Cody Casey
Baking soda is a versatile, inexpensive, and non-toxic household ingredient that can be used to clean pans. It is a mild abrasive that can eliminate burnt-on food, tough stains, and lingering food odours without damaging the surface of your pans. When mixed with water, it forms a thick paste that can be applied directly to stains. For more resistant stains, vinegar can be added to the mix to create a stronger cleaning solution. However, it is important to note that baking soda should not be used on non-stick, Teflon, or anodized aluminium pans as it may damage the coating.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Baking soda can be used to clean pans, removing stains, scorch marks, burnt-on food, and lingering food odours. |
| Safety | Baking soda is non-toxic and safe to use on stainless steel, aluminium, cast iron, and most other types of cookware. It is also safe for non-stick pans, but should not be used on cast iron pans with soap or acidic items like vinegar or lemon juice, as this can create rust. |
| Cost | Baking soda is an inexpensive household ingredient. |
| Frequency | Baking soda can be used every time a pan is washed or reserved for removing tough, stuck-on food and stains. |
| Application | To use baking soda, make a paste with water and apply it to the stained area of the pan. Leave for at least 10 minutes, then rinse and scrub with a sponge or brush. For burnt-on food, cover the area with baking soda and water, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and wipe or scrub once cooled. For extra cleaning power, add vinegar or lemon juice. |
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What You'll Learn
Removing burnt-on food
Baking soda is an excellent, inexpensive, and non-toxic cleaner for pans with burnt-on food. It is safe to use on stainless steel, aluminium, cast iron, and most other types of cookware.
For pans with persistent or years-long burnt-on food, follow these steps:
- Sprinkle the pan generously with baking soda.
- Add water to the pan. You can either fill the pan with enough water to cover the bottom or make a paste by mixing equal parts of baking soda and water.
- Let the solution sit for 30 minutes to a few hours.
- Scrub the pan with a sponge, scrub brush, or scouring pad. Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, oven cleaners, bleach, or strong abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch your cookware.
- Rinse the pan with hot water and wash with dish soap and a clean sponge.
- Dry the pan with a clean dish towel.
For cast iron pans, refrain from using soap, vinegar, or lemon juice, as these can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning. Instead, use a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad to scrub the pan. After rinsing and drying the pan, rub the entire surface with oil and place the pan in an oven set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour.
To enhance the cleaning power of baking soda, you can add natural cleaning agents like vinegar, lemon juice, or salt. However, avoid using vinegar on cast iron pans, as it can create rust. When using baking soda and vinegar together, be careful as the mixture will fizz.
Additionally, you can try simmering water, adding a squirt of soap, and a tablespoon of baking soda to the pan for a minute, then leaving it overnight. The burnt parts should rinse or scrape out easily the next day.
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Cleaning tough stains
Baking soda is an excellent, inexpensive, and non-toxic household cleaner that can be used to clean tough stains on pans. It is a mild abrasive that can remove most food and stains without damaging the surface of your pans. It also helps eliminate lingering food odours from your cookware.
To clean tough stains, sprinkle a little baking soda onto the burnt area in the pan. Add a small amount of water to make a slurry or a thick paste. Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes. For more resistant stains, you can add a little vinegar to the mix before boiling to create a stronger stain remover.
After the waiting period, scrub away the caked-on residue with a sponge, scrub brush, or a gentle abrasive like a toothbrush. For burnt-on food, you can also try covering the bottom of the pan with baking soda and water, bringing it to a boil, and then removing it from the heat. Let the solution cool, and then wipe or scrub the pan to remove the burnt residue.
For cast iron pans, refrain from using vinegar or lemon juice as they can create rust and damage the pan's seasoning. Instead, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of baking soda, add water to make a paste, and scrub with a stiff-bristle brush. Rinse and repeat if necessary, then dry the pan and rub the surface with oil.
Baking soda is a versatile and effective cleaner that can be used on various pan types, including stainless steel, aluminium, cast iron, non-stick, and ceramic. It is a safe and gentle alternative to harsh chemical cleaners, making it a great choice for keeping your pans clean and stain-free.
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Deodorising pans
Baking soda is an excellent, inexpensive, and non-toxic cleaner for pans with lingering food odours. It is safe to use on stainless steel, aluminium, cast iron, and most other types of cookware.
To deodorise pans, start by sprinkling a little baking soda onto burnt-on food or stains. Then, rub the soda into the stain. If the stain is resistant, sprinkle the pan with baking soda and add a little water. You can also add vinegar to the mix for a stronger effect. The foaming chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar gives more power to remove stains and burnt-on food. However, avoid using vinegar on cast iron as it can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning.
