A burnt pot or pan is a common occurrence for those who frequently cook. Despite trying various methods such as soaking, using steel wool, or strong cleaning chemicals, the stubborn burnt residue often remains, leaving many frustrated. However, a simple trick shared on The Kitchn is being hailed as a “miracle” solution, effectively removing burnt residue from cookware in just 3 minutes.

What you’ll need:

2-3 tablespoons of baking soda

Clean water

A crumpled piece of aluminum foil

Instructions:

Sprinkle baking soda on the burnt area, adding a small amount of water to create a paste. Use the crumpled aluminum foil to gently scrub the burnt area in a circular motion. Then, rinse with warm soapy water.

According to Ashley Poskin, who tested and shared this tip, the key is to apply gentle but consistent pressure, unlike when using steel wool. There’s no need to scrub vigorously.

She also notes that if the baking soda turns color too quickly, replace it with a fresh batch to ensure effective cleaning. Out of the five methods tested, this approach proved to be the easiest, least labor-intensive, and most successful in achieving a spotless finish.

“The pot or pan will look brand new after using this method,” Ashley concludes. “It’s a simple yet surprisingly effective solution that everyone should try!”