Clean Your Pan: Baking Soda Hack To Remove Oil

Removing oil from a pan can be a tricky task, but baking soda is an effective and inexpensive solution. Baking soda is a versatile natural cleaner with mild abrasive properties that can eliminate burned-on food and tough stains. It is also non-toxic and safe to use on most surfaces, including non-stick pans, stainless steel, and cast iron. To remove oil from a pan using baking soda, you can try different methods such as the deglazing technique, the baking soda and water method, or the baking soda and vinegar method. Each method involves creating a paste or solution with baking soda and following specific steps to effectively remove the oil from the pan.

Baking soda and water paste

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove stubborn burnt-on food and oil stains from pans. It is also effective at neutralising odours.

To use baking soda to clean a pan, first remove as much of the burnt-on food or stain as possible. Then, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of water. Sprinkle baking soda over the water to create a paste. Let the mixture sit for several hours or overnight. Then, scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary. Finally, rinse and dry the pan as normal.

For tougher stains, a boiling water and baking soda mixture can be used. Add 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of baking soda and 1/4 a cup of water to the pan and bring to a boil. As the water evaporates, scrub off the film of baking soda and food residue with a scouring pad or brush.

Alternatively, a paste can be made by mixing baking soda with vinegar and mild dish soap. Apply the paste to the pan and scrub with a plastic wrap ball. Then, gently scrub the pan with a soft sponge and mild dish soap.

Boiling water and baking soda

To use this method, start by filling the pan with about 1 cup of water. Then, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda, depending on the size of the pan. Bring this mixture to a boil and allow it to simmer until most of the water has evaporated. As the water boils, it will create a film of baking soda around the walls of the pan.

Once the water has mostly evaporated, turn off the heat. It is now time to scrub the pan. Use a long-handled brush or a scouring pad to scrub off the film of baking soda and any remaining food residue. It is best to do this while the pan is still hot, so be sure to wear gloves and handle the pan with a towel or oven mitt to protect your hands.

If there are any stubborn stains remaining, you can create an abrasive slurry by adding more baking soda and a small amount of water to the pan and scrubbing again.

Deglazing technique

The deglazing technique is a great way to loosen and remove burnt-on food and tough stains from pans. It is also the first step in making a number of sauces, particularly pan sauces. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the deglazing technique to remove oil from a pan using baking soda:

Step 1: Remove Excess Oil and Burnt-on Food

Use a spatula or paper towel to remove as much excess oil and burnt-on food from the pan as possible. You can also use a long-handled dish brush to loosen any bits of stuck-on food.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Put the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles. This will help loosen any remaining bits of food and oil.

Step 3: Add Liquid to the Pan

Add 1 cup of water or a mixture of 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup white vinegar to the hot pan and allow it to boil. You can also use other liquids such as wine, stock, or citrus juices. If you have a large pot or pan, you may need to use more liquid.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening and removing any remaining bits of burnt-on food and oil. Continue scraping and stirring until the liquid is reduced by about half.

Step 5: Discard Liquid and Sprinkle with Baking Soda

Pour the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan. Instead, sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and let the pan cool. Baking soda is alkaline and will react with the acid in the vinegar to create a foaming cleaner that will help remove stains and burnt-on food.

Step 6: Scrub the Pan

Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pot bottom vigorously. The abrasive properties of the baking soda will help remove any remaining stains and scorched bits.

Step 7: Wash and Dry

Once all the stains and scorched bits have been removed, wash and dry the pan as normal.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove oil from a pan using the deglazing technique and the power of baking soda.

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove as much food residue and debris from the pan as possible. If there are any large pieces of burned food, use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape them off.

Step 2: Apply Vinegar

Pour white vinegar into the pan, ensuring it covers the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch of liquid. Turn on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes. The vinegar will help break down the oil and any burned-on food.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add baking soda to it. Use about 1 cup of baking soda for a full pot bottom. You will see a fizzing reaction as the baking soda reacts with the vinegar. This reaction creates a foaming cleaner that helps to loosen and lift the oil and burned-on food. It is recommended to do this step in the sink, as the reaction can be quite vigorous.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop. The length of time this takes will vary, but it is typically a few minutes. During this time, the baking soda and vinegar mixture will continue to work on breaking down the oil and stains.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

After the fizzing has stopped, discard the liquid from the pan. Use a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge to scrub the pan and remove any remaining oil or stains. Add more baking soda to the pan as needed to create a scrubbing paste. Scrub the entire surface of the pan, including the sides and corners.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once you have removed all the oil and stains, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any residual baking soda and vinegar. Dry the pan completely with a clean cloth or towel.

Additional Tips:

• For stubborn stains, let the baking soda and vinegar mixture sit in the pan for several hours or even overnight before scrubbing.
• If you are cleaning a cast iron pan, do not use vinegar or any other acidic substance, as this can create rust and damage the pan's seasoning. Baking soda is a safe and effective cleaning agent for cast iron.
• Always allow your pan to cool down before fully submerging it in cool water to avoid thermal shock, which can cause the pan to warp.

Baking soda and lemon

Step 1: Remove Food Debris

Start by scraping out as much food debris and residue as possible from the pan. Use a spatula or paper towel to get rid of excess oil, and then use a long-handled dish brush to loosen any remaining bits of stuck-on food.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Fill the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water. You don't need to cover the entire surface, just ensure there is enough water to create a paste with the baking soda.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the water in the pan. The baking soda will combine with the water to form a paste or slurry. You want a consistency that is thick enough to coat the pan but still spreadable. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more water, a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.

Step 4: Add Lemon

Cut a fresh lemon in half and use the flesh side of the lemon to scour the pan. The lemon juice will react with the alkaline baking soda, creating a fizzing or foaming action. This reaction helps to loosen burnt-on food and stains, making them easier to remove.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

Using a non-scratch sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pan vigorously. For tougher stains, you may need to use a scouring pad or the scrubby side of a sponge. Be careful not to use metal tools or abrasive sponges, especially on non-stick or ceramic pans, as these can damage the surface.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once all the stains and burnt bits have been removed, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a clean cloth or let it air dry.

Additional Tips:

• For tougher stains, you can let the baking soda and lemon mixture sit for several hours or even overnight before scrubbing.
• If you want to speed up the process, bring the pan to a boil on the stove, then remove it from the heat and let it cool before scrubbing.
• For burnt-on food or stubborn stains, you can also try using a combination of baking soda, water, and vinegar.
• Always dry your pans immediately after cleaning to prevent the development of water spots and dried, white calcium spots.

Frequently asked questions