My Grandpa Taught Me This Trick to Clean a Scorched Pan With 0 Effort. Here’s How It Works

Ouadie Rhabbour — February 26, 2026

Cooking is a joy, but sometimes even the most experienced home chefs find themselves facing the dreaded scorched pan. Whether it’s from a forgotten stovetop dish or an ambitious attempt at a new recipe, a burned pan can feel like a permanent scar on your favorite kitchen tool.

But what if I told you there’s a simple, almost effortless way to restore your pan to its former glory?

My grandpa — a seasoned cook and lifelong problem-solver — taught me a trick that requires minimal effort and uses common household items. This method not only saves your cookware but also saves you time and serious elbow grease.

Let’s dive into this surprisingly effective solution that’s been passed down in our family for years.

1. The Day I Nearly Ruined My Favorite Pan

It was a quiet Sunday morning, and I decided to make caramelized onions. The sweet aroma slowly filled the kitchen, turning golden and fragrant — until I got distracted by a phone call that lasted much longer than expected.

When I returned, my beloved stainless steel pan was coated in a thick, blackened layer of onions fused stubbornly to the bottom.

I tried everything: hot water, dish soap, aggressive scrubbing. Nothing worked. The burnt residue refused to budge. I was moments away from declaring the pan ruined when I remembered my grandpa’s calm voice:

“Don’t scrub harder. Work smarter.”