How to Clean Burnt Pots and Pans with Bicarbonate of Soda
Boil water and bicarb in the pan and burnt food lifts with a spatula.
Takes 20 minutes
What you’ll need
- 2 tbsp per litre Bicarbonate of Soda
- Tap water
- Spatula
- Sponge, Scourer or Pot Brush
Method
- Start by adding water to your pan or pot and bring it to a boil.
- Add 2 tablespoons of Bicarbonate of Soda per litre of water and wait until the food begins to break up.
- Use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening bits of burnt food.
- Let it sit and cool for a while then scrub off any food residue with a sponge, scourer or pot brush.
- Wash and dry as usual.
To clean pots and pans with burnt-on food.
Heat and alkalinity soften burnt-on food so it lifts away.
The science: Sodium bicarbonate (PubChem, NIH) →
Glass:
Despite being a mild abrasive cleaner, Bicarbonate of Soda has the potential to scratch glass and mirrors, so it‘s best to avoid using it on these surfaces.
Aluminium:
When using Bicarbonate of Soda to clean aluminium surfaces like pans, it can cause oxidisation over time, which turns the surface brown. If you must use Bicarbonate of Soda on aluminium pots and pans, make sure to rinse them immediately after.
Natural Stone:
Avoid using Bicarbonate of Soda on natural stone surfaces like quartz, marble, and granite. Repeated use can damage the sealant and leave scratches on the stone.
Sealed Wood::
Bicarbonate of Soda can damage or wear away the finish or sealant on wood furniture, leaving a dull appearance, so it‘s best to avoid using it on wooden surfaces.
Antique Silver:
While Bicarbonate of Soda can quickly remove tarnish from silverware, it‘s too abrasive and can cause it to lose its patina and tarnish more quickly over time.
Gold-Plated Items::
Gold is a soft metal, so using Bicarbonate of Soda to clean gold-plated utensils or dishes can scratch and ruin the finish. Prolonged use can cause the plating to wear off, so it‘s best to avoid using Bicarbonate of Soda on these items.
Store Bicarbonate of Soda sealed tightly, in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets.
While Bicarbonate of Soda is generally considered a very safe cleaning agent, it is always a good idea to wear rubber gloves if you have highly sensitive skin to prevent dryness. Alternatively, rinse your hands thoroughly after use and avoid contact with your eyes as it can cause redness.
Quick questions
Bicarb or Soda Crystals?
Bicarb for everyday burns and stainless steel; Soda Crystals for heavy, baked-on grease.
Cast iron?
Briefly only, then dry and oil.
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