What to Do If You Burned the Bottom of the Pot

A blackened, crusty pot bottom looks like a disaster, but don't reach for the steel wool yet. Scrubbing right away usually damages the surface and exhausts you for nothing.

Fill the pot with water, add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda, and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. The burnt layer will soften and lift off with a wooden spoon. For stainless steel, boiling water with a splash of vinegar works great too. For enamel pots, soak overnight with warm water and dish soap — enamel scratches easily, so gentle is better. Whatever you do, don't use abrasive pads on non-stick coatings.