How to Remove Burnt‑On Food Quickly and Cheaply

If you’ve ever pulled a tray out of the oven and seen a solid black crust, you know the frustration. The good news is you don’t need expensive chemicals or a magic wand. A few pantry basics and a little patience can make burnt food disappear from ovens, pans, grills and even microwave plates.

Step‑by‑Step for Oven and Baking Trays

Start by cooling the oven just enough so you can safely work on it. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the burnt area, then spray white vinegar on top. The fizz you see is the soda and vinegar reacting, loosening the char.

Let the mixture sit for 15‑20 minutes. While you wait, grab a scrub brush or a non‑scratch scouring pad. When the time’s up, scrub gently in a circular motion. Most of the black residue should lift off. For tougher spots, repeat the process or add a few drops of dish soap to the scrubber.

Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and finish with a clean, dry towel. You’ll notice the oven looks brighter and there’s no lingering chemical smell.

Cleaning Burnt Stains from Pans and Griddles

For a stainless steel or cast‑iron pan, fill it with enough water to cover the burnt spot. Add a tablespoon of baking soda and bring the water to a gentle boil. Boiling helps the soda break down the carbon.

After about five minutes, turn off the heat and let the pan cool slightly. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape the loosened bits. If any stubborn bits remain, sprinkle more baking soda, drizzle a little oil and scrub with a soft pad.

Rinse the pan thoroughly and dry it right away to prevent rust. For non‑stick pans, avoid metal tools; stick to a soft sponge and the same soda‑vinegar combo, but keep the soak time short to protect the coating.

Grills and BBQ plates work the same way. Heat the grill just enough to melt the grease, then spray vinegar and let it sit. Scrub with a grill brush and wipe clean.

One more trick: a paste of equal parts baking soda and water can be spread on any burnt surface and left overnight. In the morning, the paste will have broken down the residue, making it easy to wipe away.

Those simple pantry hacks cost pennies and keep your kitchen looking fresh. The key is to act early – the longer burnt food sits, the harder it sticks. With these steps you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meals.