How to clean very dirty pans with bicarbonate of soda and vinegar

Cleaning a pan is one of those jobs nobody particularly enjoys, yet everyone has to do. When food burns and leaves a thick crust on the base, it can feel like a real punishment. In those moments, water and washing-up liquid alone rarely do the job, which is why simple homemade mixtures made with household items can make cleaning easier without costing much.

What is the best homemade mixture for cleaning very dirty pans?

The most common combination for removing a heavy crust from a pan uses three main ingredients: bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar and a little mild washing-up liquid. Bicarbonate of soda acts as a gentle abrasive, vinegar helps loosen grease, and washing-up liquid helps lift away grime and makes rinsing easier.

For a medium-sized pan, use 2 to 3 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda, roughly 100 ml of white vinegar and a few drops of washing-up liquid. Make the mixture runnier for soaking the inside of the pan, or thicker for treating particular areas, such as the outside base, ensuring the dirty surface is properly covered.

How should bicarbonate of soda and vinegar be prepared and applied to pans?

Making the mixture is straightforward: place the bicarbonate of soda in a small bowl, then gradually pour in the vinegar and allow the fizzing to settle. Next, add the mild washing-up liquid and stir until you have either a thin liquid or a creamy paste, depending on how you intend to use it.

In practice, many people apply this mixture in stages, adjusting the method for the inside, the outside base and older marks. This helps make the most of its cleaning action in each situation.

• Inside of the pan: spread the mixture over the burnt area, add a little water if needed, and leave it to work for several minutes.
• Outside base: use a sponge or brush to apply the thicker paste, covering the darkened areas thoroughly.
• Old marks: apply the mixture again, or gently warm the solution inside the pan for a few minutes.

How long should the mixture be left on each type of pan?

Leaving the mixture to sit affects both the result and the care of the material. For stainless-steel pans, leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes, always using a soft sponge. With aluminium pans, 10 to 20 minutes is usually enough, helping to prevent the vinegar from making the metal look dull.

For non-stick pans, use a gentler blend with less bicarbonate of soda and more water. Leave it on for no more than 10 to 15 minutes, and do not use an abrasive sponge. With cast-iron pans, keep the treatment brief: up to 10 minutes. Rinse and dry them thoroughly straight afterwards and, if desired, finish with a thin layer of oil for protection.

How can you stop grime building up on pans again?

As well as using the homemade mixture when things get difficult, a few everyday measures can prevent crusts from building up and keep pans shiny for longer. Small changes in routine can make a noticeable difference and reduce the effort needed at the sink later on.

Washing the pan soon after use, avoiding heating oil over a very high heat for too long, and using suitable utensils so the base is not scratched can all help preserve it. Many people also carry out a quick weekly clean with bicarbonate of soda diluted in warm water, simply to keep things under control and stop too much grease from accumulating.