Using baking soda on a cast iron skillet can have both positive and negative effects, depending on how it is used.
Positive effects:
Cleaning: Baking soda can be an effective and gentle abrasive cleaner for cast iron. When mixed with water to form a paste, it can help remove stubborn food residues and stains without scratching or damaging the seasoned surface of the skillet.
Odor removal: Baking soda can help eliminate strong odors from the cast iron, such as those from strongly flavored foods like fish or onions. Sprinkling baking soda on the surface and allowing it to sit for a while before rinsing can help neutralize odors.
Negative effects:
Removing seasoning: If used excessively or too aggressively, baking soda can potentially strip away the seasoning (the polymerized oil layer that gives cast iron its non-stick properties) from the skillet. This can lead to a loss of non-stick performance and may require re-seasoning the pan.
Roughing the surface: While baking soda is not as abrasive as some other cleaning agents like steel wool, it is still mildly abrasive. Using it too often or scrubbing too vigorously can cause small scratches on the surface of the cast iron, which may affect its non-stick capabilities.
How to use baking soda on a cast iron skillet safely: If you want to use baking soda to clean your cast iron skillet, follow these steps to minimize any potential negative effects:
Make a gentle paste: Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. The consistency should be smooth and not too gritty.
Use a soft cloth or sponge: Apply the baking soda paste to the surface of the skillet using a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool.
Gentle scrubbing: Gently scrub the surface with the baking soda paste to remove stubborn residues.
Rinse and dry thoroughly: Rinse the skillet thoroughly with water to remove any baking soda residue. Dry the skillet completely with a towel to prevent rusting.
Re-season if necessary: If you notice any loss of seasoning or non-stick performance, you may need to re-season your cast iron skillet. To do this, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the surface and heat the skillet in the oven at a high temperature for an hour.
In general, it's best to use baking soda on a cast iron skillet sparingly and only when needed for tough cleaning tasks. Regular maintenance, such as gentle washing with hot water and minimal soap, will usually suffice to keep your cast iron skillet clean and well-seasoned.