### What You’ll Need
• White vinegar
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon dish soap
• Sponge or non-scratch scrub brush
• Hot water
### Step 1 — Add the Vinegar
Pour enough white vinegar into the pot to completely cover the burnt area. Around 1 cup is often enough, depending on the size of the pot.
### Step 2 — Heat the Pot
Place the pot on the stove and bring the vinegar to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 5–10 minutes to help loosen burnt-on residue.
### Step 3 — Remove from the Heat
Turn off the burner and carefully move the pot to a heat-safe surface.
### Step 4 — Sprinkle in Baking Soda
Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. The fizzing reaction is expected and helps lift stuck-on residue.
### Step 5 — Let It Rest
Allow the mixture to sit for 15–20 minutes so the loosened food and burnt residue have time to soften.
### Step 6 — Scrub the Surface
Add 1 tablespoon of dish soap, then gently scrub the inside of the pot with a sponge or non-abrasive brush, focusing on the burnt areas.
### Step 7 — Rinse Well
Empty the pot and rinse thoroughly with hot water to remove any remaining residue.
### Step 8 — Repeat if Necessary
If stubborn burnt spots remain, repeat the process until the surface is clean.
**Helpful Tips**
• Always use a non-scratch sponge on nonstick cookware to help protect the coating.
• Test this method carefully on specialty cookware and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
• Regular cleaning after cooking can help prevent heavy burnt-on buildup.
A little patience and a few common household ingredients can often make heavily scorched cookware much easier to clean.
