Use soda ash to remove burnt-on charring in the bottoms of your pots and pans

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We've all burnt something in the bottom of a pot or a pan whilst being distracted by something else that's going on in the kitchen. And removing this burnt, charred residue can be very challenging. Well, here's a remedy you can try using sodium carbonate (Na2CO3, aka washing soda or soda ash): it takes a little time, but it's not too difficult to return your pot or pan to its original condition.

Clean burnt pots and pans with soda ash

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Where a pot or pan is not too badly burnt, soaking it for a while in hot water and dishwashing soap can be sufficient to shift the charring. But for more "severe" cases, you can try using soda ash.

To do so, proceed as follows:

• Fill the pot or pan with hot water;
• Add 3 or 4 tablespoons of sodium carbonate (soda ash);
• Leave to act for a few hours.

The baked-on charring will dissolve, and any residue can easily be removed using a wet-wipe or a sponge with a little dishwashing detergent.

Additionally, soda ash is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative to many commercial detergents.

What other products can be used to clean stainless steel?

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Whenever you want to wash and clean stainless steel cookware, utensils or surfaces, remember that you can also use:

• Soft sponges and microfiber cloths as your primary cleaning tools;
• Water and dishwashing liquid (to shift grease);
• Vinegar diluted with a little water (to remove any limescale);
• Sodium bicarbonate (for charred coffee grounds) and sodium carbonate (for tea staining/charring) - diluted in hot water;
• Solvents containing alcohol (to remove stickers and labels);
• Cleansing sprays that do not contain bleach or chlorine (to restore the steel's shine);
• Special, commercial cleaning pastes for stainless steel (for general cleaning and long-term maintenance).

With the right precautions, stainless steel cookware and utensils will last you practically forever!