How to Get Rid of Stubborn Food Particles on a Pan

Put a sink strainer into the sink drain, arranged so that it does not retain water but will strain out large particles of food. This is not necessary if you have a garbage disposal and are using that side of the sink.

Place the pan in the bottom of the sink and fill the pan with boiling water.

Add a small amount of baking soda and cover it with its own lid or a flat plate to retain the heat. Let the pan soak for an hour or more. Overnight will be necessary in some instances.

Remove the cover from the cooled pan and set aside. Pour out the contents of the pan. For sinks without a garbage disposal, make sure the particles of food that come loose are strained out through the strainer. For sinks with a disposal, use the wall switch to activate the disposal and then turn it off.

Scrub the interior of the pan with a kitchen scrub brush or scrub pad to remove any remaining particles of food and pour down the sink, straining the water or using the disposal once again.

Wash the pan in hot, soapy water to remove the last of the greasy film. Rinse in warm water.