How to restore grime-encrusted pots and pans using soda crystals

July 12, 2024

Through constant use, metal/stainless steel pots and pans can get pick up damage and grime, the most common damage being charred/blackened bottoms. That said, by using soda crystals, you can make your pots and pans look as good as new again. Let's find out how:

The properties of soda crystals

Soda crystals, or sodium carbonate, is a versatile, inexpensive product that can be very useful around the home. Soda crystals should not be confused with caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), or with baking soda. Compared to baking soda, sodium crystals are characterized by being more corrosive and cannot be consumed. It's crystals also have a grain size which is visibly larger than baking soda.

Sodium carbonate can be used for numerous household chores, namely:

Degreasing: soda crystals are an excellent, all-natural degreaser, capable of effectively dissolving caked-on grease, burnt oil and food charring.
Descaling: soda crystals can easily remove built-up limescale, as well as stubborn stains from many robust surfaces, including metal or ceramic worktops.
Deodorizering: soda crystals can also eliminate unpleasant odors caused by burnt food or stagnanting organic residue in pots and pans.
Antibacterial: soda crystals have highly effective antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Additionally - and unlike many chemical detergents - soda crystals are eco-friendly and biodegradable.

How to use soda crystals on filthy pots and pans

Bell and Jeff/Flickr

To restore grime-encrusted/blackened pots and pans:

Remove the bulk of the dirt by doing a normal wash, leaving only the stubborn grime;
Sprinkle two tablespoons of soda crystals on the pot/pan's bottom (or the affected area, if different);
Slowly add enough boiling water to form a paste, mixing with a wooden ladle and wearing gloves for protection;
Spread this paste over all the stubborn marks, stains and charring;
Leave on to act for 30 minutes;
Scrub the paste in using an abrasive sponge;
Once done, rinse off and dry thoroughly.

Soda crystals can also be added to your regular cleaning routine of your pots and pans, preventing them falling "into a sorry state":

For example, you can add a teaspoon of sodium carbonate to the sponge you use for regular cleaning and washing (increasing abrasive power);
To eliminate unpleasant odors remaining on your pots and pans after cooking, fill them with warm water, pour in two or three tablespoons of soda crystals and agitate. Leave and allow to act for a few hours (or even overnight for very stubborn grime). The action of the soda crystals will eliminate any unpleasant odors effectively. To finish, just wash and rinse the pot/pan as you normally would.

Be careful, however, never to use soda crystals on aluminium, glass or painted and enamelled surfaces. Also avoid using cleaning methods that combine boiling water and sodium carbonate on surfaces with non-stick coating (which soda crystals could damage permanently).

# DIY