Clean Cookware Easily with Baking Soda Tips That Work

Let’s face it—burnt food and stubborn stains on pots and pans can really ruin your cooking vibe. 

Whether it’s last night’s pasta sauce or that pancake you swore wouldn’t stick, cleaning up isn’t always fun. 

But guess what? You don’t need harsh chemicals or fancy sprays to get the job done.

Baking soda is your new kitchen best friend. 

It’s safe, natural, and surprisingly powerful. 

And in this guide, we’ll show you the best ways to clean your pots and pans with baking soda, no matter what type you’ve got.

Let’s dig in and give those pans a second life—with a little help from a few tools you might already have (including one made for grills that works great in the kitchen too!).

Why Use Baking Soda?

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s talk about why baking soda is so helpful.

Baking soda is a white powder that’s kind of like kitchen magic. 

It’s made from a natural mineral called sodium bicarbonate. 

It’s been around forever—and it’s completely non-toxic and safe around food.

Learn More: Cleaning Grill Grates with Baking Soda: A Natural and Effective Method

Here’s why people love using it for cleaning cookware:

• It’s non-toxic and food-safe – no weird smells or chemical worries.

• It scrubs without scratching – even the tough stuff.

• It’s cheap and easy to find – probably already in your pantry.

• It works great with other kitchen items like vinegar or lemon juice for extra power.

It’s also a gentle, eco-friendly alternative to chemical cleaners. 

That’s something we care about at Behind the Grill, especially since we also love tools that are kind to your hands and your cookware.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need a full cleaning crew to get your pans shining again. 

Just grab a few basics:

• Baking soda

• Warm water

• Sponge or scrub brush

• Wooden scraper (Optional—but our Easy Function wood grill scraper is surprisingly handy here! It won’t scratch pans, and it’s shaped to handle sticky bits without extra elbow grease.)

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• White vinegar or lemon juice (optional for tougher jobs)

How to Clean Different Types of Cookware

Different pans need different care. 

Here’s how to use baking soda on each one:

1. Stainless Steel Pots and Pans

Stainless steel is strong, but it shows stains and stuck-on food pretty quickly. 

Here’s how to clean it up:

Step-by-step:

• Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the dirty spots.

• Add just enough warm water to make a paste.

• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes if the stains are really bad.

• Use a sponge or a wooden scraper (like the Easy Function wood grill scraper) to gently scrub in circles.

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• Rinse clean with water and dry with a towel.

Bonus Tip: Burnt bottoms? Soak the whole pan in hot water and a few tablespoons of baking soda for 30 minutes first.

2. Nonstick Pans

Nonstick coatings are great—until you scratch them. 

So be gentle!

How to clean:

• Make a paste with baking soda and warm water.

• Let it sit in the pan for 15 minutes.

• Use a soft sponge (no metal!) to gently wipe the surface.

• Rinse and dry.

Avoid scrubbing too hard. 

And never use sharp tools here—it could damage the coating and make the pan unsafe.

Discover More: Best Cleaner for Stainless Steel Grill Grates: Top Tips & Picks

3. Cast Iron Pans

Cast iron pans need special care, but baking soda can help freshen them up.

Steps:

• Skip the water (too much can rust cast iron).

• Mix baking soda with a tiny bit of cooking oil to make a paste.

• Gently scrub with a sponge or your fingers.

• Wipe clean and rinse quickly.

• Dry right away—and don’t forget to re-season the pan with a little oil before storing.

Cast iron doesn’t like moisture, but baking soda helps clean it without soap or damage.

4. Copper or Aluminum Pans

These pans can scratch easily, so go gentle.

Cleaning guide:

• Mix baking soda with lemon juice or white vinegar to make a fizzy paste.

• Apply to the dirty spots.

• Rub in small circles with a soft cloth or sponge.

• Rinse and dry right away.

The fizz from the lemon or vinegar adds an extra punch—and it’s kind of fun to watch!

Burnt Bottoms? Here’s What to Do

We’ve all been there. 

A pan left on the burner too long turns into a burnt mess.

Don’t panic. Try this:

• Add hot water and 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda.

• Let it soak for at least 30 minutes—or overnight for super tough stains.

• Use a wood grill scraper (yep, even though it’s made for grills!) to lift off the gunk without scratching your pan.

• Rinse and wipe clean.

Our Easy Function wood grill scraper is made from pine and works wonders here.

It’s one of those grill tools that secretly shines in the kitchen too.

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Quick Tips and Tricks

Want to make baking soda cleaning even easier? 

Try these hacks:

• Make a “slurry” – Mix baking soda with a little water and keep it in a jar for quick touch-ups.

• Add vinegar for fizz – It creates a bubbly foam that’s fun for kids (and helps break down grease).

• Clean your stove and sink too – Leftover paste? Wipe down your stovetop or scrub the kitchen sink!

When to Call It Quits

Sometimes a pan is just… done.

If you notice:

• Peeling nonstick coating

• Warping or dents

• Deep rust spots

…it might be time to let go. 

Damaged cookware can be unsafe to use, no matter how clean it is.

Wrap-Up: Baking Soda to the Rescue

Baking soda is one of the best ways to clean pots and pans—no matter the mess. 

It’s safe, cheap, and easy to use. 

And paired with simple tools like a sponge or a wooden scraper, it becomes a go-to kitchen cleaner.

We especially love how the Easy Function wood grill scraper isn’t just for BBQ grills. 

It’s also a clever sidekick in the kitchen when stuck-on food needs a gentle nudge.

So grab that worst-looking pan in your cabinet, sprinkle on some baking soda, and give it a try. 

You might be surprised at how easy (and satisfying!) it is to bring back the shine.

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P.S. If you’re into grilling too, this same scraper helps keep your grates clean after a cookout. And we’ve got plenty more eco-friendly cleaning tools and grill cleaning hacks on our blog. Click the image below to check them out!

Bonus Tip: Deodorize Smelly Pots and Lids

Got lingering garlic or fish smells? 

Sprinkle baking soda in the pot, add a splash of warm water, and let it sit for an hour. 

Rinse, and the smell is gone!