This Genius Trick Makes Removing Baked-on Food a Breeze

Getting stubborn food off pots and pans can be a real challenge. My family is divided on the best method: I’m all about scrubbing, but my husband swears by soaking. After some testing, I discovered the ultimate solution—and it was hidden right under my sink the whole time.

Soaking vs. Scrubbing: The Great Debate

While scrubbing with a sponge or steel wool can work, it’s a tedious process that often requires a lot of time and effort. Even with all that scrubbing, some stubborn food bits just won’t budge. To my surprise, soaking proved to be not only more effective but also easier and far less demanding.

Soaking is an easy and efficient way to loosen up stuck food, making it simple to wipe away without hours of scrubbing. The trick is using the right soaking agent. Many people rely on a mix of water with natural products like vinegar or baking soda, while others opt for specialty cleaners. But I found that dishwasher detergent works even better to break down those tough, baked-on bits.

The Ultimate Method for Removing Baked-On Food

Believe it or not, the same dishwasher detergent you use for your machine is your secret weapon for soaking away baked-on food. It works even better than regular dish soap and costs less than specialized soaking products. Simply fill your pan or pot with enough water to cover the burnt food and add a generous squirt of liquid or sprinkle of powder detergent—about one tablespoon. Let it soak for at least an hour, or overnight if the food is particularly stubborn.

After soaking, the stuck food should easily come off with a sponge or cloth. For any remaining stubborn bits, a light scrub with a sponge or soft brush will do the job. Just be sure to avoid harsh sponges or steel wool if you’re cleaning a non-stick pan, as they can damage the coating and reduce its effectiveness.

The Final Word

Next time you face a pot or pan covered in baked-on food, skip the scrub brush and opt for a soak with dishwasher detergent. It’s a quick, effortless way to loosen the food without any scrubbing. Not only will it save you time and energy, but your cookware will come out looking spotless.