The ingredient that instantly eliminates burns on pots and pans.

It’s less about one single “magic” ingredient, and more about effective combinations of common household items. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective solutions for removing burns from pots and pans:

The Power Couple: Baking Soda and Vinegar

• This combination is a cleaning powerhouse! The chemical reaction between the two helps to loosen burnt-on food.
  • How to use it:
    • Cover the burnt area with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil.
    • Remove from heat and add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda.  
    • Let it fizz, then scrub away the loosened residue.

Baking Soda Alone

• Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can lift burnt-on food.
  • How to use it:
    • Make a paste of baking soda and water.
    • Apply the paste to the burnt area and let it sit for a while.
    • Scrub away the residue.

Other Helpful Ingredients:

• Salt:
  • A coarse salt, like kosher salt, can be used as a gentle abrasive.  
• Lemon:
  • The acidity of lemon juice can help to break down burnt-on food. It also leaves a fresh scent.  
• Dishwasher tablets:
  • Soaking the pan in hot water with a dishwasher tablet dissolved in it can also help to loosen the burnt residue.  

Important Considerations:

• Pan Material: Be mindful of the material of your pot or pan. Some materials, like cast iron, require special care.
• Gentle Scrubbing: Avoid using harsh abrasive cleaners or steel wool, as they can scratch your cookware.  
• Soaking: Often, soaking the pan in a cleaning solution for a while is the key to loosening stubborn burns.  

Therefore, while there is not one single ingredient that “instantly” removes burns, the combination of baking soda and vinegar is extremely effective.