly across the cooking surface.
   

Cleaning a Burnt Stoneware Pot

Since stoneware can crack when exposed to dramatic temperature changes, allow this cookware to cool before washing. "Unlike washing other pans, you will want to avoid using soap because it can absorb into the pan and have an effect on future meals you prepare," says Cohoon. 

1. Use a scraper or other soft kitchen utensil to loosen burnt residue.
2. With a nylon scrub brush, wash the pan with a paste of baking soda and water.