Have you ever cooked something in a pan only to find that it’s now caked with burnt-on food? It can be frustrating to scrub and scrub with no results.

But fear not! With just two easy steps, you can vanish those pans and have them looking brand new again.

Soak: Step 1

The first step is to soak your pan in a solution of hot water and dish soap. Make sure the water is hot but not boiling, as boiling water can warp your pan and even damage the nonstick coating.

Add a few drops of dish soap to the water and submerge the pan completely. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, or longer if the food is particularly stubborn.

During this time, the soap will work to break down the food particles and make them easier to remove.

Step 2: Scrub

After the pan has soaked for the appropriate amount of time, it’s time to scrub. Grab a non-abrasive dish scrubber and start scrubbing away the burnt-on food.

If there are still a few stubborn spots, you can use a nylon scraper to gently scrape them off. Be careful not to use anything too abrasive, as this can scratch the surface of your pan.

Once you’ve scrubbed away all the burnt-on food, rinse the pan with hot water and dry it thoroughly with a towel.

If there are any lingering odors from the burnt food, you can sprinkle a little bit of baking soda on the pan and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing again.

Tips for Preventing Burnt-On Food

Of course, the best way to deal with burnt-on food is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you avoid those stubborn stains:.

Use a nonstick cooking spray when cooking to prevent food from sticking to the pan.
Be careful not to overheat your pan, as this can cause food to burn and stick to the surface.
Don’t overcrowd your pan when cooking, as this can cause food to steam and release moisture, leading to sticking and burning.
Clean your pan immediately after cooking while it’s still warm. This will make it easier to remove any stuck-on food.

By following these tips and using the two-step process for removing burnt-on food, you can keep your pans looking their best and functioning at optimal levels for years to come.