Man, I’ve been doing it wrong this entire time

Pour in a cup or so of white vinegar into the water. Vinegar is acidic, which helps break down the burnt-on food without damaging the pan.
4. Bring to a Boil
Place the pan on the stove and bring the water and vinegar mixture to a boil. Let it boil for a few minutes. The combination of heat and vinegar will start loosening the burnt residue.
5. Add Baking Soda
Remove the pan from heat and carefully add a few tablespoons of baking soda. The baking soda will react with the vinegar, creating a fizzing action that helps lift the burnt residue from the pan’s surface. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the reaction to work.
6. Scrub Gently
After the fizzing has stopped, use a soft sponge or non-abrasive scrubber to gently scrub the burnt area. In most cases, the burnt residue should come off easily at this point. If there are any stubborn spots, use a wooden or silicone spatula to scrape them off without scratching the pan.
7. Rinse and Inspect
Rinse the pan with warm water and inspect it. If there are still burnt spots, repeat the process or use a bit more baking soda directly on the stubborn areas and scrub gently.
8. Final Clean
Once all burnt residue is removed, wash the pan with dish soap and warm water as you normally would. Dry it thoroughly to prevent rust or water spots.