Step 2: Make a Cleaning Paste
Mix baking soda with a small amount of dishwashing liquid and enough water to create a thick paste.
Spread the mixture generously over the dirty underside of the pan, concentrating on the darkest and most heavily burned areas.
Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes. For particularly stubborn buildup, you can leave the paste on longer, provided the cookware manufacturer’s care instructions allow it.
Step 3: Start Scrubbing
Using a non-scratch sponge, scrub the bottom in small circular motions.
Don’t expect years of baked-on grease to disappear after a few seconds. Work gradually, adding a little more paste and warm water whenever the surface starts to dry out.
For edges, grooves, and around the handle connection, use an old toothbrush or small cleaning brush.
Step 4: Rinse and Repeat
Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water and check the result.
If black residue is still visible, repeat the process rather than immediately reaching for an aggressive chemical cleaner. Several gentle treatments are often safer for the cookware than one extremely harsh scrubbing session.
