Regularly using cookware can lead to signs of wear and tear, primarily showing up as burn stains on the bottom of the pan. If you want your utensils to stay neat and tidy like you just bought them from the market, here’s an interesting hack we came across online, that suggests scraping a potato and rubbing its peels along the marks. Curious, indianexpress.com asked culinary experts whether this hack actually works, and found out some other ways to keep our burnt pots and pans clean.
“Yes, you actually can. Potato peels act as a fantastic natural cleaning agent. When combined with a bit of salt or baking soda, they can help lift light ,” said Chef Ritesh Tulsian, NXT LVL .
According to him, potato peels work because of the oxalic acid present in them. This acid gently breaks down stains and grime without being too abrasive on the surface. However, this method is more effective for mild burns or discoloration. For more stubborn stains, you’ll need stronger agents.
“Our go-to mix includes a good quality dish soap, baking soda, salt, and those trusty used lemon halves. It’s our tried-and-true method for tackling tough grease and burn marks in the kitchen,” said Chef Vishesh Jawarani, Founder of JSan, an Izakaya gastropub, Goa.
Chef Bikrant Singh, executive chef of Sangam Farms, Bhilwara added that vegetable and fruit peels can help in the mild . Potato peels along with baking soda can remove light stains and odors.
In fact, lemon or orange peels contain natural oils and mild acids, which are effective in freshening and removing odors and light grease. Lemon and salt rubbing a mixture of lemon juice and salt can loosen stains.
For tougher stains, Ritesh suggested a paste of baking soda and white vinegar works wonders. “You can also simmer water with vinegar in the pan to loosen burn marks. In professional kitchens, we often rely on food-safe stainless steel cleaners for deeper cleans, always followed by a good rinse,” he said.
“I’d recommend soaking in boiling water with lemon slices or dishwashing tablets. A chef’s trick? Let the pan cool first—scrubbing a hot pan can warp it and set the stains even deeper,” Chef Sanchit, Head Chef Bonita from Heritage Village Resorts and Spa, Goa.
