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After soaking, take a soft sponge or non-abrasive scrubber and start wiping. You’ll be amazed how easily the blackened bits come off. For tough spots, sprinkle a little more baking soda and scrub directly.
Step 5: Rinse and Buff
Rinse the pan with clean water, dry it, and give it a light buff with a soft cloth. Boom — shiny like new.
🧼 Why It Works
- Baking soda is mildly abrasive and alkaline, which helps break down grease, scorch marks, and burnt food without scratching surfaces.
- White vinegar is acidic, which helps dissolve mineral deposits and reacts with the baking soda to create fizzing action that lifts grime.
- Together, they’re a powerful natural cleaning combo that cuts through the mess without harming your pan’s surface.
💡 Bonus Tip for Stainless Steel Pans
For extra shine, after cleaning, rub a tiny bit of lemon juice or olive oil on the inside of the pan with a soft cloth. It adds a brilliant polish and prevents water spots.
⚠️ What Not to Do
- Don’t use steel wool or abrasive pads, especially on non-stick or stainless steel pans — you’ll damage the coating or leave scratch marks.
- Don’t boil vinegar in aluminum pans — it can cause pitting or discoloration.
✨ Final Thoughts: From Burnt to Brilliant in Minutes
A burnt pan might look like a lost cause, but with just baking soda and vinegar, you can rescue it in under five minutes and restore that original shine. No chemicals, no fuss, just pure kitchen magic.
So the next time dinner goes wrong, don’t stress — grab your secret cleaning duo and give your pan the glow-up it deserves.
Happy cleaning — and happy cooking! 🍳✨
