How to Clean Pans With Baking Soda

Keeping your pots and pans sparkling clean can sometimes feel like a never-ending battle, especially when they bear the battle scars of cooking delicious meals. However, there’s a secret weapon hiding in your kitchen cabinet that can make this task much easier and cost-effective – baking soda! Cleaning pans with baking soda is a simple and effective method that can help remove stains, grease, and stubborn residues. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean pans with baking soda:

The Power of Baking Soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile and budget-friendly household staple. Its gentle abrasive nature and natural deodorizing properties make it an excellent cleaner for various surfaces, including pots and pans. Baking soda’s ability to break down stubborn stains and grease makes it a reliable ally in the war against kitchen grime.

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cleaning process, let’s gather the supplies:

• Baking soda
• Warm water
• Soft sponge or cloth
• Optional: White vinegar

Now that we have our tools ready, let’s explore different ways to use baking soda for cleaning pots and pans.

How to Clean Light Stains

For pots and pans with light stains or surface dirt, follow these simple steps:

1. Rinse: Rinse the pot or pan with warm water to remove loose debris.
2. Sprinkle Baking Soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the stained or greasy areas.
3. Scrub: Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the baking soda into the stains. The mild abrasive nature of baking soda helps lift dirt without scratching the cookware.
4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the pot or pan thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a clean towel.

How to Clean Burned Pans With Baking Soda

For pots and pans with stubborn stains or burnt-on residue, a slightly more intensive approach may be necessary:

1. Create a Paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. The paste should have a consistency similar to toothpaste.
2. Apply the Paste: Spread the baking soda paste over the stained or greasy areas, ensuring an even coating.
3. Let it Sit: Allow the paste to sit on the stains for at least 15-20 minutes. This gives the baking soda time to break down the tough stains.
4. Scrub: Use a soft sponge or scrubbing brush to gently scrub the paste into the stains. The combination of baking soda and the abrasive action will help lift off the stubborn residue.
5. Rinse and Dry: Thoroughly rinse the pot or pan with warm water to remove the baking soda residue. Dry it with a clean towel.

How to Clean Ceramic Pans With Baking Soda

What You’ll Need:

• Baking soda
• Warm water
• Soft sponge or cloth

Steps:

1. Cool Down the Pan:

• Allow the ceramic pan to cool down completely before cleaning to prevent any rapid temperature changes.

2. Rinse Off Loose Debris:

• Rinse the pan under warm water to remove any loose debris or food particles.

3. Create a Baking Soda Paste:

• Mix baking soda with a small amount of warm water to create a paste. The consistency should be thick enough to adhere to the pan’s surface.

4. Apply the Paste:

• Spread the baking soda paste evenly over the stained or greasy areas of the ceramic pan.

5. Let it Sit:

• Allow the baking soda paste to sit on the pan for about 15-20 minutes. This gives the baking soda time to break down the stains without scrubbing.

6. Scrub Gently:

• Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the pan. The mild abrasive nature of baking soda helps to lift off the stains without scratching the ceramic surface.

7. Rinse Thoroughly:

• Rinse the pan thoroughly under warm water to remove both the baking soda and the loosened residues.

8. Check and Repeat (If Needed):

• Inspect the pan to ensure that all stains are removed. If necessary, repeat the process until the ceramic pan is clean.

9. Dry the Pan:

• Once the pan is clean, dry it with a clean towel or let it air dry.

How to Clean Cast Iron Pans With Baking Soda

Cleaning cast iron pans with baking soda is an effective and natural way to maintain their seasoning and keep them in top-notch condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean cast iron pans with baking soda:

What You’ll Need:

• Baking soda
• Warm water
• Soft brush or sponge
• Paper towels or a clean cloth
• Vegetable oil or cast iron conditioner (for seasoning)

Steps:

1. Cool Down the Pan:

• Allow the cast iron pan to cool down completely before cleaning. Cleaning a hot cast iron pan may lead to thermal shock.

2. Remove Excess Residue:

• Use a paper towel or a cloth to wipe away any excess food particles or grease from the pan.

3. Create a Baking Soda Paste:

• In a small bowl, mix baking soda with a small amount of warm water to create a paste. Aim for a consistency similar to toothpaste.

4. Apply the Paste:

• Apply the baking soda paste to the surface of the cast iron pan. Focus on areas with stubborn residue or stuck-on food.

5. Scrub Gently:

• Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the pan. The mild abrasive nature of baking soda helps to lift off residues without damaging the cast iron.

6. Rinse Thoroughly:

• Rinse the pan thoroughly under warm running water to remove the baking soda and any loosened particles.

7. Dry Immediately:

• Dry the cast iron pan immediately using a clean cloth or paper towels. Avoid leaving the pan wet, as it can lead to rusting.

Removing Lingering Odors

Baking soda is not only effective at cleaning stains but also works wonders in eliminating lingering odors from pots and pans:

1. Sprinkle Baking Soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the interior of the pot or pan.
2. Add Warm Water: Pour warm water into the pot or pan until the baking soda forms a paste.
3. Soak: Allow the baking soda paste to soak for a few hours or overnight. This helps neutralize odors.
4. Scrub and Rinse: Use a soft sponge to scrub the interior, and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Clean Pots and Pans For Baking Soda with Vinegar

For an extra cleaning boost, you can combine baking soda with white vinegar, creating a dynamic duo for tackling tough stains:

1. Sprinkle Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda over the stained areas.
2. Apply Vinegar: Pour a small amount of white vinegar onto the baking soda. The mixture will fizz as the two substances react.
3. Scrub: Use a soft sponge to scrub the fizzing mixture into the stains.
4. Let it Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for 15-20 minutes.
5. Rinse and Dry: Thoroughly rinse the pot or pan with warm water and dry it with a clean towel.

Conclusion

Baking soda is truly a game-changer when it comes to cleaning pots and pans. Its affordability, versatility, and non-toxic nature make it a preferred choice for many households. By incorporating baking soda into your cleaning routine, you can restore the shine to your cookware and extend the lifespan of your pots and pans. Say goodbye to stubborn stains and hello to a kitchen filled with sparkling, spotless cookware!