🔥 First: Stop Scraping with a Knife
Using a knife can:
- Scratch stainless steel or nonstick coating
- Make food stick even more next time
- Ruin the pot’s surface permanently
Let’s fix it properly.
🥄 Method 1: Hot Water Soak (Easiest & Safest)
- Fill the pot with hot water (cover the stuck rice).
- Add 1 tablespoon dish soap.
- Let it soak for 30–60 minutes (or overnight if badly burnt).
- Use a wooden spoon or sponge to loosen the rice.
- Wash normally.
👉 Most stuck rice comes off after soaking.
🧂 Method 2: Baking Soda Power Clean
Best for stubborn, burnt rice.
- Add water to cover the bottom.
- Add 2 tablespoons baking soda.
- Bring to a gentle boil for 5–10 minutes.
- Turn off heat and let cool.
- Scrub gently with a sponge.
✔️ Baking soda breaks down burnt starch without scratching.
🍋 Method 3: Vinegar + Heat (Deep Burnt Layer)
- Pour ½ cup white vinegar into the pot.
- Add 1 cup water.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Scrub gently.
⚠️ Do NOT use this on aluminum pots often—it can discolor them.
🧼 Method 4: Salt Scrub (For Stainless Steel)
- Sprinkle coarse salt on the burnt area.
- Add a little water to make a paste.
- Scrub with a sponge or cloth.
❌ Not recommended for nonstick pots.
🚫 What NOT to Do
- ❌ Don’t use knives or metal spatulas
- ❌ Don’t use steel wool on nonstick
- ❌ Don’t pour cold water into a hot pot (warping risk)
- ❌ Don’t keep cooking burnt rice dry
🛡️ How to Prevent Rice from Sticking Again
- Rinse rice before cooking
- Use enough water
- Lower heat once boiling
- Stir once at the beginning
- Use a heavier-bottomed pot
🧠 Final Tip
If rice always sticks, the pot’s bottom may already be damaged. In that case, cooking with a bit of oil or switching to a heavier pot will help.
