1. Soak a pan

    Hot water + a squirt of soap

    Leave it for 20 minutes. Most stuck-on food lifts off by itself.

  2. Grease stain

    1 drop, worked in gently

    Rub it in with a finger, wait 10 minutes, then wash as usual.

  3. Bubble mix

    1 cup water + 2 tbsp dish soap

    Add a teaspoon of glycerin or sugar for stronger bubbles, and let it rest for an hour.

Rescue a burnt pan

How to · With dish soap

Rescue a burnt pan

20 minutesWhen it happensEasy

Steps

  1. 1Scrape out any loose bits, then cover the burnt area with about an inch of water.
  2. 2Add a good squirt of dish soap and the baking soda, and stir.
  3. 3Bring it to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes, nudging the burnt bits with a wooden spoon, then let it cool.
  4. 4Pour it away and scrub with a nonscratch sponge. Repeat if you need to. This suits stainless steel and enamel. For cast iron, scrub with coarse salt instead.

  • Concentrated goes further

    Start with a teaspoon in a sink of hot water and add more only if you need it. Too much just means more rinsing.

  • Scented or free and clear

    Scent is a matter of taste. Free and clear has no dyes or perfume, which suits sensitive skin.

  • Easy on hands

    Some soaps add aloe or glycerin to soften the work. A pair of gloves helps more than any formula.