If you run out of steel wool scrub or your scotch brite is not strong enough to remove those stubborn stuck on food, use a crumpled aluminum foil. It is strong enough to remove stuck on food and gentle enough not to scratch your pots or pans.

What I found more effective is that after I crumpled it, I open it up and form it like a pad so that I have more surface area that can scrub. It works pretty good and far better and faster than a sponge pad.

It is also better if you can let the pot or pan soak in water for a while before scrubbing. Some will even put water and heat it to a boil to loosen up the stuck on food before scrubbing it. Whatever technique you use, just with crumpled aluminum foil and some elbow grease, you can scrub those pots and pans clean.