My Aunt’s Foolproof Secret to Removing Soot & Making Pans Look Brand New

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My Aunt’s Foolproof Secret to Removing Soot & Making Pans Look Brand New

Burnt bottoms? Blackened pots? Greasy soot from daily cooking? Trust me, your kitchenware doesn’t need to stay that way. My aunt swears by this method — and once you try it, you’ll never look at your pots and pans the same way again.

What You’ll Need:

  • Baking soda – 4 tbsp (a natural abrasive)
  • White vinegar – ½ cup (cuts through grime and grease)
  • Dish soap – 2 tbsp (preferably degreasing, like Dawn)
  • Lemon juice – 2 tbsp (natural deodorizer and polish)
  • Toothbrush or scrub brush – for detailing
  • Steel wool or scouring pad – for tougher soot
  • Old cloth or sponge
  • Gloves – to protect your hands
  • Hot water
  • Optional: Cream cleaner like Bar Keeper’s Friend or The Pink Stuff

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Initial Wipe-Down

  • Rinse the bottom of the pan with hot water to loosen grime.
  • Wipe with a sponge to remove loose debris.

Step 2: Make the Magic Paste

  • Mix 4 tbsp of baking soda + 2 tbsp of dish soap + 2 tbsp of lemon juice to form a thick paste.
  • Slather it generously on the base of the pan.
  • Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the reaction to break down the soot.

Step 3: Scrub the Grime Away

  • Use a toothbrush or scrub brush to gently scrub the paste in circles.
  • For thick soot build-up, use steel wool or a scouring pad with some elbow grease.
  • If you hear a gritty sound, you’re removing the layer of grime — that’s a good sign!

Step 4: Activate with Vinegar

  • Pour a little white vinegar over the paste — it’ll fizz!
  • Let it bubble for a few seconds — this helps lift stubborn soot.
  • Continue scrubbing as the fizzing works its magic.

Step 5: Rinse and Reveal

  • Rinse with hot water to wash everything away.
  • Dry with a clean cloth.
  • Repeat the process if needed, especially for super burned areas.

Optional Final Touch: Shine It Up

  • Use a cream cleaner like Bar Keeper’s Friend or The Pink Stuff for extra polish.
  • Buff it in with a sponge and rinse again.

Benefits of This Method:

Non-toxic & kitchen-safe
Uses stuff you already have at home
Saves money vs. buying new pans
Brings back the shine and keeps them looking pro
Removes stubborn soot, burnt oil, and grease
Prolongs the life of your cookware

Auntie’s Bonus Tips:

  • Always clean the bottom of the pan before buildup gets too thick.
  • To prevent soot, cook on medium/low heat and avoid leaving oil to burn.
  • Store your pans upside down or lined with paper towels to avoid scratch buildup.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about watching an old, tired-looking pan come back to life with a little scrub and sparkle. This method is not only effective but also brings that satisfying feeling of doing it yourself. Whether it’s daily grime or serious soot, this trick has stood the test of time in my aunt’s kitchen — and now it’s yours to rock

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