When it comes to household chores, few are more demanding - or more soul-destroying - than tackling greasy pans.

This is why homemakers around the world will be hugely relieved to hear that scientists have announced they have found a way of developing self-cleaning metals.

The pan-European team of experts working on the TresClean project were inspired by the surface of the lotus leaf, mimicking this to create a metallic surface covered in tiny pockets of air, meaning bacteria are unable to stick to it.

According to lead expert Professor Luca Romoli, the breakthrough will not only prove useful in the food preparation industry, but it could be put to good use in the kitchen through the creation of genuinely stick-free pans.

Indeed, since the metal is to be produced in sheet form, it will have a variety of potential uses, both industrially and domestically.

But, of course, such a reality is a long way off. The technology is still in the experimental stage, meaning pots and pans will continue to get dirty and need scrubbing for some time yet.

Until miracle, self-cleaning saucepans come along, then, you will have to rely on the age old tactics of leaving a pot to soak and then applying a healthy dose of elbow grease - unless, of course, you call in the professionals and save yourself the hassle altogether.

Plus, who's to say that a few "old wives' tales" aren't as effective as the latest scientific research? As well as leaving stubborn stains to soak overnight with warm water and washing-up liquid, cleaning gurus recommend making full use of tricks and "hacks" to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Did you know, for example, that a pinch of baking soda on your scrubbing brush can help make stains glide off? Or how about getting a bottle of vinegar out of the pantry - just a few drops of that can help you clean burnt pans are reclaim their original shine!

Copyright @ FastKlean