How ketchup can save your burnt pan from all‑night scrubbing

I can't remember where and when I first heard about this technique for removing burnt spots from a pan, but to my surprise, it works every time. I use it in emergencies when I don't have access to lemon juice, citric acid, or baking soda. My grandmother was astonished when I proved to her that there is a method to this madness.

It might be surprising that kitchen sauce can be effective against dried-on burnt residue. Although many people initially approach this idea with scepticism, those who try it will quickly realise they no longer have to scrub a burnt dish for hours. So it's worth knowing which product can help and how to use it to eliminate dirt effectively.

Each of us has burnt a pan at least once. Some foods burn quickly, and momentary inattention can lead to a minor disaster. Some people try to soak the burnt food in such a situation, while others immediately start scrubbing intensely. However, few reach for ketchup, which can significantly ease cleaning.

Due to its vinegar and citric acid content, ketchup, a popular tomato sauce, reacts with burnt food under heat, making it easier to remove. Simply pour ketchup over the pan, add a small amount of water, and heat on low without boiling. After heating, set the pan aside for an hour, then rinse off the ketchup and scrub the pan with the rough side of a sponge. The burnt residue should come off easily in large flakes.

If the ketchup method doesn't seem convincing, it's worth trying other kitchen products that can help remove dried-on food from the pan. Baking soda and lemon juice are universal agents in the fight against dirty pans. First, fill the pan with hot water and let it sit for a while to soften the dirt. Then drain the water, sprinkle the surface with baking soda or pour lemon juice over it. After a few minutes, you can scrub the dish - the burnt residue should come off the metal surface quickly.