How to Clean a Yellowed Pot and Remove Burnt-On Marks

© A. Krivonosov

Over time, even the most dependable cookware starts to look weary: a yellowish film lines the interior, and scorch marks darken the outside. That doesn’t mean it’s headed for the trash. There’s a simple, at-home routine that restores the look of your favorite pot using staples you likely already have.

The simple fix for that yellow film

The key player here is household bleach—an oxygen stain remover works as an alternative. The method is uncomplicated:

1. Fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Stir in two tablespoons of bleach (or the oxygen stain remover).
3. Let the solution bubble away for a few minutes.

After this brief boil, the yellow tint lifts and the surface regains its clean look. Just make sure to rinse the pot thoroughly with clean water once you’re done.

And for burnt-on grime outside?

If the exterior is looking rough, mustard powder comes to the rescue. Take a large container, fill it with water, and add three tablespoons of the powder. Submerge the pot and bring that water to a boil. This simple soak-and-boil approach tackles even long-standing residue.

A quick takeaway

Bringing a beloved pot back to its best is easier than it seems. With a short boil in a bleach or oxygen-cleaner solution for interior discoloration—and a mustard-powder bath for exterior buildup—your cookware has every chance to gleam again, much like the day you first brought it home.