Are you tired of constantly cooking with scorched frying pans and using all your strength to scrub them clean? If so, don't worry. You're not alone.

Cleaning your pans can be a real headache, especially when you leave the task to a once-a-year cleaning session (as most people do). Some of the usual causes of charred pan bottoms include repeatedly cooking on a gas stove and continuing to use a pan even when past its prime.

Luckily, there are a few tried-and-true cleaning methods you can try. Start with these three. They won't require too much elbow grease, but they'll still get rid of those blackened bottoms.

3 Frying Pan Cleaning Methods You Need to Try

Next time you make your signature pork sinigang with Knorr Sinigang sa Sampalok (as you should!), you'll know how to tackle those dirty pots and pans.

Method 1: Use baking soda, salt, dishwashing liquid, and vinegar.

You may have seen this one on TikTok. The best thing about this hack is you probably already have everything you need in your pantry. Here's how you can use these household ingredients to clean your pans.

• Step 1: Place your pan upside down on a clean, vinegar-resistant surface.
• Step 2: Run a wire sponge over the pan bottom.
• Step 3: Sprinkle salt, followed by baking soda and dishwashing liquid.
• Step 4: Combine all the components by carefully scrubbing them with a wire sponge.
• Step 5: Lay paper towels down, then drench them in vinegar.
• Step 6: Let your pan sit in the solution. The longer, the better.

Use the same paper towels to wipe off the gunk after enough time has passed. Like magic, your pan should look squeaky clean.

Method 2: Use ketchup.

This one sounds questionable, but have faith in the science. While ketchup is better known as a condiment, it can also double as a cleaning agent. Ketchup contains vinegar and citric acid: two all-natural ingredients that cut through grime. You'll find lemon oil in many household cleaning solutions for the same reason.

You may have seen this one on TikTok. The best thing about this hack is you probably already have everything you need in your pantry. Here's how you can use these household ingredients to clean your pans.

• Step 1: Spread a thick layer of ketchup on the affected pan bottoms.
• Step 2: Let it sit for at least ten minutes before scrubbing.
• Step 3: Add salt to the mixture to help clean off heavy tarnishing.
• Step 4: Wash with soap and water. Let dry.

This method also loosens up burnt food residue on the base of pans.

Method 3: Use aluminum foil and a heavy-duty cleaning product.

Look for products that tackle issues that plain soap and water can't fix. This includes anything from rust and stains to stubborn residue from high-heat cooking on grill pans. Heavy-duty, specialty solutions may be pricey, but they're worth the money. After all, you'll get a sparkling-clean pan out of it – plus, you can use those products to clean other surfaces, too.

If you're on a tight budget, baking soda is an affordable and natural alternative to many cleaning products. Try it first before you splurge – it might be exactly what you need.

The aluminum foil acts as a scrubber in lieu of a steel scourer. To use it as such, simply scrunch the foil into a ball. Unfortunately, this homemade scrub may be too harsh on painted or specially coated surfaces, like non-stick frying pans. Be careful where you use it.

How to Take Care of Your Frying Pans

Signs of wear-and-tear will inevitably come with time, but there are ways to keep your pans in tip-top shape for longer. These tips should help.

• Tip 1: Rinse and soak pans in hot, soapy water after use.
• Tip 2: Scrub pan bottoms immediately and regularly.
• Tip 3: Use a scouring pad to remove tough grime.

Good-quality frying pans are an investment that enable you to cook your favorite recipes, so do what you can to protect them.