Burnt pans are one of the most frustrating kitchen problems, and it doesn’t take much to ruin a perfectly good pot. Whether it’s a bit of pasta welded to the bottom or a sauce scorched into the base, scrubbing them clean can feel like a battle. For many households, the solution often involves hours of soaking, tough scouring pads, or expensive specialist cleaners.
But according to a professional chef with more than 15 years of experience, there’s a much cheaper and easier way, and it only costs around £1. Chef Daniel Harris has worked in both restaurants and home kitchens and says the trick to saving time, effort, and money is already sitting in most cupboards.
He’s teamed up with bathroom and kitchen experts at Plumbworld to explain exactly how the method works, and why it’s so effective.
A spokesperson at Plumbworld said: “Burnt pans are one of the main reasons people end up throwing away good cookware. But there’s a simple way to fix it without harsh chemicals or damage to your pots and pans.”
Instead of soaking for hours or scrubbing until your arms ache, Chef Harris suggests reaching for something far simpler.
“Bicarbonate of soda is the best-kept secret in my kitchen,” he said. “It’s cheap, natural, and works like magic on burnt-on food.
“Just sprinkle a layer over the pan, add a little hot water, and leave it for 15 minutes. The burnt bits lift off with hardly any effort.”
The ingredient, also known as baking soda, is available in most supermarkets for around £1 per box and is completely food-safe.
The experts at Plumbworld explain that the science behind it is surprisingly simple.
“Bicarbonate of soda is a mild alkali that breaks down stubborn residues without damaging your cookware,” they said.
“It’s especially effective on stainless steel and enamel pans, which can be tricky to clean without scratching.”
The natural chemical reaction combined with gentle abrasion helps loosen burnt food quickly, without the need for strong cleaning products or endless scrubbing.
A good saucepan can cost over £30, so using a £1 product to extend its life is an easy win. And because a single box lasts for months, it’s one of the most affordable cleaning tools around.
“People often throw away pans after one bad burn,” Chef Harris added. “But this method brings them back to life, and saves you from replacing expensive cookware.”
Bicarbonate of soda isn’t just for burnt pans. Experts say it can also:
- Remove odours from chopping boards
- Freshen up fridges
- Clean sinks and worktops
- Deodorise dishcloths and sponges
- Neutralise smells like fish or garlic
The experts at Plumbworld concluded: “The best solutions are often the simplest. A £1 box of bicarbonate of soda can save time, money, and effort, proving you don’t need expensive products for a sparkling clean kitchen.”
