Over time, the bottoms of pans can become grimy and stained from heat, grease, and burnt food. Thankfully, using simple household ingredients like baking soda and vinegar can effectively clean the bottom of your pans, leaving them looking shiny and new. This method is not only incredibly easy but also eco-friendly, using natural ingredients instead of harsh chemicals.

Why Baking Soda and Vinegar Work:

• Baking Soda: Acts as a mild abrasive that helps scrub away stains and grime without scratching the surface. It’s also great for neutralizing odors.

• Vinegar: The acidic properties of vinegar break down tough grease, mineral deposits, and burnt residue, making it easier to remove stubborn stains.

What You’ll Need:

• Baking soda (about 2-3 tablespoons)

• White vinegar (enough to cover the affected area)

• A scrub sponge or soft brush

• Paper towel or cloth

• Hot water

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sprinkle Baking Soda on the Pan

• Flip the pan over so the bottom is facing up.

• Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire bottom surface of the pan, especially on areas with stubborn stains.

2. Add Vinegar

• Pour white vinegar over the baking soda. You’ll notice a fizzing reaction — this is the acid in the vinegar reacting with the baking soda. This fizzing helps to loosen the grime.

• Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the vinegar and baking soda to break down the stains.

3. Scrub the Pan

• After letting it sit, use a scrub sponge or soft brush to scrub the bottom of the pan in circular motions.

• Focus on the areas with the most buildup. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, helping to lift the stains without scratching the pan’s surface.

4. Rinse with Hot Water

• Once you’ve scrubbed the entire bottom, rinse the pan with hot water to remove any remaining baking soda and vinegar residue.

• If necessary, repeat the process for tough or burnt-on spots.

5. Dry and Polish

• Dry the pan with a clean cloth or paper towel. For extra shine, you can polish the bottom of the pan using a small amount of vinegar and a cloth.

Optional Extra Power for Stubborn Stains:

• Add Salt: If the stains are particularly tough, sprinkle some salt onto the baking soda before adding vinegar. Salt acts as a stronger abrasive to help scrub away burnt residue.

• Boil Water and Vinegar: For very stubborn grime, fill the pan with water and a cup of vinegar, then bring it to a boil. Let it cool, and then proceed with scrubbing the bottom with baking soda.

Benefits of Using Baking Soda and Vinegar:

• Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly: No harsh chemicals are needed — just natural ingredients that are safe for you and the environment.

• Effective on Tough Stains: Baking soda and vinegar are excellent for tackling burnt residue, grease, and stubborn stains.

• Gentle on Surfaces: Baking soda is abrasive enough to clean effectively but gentle enough not to scratch most surfaces.

Final Thoughts:

Cleaning the bottom of your pan with baking soda and vinegar is a natural, effective, and affordable way to restore its shine. This method removes tough grease and stains without the need for harsh chemicals. Try this easy hack, and your pans will look as good as new! ✨