Creating an effective, eco-friendly cleaning paste doesn’t require anything fancy. In fact, this do-it-yourself mixture can be prepared with a handful of everyday ingredients you almost certainly already keep in your kitchen cupboards: baking soda, salt, and a bar of solid soap. Despite its simplicity, the final result is a remarkably powerful cleaner capable of tackling even stubborn burnt residues on cookware.
How to Prepare the Paste
Begin by pouring water into a bowl and adding the baking soda and salt. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the powders dissolve as completely as possible. This creates the base that will later be blended with the melted soap.
While that mixture rests, take the bar of soap and grate it using a coarse grater. The aim is to produce medium-sized flakes that melt quickly and evenly. Transfer these soap shavings into a small saucepan, add a splash of water, and heat the mixture over low heat. Keep stirring regularly to prevent the soap from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Continue heating until the soap has fully liquefied and no solid pieces remain.
Once the soap has melted entirely, remove the pan from the heat. Immediately pour in the baking soda and salt mixture and stir energetically. The ingredients will begin to combine into a uniform, creamy paste. Make sure the texture becomes smooth, without lumps or visible separation.
Next, while the mixture is still warm and pourable, transfer it into a clean glass or plastic container. Leave it uncovered at room temperature for a while. As the mixture cools naturally, it will gradually thicken, ultimately transforming into a dense paste with a consistency ideal for cleaning.
How to Apply This Powerful Cleaning Paste
To use your homemade product, scoop a modest amount of the paste onto a soft sponge and apply it directly to any burnt or dirty sections of your pans or pots. Rub gently but consistently; the paste works to loosen and lift the burnt-on material with minimal effort. Once the residue detaches, rinse the cookware thoroughly under clean water. You will notice an immediate improvement in appearance, often returning the surface to near-original condition.
This versatile paste isn’t limited to cookware. It also performs exceptionally well on oven racks, stovetop grates, and other kitchen surfaces that tend to accumulate tough grime.
