Cleaning a greasy pot lid can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! Instead of reaching for harsh chemicals, try these easy, effective, and quick methods using common household ingredients to get your pot lids sparkling clean in no time.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a kitchen staple, and it’s about to become your go-to cleaner, too. Simply soak a soft cloth in vinegar and wipe down the greasy pot lid. For stubborn, built-up grease, mix vinegar and warm water in a small bowl, then soak the lid for 3-5 minutes before gently scrubbing with a sponge. The acid in the vinegar will cut through the grease, leaving your pot lid clean and ready for use. Rinse with water and you’re done—no harsh chemicals or strong scents left behind.

In just a few minutes, that stubborn, sticky grease is gone, along with any fishy smells or stains. The best part? No chemical residue to worry about, so you can use your pot lid right away for your next meal.
Baking Soda
Don’t despair if you’ve left your pot lid on the stove a little too long and it’s now blackened and burnt. Baking soda to the rescue! Sprinkle some baking soda on the burnt area, add a few drops of water to make a paste, and gently scrub in a circular motion with a soft sponge or cloth. Within 2-3 minutes, you’ll see the burnt residue start to lift. For tougher burns, boil some water in the pot, add 2 teaspoons of baking soda, place the lid on top, and simmer for 5 minutes before wiping away the residue. Your pot lid will be shining like new, with minimal effort.
The baking soda mixture scrubs and lifts away burnt-on residue without the need for harsh chemicals. Simply rinse with warm water and your pot lid will be as good as new.

Fresh Lemon
Lemon is a versatile fruit that can do more than just add flavor to your dishes. Cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub your pot lid, especially effective for stainless steel or glass lids that tend to hold on to odors. The citric acid in the lemon will break down the grease and remove any yellow stains. After 2-3 minutes of scrubbing, rinse with water and dry. For tougher stains, add some salt to the lemon and scrub a little harder.
You can also try other kitchen staples like rice water (leftover from rinsing rice) to soak the lid for a few minutes and loosen grime, or a halved potato to scrub away at stubborn stains—the starch in the potato will help lift away the dirt. Rinse and you’re done!
To keep your pot lids from getting too greasy in the first place, give them a quick wipe down after each use. A damp cloth will do the trick and save you time and effort in the long run.