When we cook, it’s not unusual to forget a pan on the stove. The strong smell of burning quickly brings us back to reality, and that’s when we realize the extent of the damage.

Our meal is charred, and the bottom of the pan is covered with burnt residue. At first glance, it seems almost impossible to scrub clean—or even unusable. But don’t worry, all is not lost. Here are four simple tricks to clean burnt pans and make them look like new again.

High heat or just a small mistake can burn your pans and leave behind a tough black layer that’s hard to remove. Still, you can bring your pan back to life without spending a fortune, thanks to these natural and budget-friendly solutions.

How to Clean Burnt Pans and Make Them Look New

1. Coarse Salt and Aluminum Foil
This method works for pots and pans, helping you remove stubborn dirt without damaging the surface. All you need is a tablespoon of coarse salt and a piece of aluminum foil. Sprinkle the salt over the bottom of the pan and let it sit for a few minutes. Then crumple up the foil into a ball and scrub the burnt areas. Rinse with hot water and dish soap, then rinse again. You’ll be surprised at how effective it is.

2. Potato and Salt
This potato trick is tried and true. Cut a raw potato in half and pair it with a tablespoon of coarse salt. Sprinkle the salt over the burnt surface, then scrub using the potato half in circular motions for about three minutes. Finish by washing the pan as usual.

3. Baking Soda and Lemon
For this method, you’ll need two tablespoons of baking soda and half a lemon. Sprinkle the baking soda over the pan’s bottom, then use the lemon half to scrub in circular motions. Let the mixture sit for a bit, then wash and rinse with soapy water as usual.

4. Baking Soda and White Vinegar
For especially stubborn burnt spots, try this powerful cleaning duo. Pour one cup of white vinegar mixed with half a cup of water into the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil to loosen the burnt bits and food residue. Once boiled, remove the pan from the heat and add two tablespoons of baking soda. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub the bottom with a sponge.

You can also use baking soda and white vinegar separately:

Baking Soda
Thanks to its abrasive action, baking soda works well for scrubbing away burnt marks. Mix some baking soda with a little water in the pan until it forms a paste. Boil the mixture for a few minutes, then let it cool. Finally, scrub the bottom with a sponge to remove the burnt deposits.

White Vinegar
This natural product is excellent for degreasing, disinfecting, and cleaning pans—whether stainless steel, enameled, or cast iron—without damaging them. Pour a bit of vinegar into the pan, heat it gently, and remove it from the stove once it boils. Let it cool, then scrub away the stubborn stains.

What to Do Immediately After Burning a Pan

If you burn a pan, act quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to clean, since the burnt residue will stick more firmly to the surface.

Avoid using harsh abrasive tools to scrub away burnt deposits—you risk scratching and permanently damaging your pan.

By following these tips, you’ll not only save your burnt pans and extend their lifespan, but you’ll also ensure your food cooks properly without being affected by leftover burnt residue.