The Surprising Pantry Secret to Restoring Burnt Pans to Their Former Shine

Is your kitchen pan covered in a stubborn layer of burnt grease and grime? Perhaps you've tried scrubbing it or soaking it in soap for hours, but if your once-shiny pan still looks grimy, there may be a cleaning solution you've overlooked.

That same condiment you love with fries, burgers, and hotdogs (or even as an unexpected pairing with grilled cheese or apple turnover) is actually an unlikely but effective kitchen cleaner that can revive even the dirtiest pots and pans. Yes, we're talking about ketchup.

Spills from oils, sauces, syrups, and other foods can easily create a sticky, burnt mess on the bottom of your pans. It’s a normal part of cooking, but it doesn’t have to be permanent—thanks to ketchup.

How Does Ketchup Clean a Burnt Pan?

One of the main ingredients in ketchup is vinegar, which contains acetic acid. This acid is known to break down dirt, oils, stains, and bacteria, according to NSF.org. When applied to a dirty pot or pan, the vinegar in ketchup helps loosen the greasy layer that builds up on the bottom, restoring the pan’s shine. The thick consistency of ketchup also ensures it sticks to the surface and stays in place during soaking, unlike vinegar alone, which can be too runny.

How to Clean a Burnt Pan with Ketchup

Using ketchup to clean a burnt pan works on all levels of grime, from light to heavy buildup. Since the smell of ketchup can be quite strong, it's best to either open a window or move the pan and ketchup outside to a patio table for your cleaning session.

1. Lay down a layer of newspaper on a flat surface, then flip the pan to access the bottom. Use a spoon or rubber spatula to spread a generous layer of ketchup on the dirty surface.
2. Let the ketchup sit and reapply if it starts to drip down the sides. Allow it to soak in for about 30 minutes.
3. After 30 minutes, wipe a small section with a paper towel to see if the grime has softened. If needed, let the ketchup sit for another 20 minutes to work its magic.
4. Once ready, use a metal spatula to scrape off the grime, revealing the clean surface beneath. Alternatively, crumple some aluminum foil and gently scrub in a circular motion.
5. Rinse the pan with warm, soapy water and dry it with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. You’re done!
   

Does Cleaning a Burnt Pan with Ketchup Really Work?

I tried this kitchen trick on a pan I thought was beyond saving, and while it’s not flawless (check out the before and after in the image above), it did enough to keep my pan from being tossed. In fact, it worked so well that I ended up trying it on a few more pans and will definitely use this method again.