Cleaning the kitchen is no fun. This is especially true if you have to deal with burnt pots or pans. These tips will help you get your cookware clean in no time.

Remember – you should not scrub pans that have non-stick coating.

Do you have baked in and greasy foods in your roasting pans? The pans don’t need to be soaked for a week. Just fill your pan with water to cover the burnt on spots and place a used dryer sheet in the water. In 30 minutes, your pan will come clean with very little effort. Give it an extra once over with dish soap and hot water to remove dryer sheet residue.

Burnt milk not only ruins your pots, but the terrible smell will stink up your home. Quick action is key. Clean that pot immediately by covering the bottom of the pot with salt, and covering with warm water for 15 minutes before cleaning it right of with a sponge. As for the smell, open a couple of windows and use the fan.

Cast iron should be rinsed with hot water right after cooking before the food items dry onto the pan. For stubborn residue, use a little bit of salt and a paper towel to scrub at the stains, and rinse with hot water.

In most cases, scorched food on a pot can be cooked away. Put a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar in the pot and cook it for about 10 minutes. You will notice the burned of food loosening from your pots. A good scrubbing with a bristle dish brush will help you get all of the remaining grime.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Here are a few ways to prevent your food from burning.

• Never walk away from cooking food. Find a project to do in the kitchen if you are waiting for your water to boil or your sauces to simmer.
• Turn off the pot before your rice, pasta, or eggs are done cooking. The heat from the pan will finish them off nicely.
• Turn down the heat on sauces, allowing them to cook slowly.
• Try lining some of your baking dishes with aluminum foil.
• Invest in quality pots and pans.