Baking Soda And Peroxide: Effective Pan Cleaners?

Baking soda and peroxide are commonly believed to be an effective combination for cleaning pans. However, the effectiveness of this method has been disputed by several people who have tried it. While some claim that it does help to remove stains and grime, others assert that it does very little to improve the appearance of pans. So, does the combination of baking soda and peroxide truly clean pans? Let's delve into the experiences of those who have put this method to the test and find out.

Baking soda and peroxide paste

A paste made from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is a popular home remedy for cleaning greasy pans with baked-on stains.

How to Make the Paste:

Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to form a paste.

Application:

• Spread the paste evenly over the top of the pan.
• Let it sit for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours for heavier stains.
• Wipe away the paste with a paper towel and water.
• If needed, scrub any remaining residue with a nylon pad, sponge, or brush.
• Finally, wash the pan with dish soap and hot water to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned.

Effectiveness:

While some people have found this method ineffective, others have reported satisfactory results, especially for removing light stains. It may require a longer soaking time for more stubborn stains.

Precautions:

Always test new cleaning methods on a small, inconspicuous area of your pan first to ensure they do not damage the surface. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers on non-stick pans, as they can scratch the coating.

Alternative Methods:

If you're looking for other ways to clean your pans, here are some alternatives:

• Boiling water in the pan to loosen stuck-on food.
• Using fabric softener sheets along with boiling water.
• Soaking the pan in a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and salt.
• Soaking the pan in bleach cleansing powder and hot water.
• Scrubbing the pan with a ball of aluminum foil and Bar Keeper's Friend (avoid this method for painted or coated pans).

Soak overnight

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean pans, but it is not a foolproof method. It may be more effective for lighter stains or non-stick pans, as it is not as strong as solutions containing an acid like vinegar.

To use this method, create a paste by mixing a 1:1 ratio of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Spread the paste evenly over the surface of the pan and let it sit for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours for bigger messes. After the time has elapsed, wipe away the mixture from the pan using a paper towel and water. Scrub any remaining residue away using a nylon pad, sponge, or brush, and then give the pan a final wash with dish soap and hot water to thoroughly clean it.

This method requires a significant amount of time for the paste to soak into the stains on the pan, but it is effective at lifting stains and requires only a light hand to scrub. It is important to note that hydrogen peroxide can irritate the eyes and skin and is toxic if ingested, so wear protective gloves when cleaning with it.

Scrub with sponge

If you're looking to clean your pans with baking soda and peroxide, the process is simple. First, mix a solution of one part baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide. The amount of each ingredient will depend on the size of your pan, but a good starting point is 1/4 cup of baking soda and a few tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Mix these together in a small bowl until they form a paste.

Once you have your paste, spread it evenly over the surface of the pan. You can use your finger or a rag to do this. Make sure to cover all the areas that need cleaning.

Now, let the paste sit on the pan for at least 2 hours. If you have a particularly tough mess to clean, you can leave it for up to 8 hours. The longer you leave it, the more effective it will be at lifting those deep, set-in stains.

After the paste has had time to work its magic, it's time to scrub. Get your sponge ready and wet it with warm water. Squeeze out any excess water, so you're left with a damp sponge. Start scrubbing the pan in a circular motion, applying light pressure at first. If the stains start to lift, you can continue scrubbing with light pressure. However, if the stains are being stubborn, you can increase the pressure and scrub a little harder.

As you scrub, you should see the stains and grime start to lift away. If there are any particularly tough areas, you can apply more of the paste and let it sit for a few more minutes before scrubbing again.

Once you're happy with the results, give the pan a final wash with dish soap and warm water to remove any remaining residue. Dry the pan thoroughly, and you're done! Your pans should now be looking clean and shiny.

Rinse with water

After you've let the paste sit for 2-3 hours, it's time to wipe the mixture away with a paper towel and water. Simply dampen a paper towel with some warm water and use it to gently wipe away the paste. If your pan is particularly large, you may need to use multiple paper towels to cover the entire surface. Make sure to get into all the corners and edges of the pan to ensure that all the paste is removed. This step is important to ensure that you have a clean surface to work with before moving on to the next step of the cleaning process.

Once you've wiped away the paste, take a close look at your pan. If there are any sections where the paste didn't quite do the trick and some residue remains, don't worry. You can simply take a sponge, rag, or paper towel and scrub those areas with a bit of elbow grease to remove the remaining stains. A copper or metal scrubber can also be used for more stubborn stains that are being difficult to remove. Remember to be gentle, as you don't want to scratch or damage the surface of your pan.

After you've removed all the paste and scrubbed away any remaining residue, it's now time for a final rinse. Wash the pan with regular soap and water to rid it of any remaining traces of the paste and to ensure it's clean and ready for your next cooking adventure. Make sure to dry the pan thoroughly after rinsing to prevent water spots and to keep your pan in tip-top shape. And that's it! Your pan should now be sparkling clean and ready to be used again.

It's important to note that this cleaning method may not work for all types of pans. It's recommended that you only use this method on aluminized steel pans. Non-stick pans, for example, may be damaged by the abrasive nature of the baking soda and peroxide paste. Always make sure to test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous portion of your pan first to ensure it doesn't damage the surface.

Wash with soap

While some people believe that washing cast iron pans with soap will ruin them, this is not true. Older soaps were made with lye, which would strip the seasoning and damage the pan, but modern soaps are mild enough to be used without causing harm. If you're concerned, you can always season your pan again after washing.

To wash a cast iron pan with soap, first, use a pan scraper to get rid of stuck-on food and debris. Then, pour a small amount of soap into the pan and add some warm water. Use a nylon brush or sponge to clean the pan, inside and out. Dry the pan with a paper towel or lint-free tea towel, then put the pan back on the stove and turn the heat to medium for three to five minutes. After letting the pan cool, rub a light layer of cooking oil—such as flaxseed, canola, or vegetable oil—on the surface of the skillet. Wipe out any excess oil and store the pan until you're ready to use it again.

It's important to note that you should never let cast iron pans soak in water or leave water sitting in them, as this can cause rust. Always clean, wash, and dry cast iron pans immediately. Additionally, avoid using steel wool or metal scrubbers to clean cast iron, as these can remove the seasoning and make the pan less non-stick.

For other types of pans, such as stainless steel, copper, non-stick, and ceramic, it is generally safe to wash them with soap and water. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. For stainless steel pans, avoid using steel wool pads or abrasive cleaners as they can scratch the surface. When cleaning copper pans, do not use cleaners containing bleach as it is corrosive and will damage the pans. Non-stick pans should not be washed in the dishwasher, as the harsh detergent and hot water can damage the coating. Finally, when cleaning ceramic pans, avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaners as they can scratch the surface.

Frequently asked questions