Bicarbonate of Soda with Washing-Up Liquid: How to Make a Cleaning Paste

Mixing bicarbonate of soda with washing-up liquid creates a useful paste for lifting stuck-on grease, food residue and burnt-on grime from durable surfaces. The bicarbonate of soda provides gentle abrasion, while the washing-up liquid helps loosen grease; this makes the combination particularly suitable for the bases of pans, grill racks and metal parts of the cooker.

Why do bicarbonate of soda and washing-up liquid work better together?

Bicarbonate of soda contains fine particles that help remove residue through friction without requiring an overly harsh scouring pad. Washing-up liquid, meanwhile, contains surfactants that surround grease and make it easier to wash away with water. When made into a paste, the ingredients stay on the dirty area for longer than they would in a liquid solution.

• Bicarbonate of soda helps lift carbonised deposits.
• Washing-up liquid works mainly on oils and grease.
• The paste consistency keeps both ingredients on the stained area.
• Less scrubbing is generally needed to remove the crusted layer.

What ratio should you use to make the cleaning paste?

A practical starting ratio is two parts bicarbonate of soda to one part mild washing-up liquid. Mix them until you have a thick paste that spreads easily. If it seems too dry, add a few drops of washing-up liquid or water; if it becomes too runny, mix in a little more bicarbonate of soda.

There is no need to make a large batch. For a small section of the cooker, for instance, two spoonfuls of bicarbonate of soda and one of washing-up liquid will usually be enough. Prepare only what you need for that cleaning task, then dispose of any leftover paste afterwards.

How to use bicarbonate of soda and washing-up liquid on a burnt pan and cooker burner

On robust surfaces, apply the bicarbonate of soda and washing-up liquid paste directly to grease or burnt-on residue, then leave it for around 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the washing-up liquid time to work into the grime and allows the hardened deposit to absorb moisture before scrubbing.

• First remove loose debris with kitchen paper or a cloth.
• Spread a thin layer of paste over the encrusted area.
• Leave it for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
• Scrub with a soft sponge or a brush suitable for the material.
• Rinse, or wipe with a damp cloth, until all the product has been removed.

Why should the mixture not be used on every surface?

Although it looks like a very fine powder, bicarbonate of soda is still abrasive. Repeated scrubbing on non-stick coatings can scratch or wear down the layer that prevents food from sticking. Pans with Teflon or other delicate coatings should therefore be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s guidance, usually with washing-up liquid and a non-abrasive sponge.

The same caution applies to polished glass, glossy surfaces and certain metal finishes. Vigorous scrubbing with the paste may cause micro-scratches or dull the shine. On glass hobs, for example, it is safer to use products and scrapers designed specifically for that surface type.

When is bicarbonate of soda with washing-up liquid genuinely worthwhile for cleaning?

Bicarbonate of soda with washing-up liquid is most effective where grease and stuck-on residue are combined on materials that can withstand mildly abrasive cleaning. The outer bases of stainless-steel pans, cooker grates and removable metal cooker components are among the most suitable uses. If you are unsure about a finish, always test it first in an inconspicuous spot.

The benefit comes from how the two ingredients share the work: washing-up liquid loosens the grease, while bicarbonate of soda helps mechanically remove the layer still attached. Observing the contact time and considering the material are more important than scrubbing hard, because the same abrasion that removes a crusted deposit can also damage a delicate coating.