For persistent or years-long residue, sprinkle the pan with baking soda and add two tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Scrub away the caked-on residue with a sponge or kitchen scrub brush.
For pans with stuck-on food, a mixture of baking soda, water, and vinegar can be used. Sprinkle the surface generously with baking soda, then combine 1 cup of hot water and 1/3 cup of vinegar, and pour the solution into the pan. The baking soda and vinegar will fizz for a moment. Let the pan soak for a few hours, then scrape the surface with a spatula. Continue to soak and scrub the pan with a scrubbing brush.
Another method is to mix equal parts baking soda and hot water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stained spot and leave it for at least 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the stain by wiping it with a towel or using a gentle abrasive like a toothbrush.
Baking soda can also be used to deodorise drains. Simply mix water, baking soda, and vinegar, and pour the solution into the drain.
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Restoring copper pans
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can be used to clean pans. It can be used to eliminate burned-on food and tough stains on all pans—non-stick, stainless steel, ceramic, cast iron, and more.
Copper pans are known for their superior heat conductivity and durability, but they can be prone to discoloration and burning if not properly cared for. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive methods for restoring copper pans:
- Before cleaning copper, check if the pan has a lacquer finish, as the cleaning methods differ depending on its presence. To determine if your copper pan has a lacquer finish, rub the surface with a microfiber cloth dipped in white vinegar and baking soda. If there is no reaction, the pan is lacquered. Clean lacquered copper with cups of water and mild dish soap, then wipe away any residue with a dry cloth.
- If your copper pan is not lacquered, you can use natural ingredients like lemon juice and salt to remove tarnish and restore shine. Cut a lemon in half, apply table salt to the pulp, and rub the lemon onto the patina surface of the copper pan. Use salt as needed to remove stubborn tarnish, then rinse and dry the pan.
- Another natural solution for restoring copper pans is to create a paste by mixing equal parts salt, vinegar, and flour. Apply this paste to burnt areas of the pan, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive scrubber. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly.
- For copper pans with a non-stick coating, use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth with mild dish soap to clean the inside of the pan.
- To clean the outside bottom of a burnt copper pan, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive scrubber. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly.
- To clean a copper pan naturally, mix a thick paste of salt and lemon juice. Apply the paste to the bottom of the pan and scrub in a circular motion with a dish scrubber. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.
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Cleaning cast iron pans
Baking soda is an effective cleaning agent for cast iron pans. It can help remove food residue and neutralise odours without damaging the surface of the pan.
To clean a cast iron pan with baking soda, start by refraining from using any soap, vinegar, or lemon juice, as these can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning. Instead, sprinkle the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of baking soda, and add 2-3 tablespoons of water to make a paste. Use a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad to scrub the pan, taking advantage of the abrasive power of baking soda to remove food residue.
Rinse and repeat the process if necessary. Once you're satisfied with the cleanliness of the pan, dry it thoroughly and rub the entire surface with oil. Place the pan on a medium-low heat on a stovetop burner or in an oven set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour. This final step helps to restore the seasoning of the pan.
For extremely stubborn, stuck-on food, you can try simmering a little water in the pan for 3-5 minutes before using a scraper to remove the residue once the pan has cooled. You can also try placing the pan upside down in the oven at a higher temperature (450-500 degrees Fahrenheit) for an hour to burn off any residue. Just be sure to place a baking sheet or aluminium foil on the rack below to catch any drippings.
While baking soda is an excellent option for cleaning cast iron pans, it is not the only option. Some people prefer to use salt or chainmail scrubbers to clean their cast iron, and a small amount of soap is generally acceptable, especially if your pan is well-seasoned. Just be sure to dry your cast iron thoroughly after washing and avoid putting it in the dishwasher, as this can damage the seasoning and cause rust.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, baking soda can be used to clean pans. It is a mild abrasive that can remove most food and stains without damaging the surface of your pans.
First, sprinkle a layer of baking soda onto the burnt or stained area. Then, add a little water to make a paste. Leave the paste on for at least 10 minutes, then scrub the pan with a sponge or brush. Finally, rinse and dry the pan as normal.
Yes, but refrain from using water, soap, or acidic items like vinegar or lemon juice as these can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning. Instead, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of baking soda and add 2-3 tablespoons of water to make a paste. Scrub the pan with a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad, rinse, and dry.
Yes, but be careful not to use steel wool, scouring pads, or any other abrasive tools as these can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, use a sponge or a scrubber that is safe for non-stick surfaces.
Baking soda is a non-toxic, inexpensive household ingredient that is safe to use on most types of cookware. It can effectively remove burnt-on food, tough stains, and lingering food odours.
