Get Rid Of Pesky Borax Crystals In Your Pan

To get rid of borax crystals from a pan, try soaking the pan in hot water, using a vinegar solution, lemon juice, commercial limescale removers, or a baking soda paste. Be patient and gentle during the process to avoid damaging the pan's surface. If one method doesn't work, try another until the borax crystals are successfully dissolved and removed.

Soak the pan in hot water

Soaking your pan in hot water is an effective way to remove borax crystals. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Fill your sink or a large container with hot water. The water should be as hot as you can get it without risking damage to your pan or scalding yourself.
• Place the pan in the hot water and let it soak. You may need to weigh down the pan to ensure it is fully submerged.
• For best results, add a few squirts of professional-grade dish soap to the water. This will aid in breaking down the crystals.
• Allow the pan to soak for several hours or even overnight. The hot water will help loosen and dissolve the borax crystals.
• After soaking, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently wipe away any remaining crystals. Take care not to scratch the pan's surface.
• If necessary, repeat the process until all crystals are removed.

It is important to act quickly when dealing with borax crystals. The longer they are left on the pan, the more difficult they will be to remove. With prompt action and a good soak in hot water, you should be able to restore your pan to its original condition.

Use a vinegar solution

If you have borax crystals stuck to your pan, a vinegar solution can help dissolve them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a vinegar solution to get rid of borax crystals in a pan:

• Prepare the vinegar solution: In a separate container, mix vinegar with warm water. The exact ratio of vinegar to water may vary, but a stronger concentration of vinegar is generally more effective. You can also use cleaning vinegar or garden vinegar, which have higher acetic acid concentrations.
• Soak the pan: Fill the pan with the vinegar solution and let it soak for several hours or even a few days. The acidic nature of vinegar will help dissolve the borax crystals.
• Scrub the pan: After soaking, use a gentle scrubber or sponge to remove any remaining crystals. Be careful not to scratch the pan's surface. You can also try using an old toothbrush to gently scrub the crystals away.
• Rinse and dry: Once the crystals are removed, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any residual vinegar or borax. Finally, dry the pan with a soft cloth or let it air dry.

It is important to be patient and gentle during the process to avoid damaging the pan's surface. If the vinegar solution does not completely remove the crystals, you can try alternative methods, such as using hot water, lemon juice, commercial lime scale removers, or a baking soda paste.

Lemon juice

To remove borax crystals from a pan using lemon juice, follow these steps:

Method 1: Soaking

• Fill the pan with hot water and add the juice of one or two lemons. You can also add an equal amount of vinegar for extra cleaning power.
• Let the pan soak for several hours or overnight.
• Use a sponge or scrub brush to scrub away the crystals.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water.

Method 2: Paste

• In a small bowl, mix together one cup of borax, one-quarter cup of lemon juice, and enough water to make a paste.
• Apply the paste to the pan, using a sponge or cloth.
• Let the paste sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a soft sponge or cloth.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water.

Tips:

• If the borax crystals are particularly stubborn, you can use a commercial limescale remover or a baking soda paste.
• Always be gentle when scrubbing to avoid damaging the surface of the pan.
• If one method doesn't work, try another until the borax crystals are successfully removed.

Commercial lime scale removers

ECOLAB Lime-A-Way Multipurpose Lime Scale Remover

This product is suitable for use on kitchen and bathroom surfaces, including steam tables, coffee and tea urns, and aluminum equipment. It is designed to remove tough limescale and grime. The manufacturer recommends checking the label for specific instructions and warnings, as the ratios and directions may vary depending on the job.

HG Hagesan Blue Professional Limescale Remover

This highly concentrated limescale remover is suitable for removing limescale and other deposits from bathroom surfaces, including tiles, shower doors, taps, and showerheads. It is safe to use on various materials, such as chrome, stainless steel, ceramic, glass, and plastic. Depending on the degree of staining, it can be used neat or diluted with water. To use, apply the product with a sponge, leave it for a few minutes, then wipe and rinse with water.

Zep Industrial Calcium & Lime Remover

Zep's remover is a pro-grade formula that is safe to use on stainless steel, aluminum, glass, plastic, and ceramic surfaces. It is suitable for removing limescale and restoring the shine to these surfaces.

Nyco D-Lime Lime Scale Remover

D-Lime is a highly concentrated hydrochloric acid lime scale remover that tackles rust, lime, calcium, concrete, and mineral deposits. It contains an RD-188 inhibitor for use on metal surfaces and is ideal for cooling towers, heat exchangers, piping, concrete etching, tanks, and cleaning-in-place (CIP) procedures. It should not be used on aluminum or magnesium, as it may cause discoloration.

Industrial Limescale Remover & Calcium Remover with Scale Remover STSR

This product is a buffered acid for limescale and calcium carbonate removal. It is environmentally friendly, biodegradable, non-corrosive to steel and skin, and easy to use. It can be applied through foaming, low-pressure spray, soaks, and recirculations. It is suitable for use on condensers, chillers, pipes, and other equipment dealing with hard water.

Baking soda paste

To get rid of borax crystals in a pan, you can try using a baking soda paste. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Create the Baking Soda Paste

Mix equal parts of water and baking soda directly in the pan to form a paste. Adjust the consistency of the paste by adding more water or baking soda as needed – it should be thick enough to stick to the pan and have a good scrubbing texture.

Step 2: Apply the Paste

You can either spot-treat stains and burnt marks or apply the paste all over the pan. The baking soda will help lift even deep-seated stains from your cookware.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Allow the paste to sit on the pan for at least 15 minutes, or up to several hours if there are heavier stains. This will give the baking soda time to work on dissolving the borax crystals and loosening the grime.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After the paste has sat for a while, it's time to scrub! Use a brush or scrubber and scrub the pan clean in a gentle, circular motion. Be cautious when cleaning cookware with a non-stick surface, as the baking soda provides an abrasive cleaning action. Keep scrubbing until you no longer see any grime.

Step 5: Rinse and Wash as Normal

Once you're happy with how your pan looks, dump out the baking soda paste in the sink and rinse the pan with hot water. Then, wash the pan with dish soap and water using a clean sponge as you normally would. Ensure that there is no remaining paste in the pan before moving on to this step.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove borax crystals from your pan using a baking soda paste. This method is inexpensive, accessible, and safe for various types of cookware.

Frequently asked questions