Deep Clean Your Clay Pots: The Baking Soda Method

Updated at: 06/01/2025

Terracotta clay pots, with their rustic charm, enhance any garden or kitchen. However, their porous nature makes them susceptible to stubborn stains, mineral deposits, and lingering smells from previous plantings or uses. Over time, these build-ups can affect the health of your plants and detract from the aesthetic appeal of your pots. Cleaning them thoroughly can seem like a daunting task, requiring harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing. But there's a simple, eco-friendly solution that's both effective and gentle: baking soda! This natural cleaning agent can work wonders on your beloved clay pots, restoring them to their former glory without damaging the delicate material.

This article will guide you through a straightforward, step-by-step process using baking soda to deep clean your clay pots. From removing ingrained soil to eliminating unpleasant odors, this method offers a sustainable and effective way to revive your terracotta treasures. Get ready to unleash the sparkling beauty of your clay pots with this easy and environmentally friendly technique.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Clay pots
  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • Small bowl
  • Gloves
  • Sponge/Scrubber
  • Flame burner (outdoor grill)
  • Lid (optional)
  • Towel
Safety Guidelines
  • Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can scratch the surface of your clay pot and damage its glaze.
  • Always allow the pot to dry completely before storing or using it again. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth or damage the clay.
  • Baking soda is generally safe for most clay pots, but always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't react negatively with the glaze or clay type.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Soda Paste

    • Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of water to create a thick paste.
    Prepare baking soda paste: Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of water to create a thick paste. (126.479)
    Prepare Baking Soda Paste

  2. Apply Paste to Pots

    • Wet the clay pots and generously apply the baking soda paste inside and outside.
    Apply paste to pots: Wet the clay pots and generously apply the baking soda paste inside and outside. (154.239)
    Apply Paste to Pots

  3. Let Paste Dry

    • Let the paste dry for an hour.
    Let it dry: Let the paste dry for an hour. (174.879)
    Let Paste Dry

  4. Initial Wash

    • Wash the pots under running water using a sponge or scrubber. Do not use soap.
    Wash thoroughly: Wash the pots under running water using a sponge or scrubber. Do not use soap. (203.84)
    Initial Wash

  5. Boil Water in Pots

    • Fill the pots halfway with water and place them on a flame burner (NOT a ceramic or induction top). Let the water come to a slight boil for 30 minutes.
    Boil water in pots: Fill the pots halfway with water and place them on a flame burner (NOT a ceramic or induction top). Let the water come to a slight boil for 30 minutes. (235.2)
    Boil Water in Pots

  6. Discard Water and Final Wash

    • Discard the hot water and give the pots a final wash under running water.
    Discard water and final wash: Discard the hot water and give the pots a final wash under running water. (323.759)Discard water and final wash: Discard the hot water and give the pots a final wash under running water. (323.759)
    Discard Water and Final Wash

  7. Dry Completely

    • Pat the pots dry with a towel and allow them to dry completely before storing.
    Dry completely: Pat the pots dry with a towel and allow them to dry completely before storing. (371.68)Dry completely: Pat the pots dry with a towel and allow them to dry completely before storing. (371.68)
    Dry Completely

Read more: Seasoning Your Donabe Pot: The Ultimate Guide for Perfect Clay Pot Cooking

Tips

  • Never use soap to clean clay pots.
  • Use a separate sponge/scrubber only for cleaning your clay pots.
  • For everyday cleaning, scrub with a sponge and boil water in the pot to remove food particles and grease.
  • Clean clay pots with baking soda once every two or three months or immediately if you see mold.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Too Much Baking Soda

Reason: Excessive baking soda can leave a residue on the clay pot and potentially damage the glaze.
Solution: Use a smaller amount of baking soda and increase the scrubbing time if necessary.

2. Soaking for Too Long

Reason: Prolonged soaking can weaken the clay pot, especially if it's already delicate or has cracks.
Solution: Limit soaking time to a maximum of a few hours, monitoring the pot's condition regularly.

3. Using Abrasive Scrubbers on Delicate Pots

Reason: Harsh scrubbing tools can scratch or damage the surface of delicate clay pots.
Solution: Opt for soft sponges or cloths, reserving harsher methods for heavily soiled, sturdy pots.

FAQs

Can I use this method on all types of clay pots?
While the baking soda method is generally safe, it's best for unglazed or minimally glazed clay pots. Avoid using it on highly glazed or antique pots, as the baking soda's abrasiveness could damage the finish.
What if the baked-on food is really stubborn?
Soak the pot in the baking soda solution for a longer period, perhaps overnight. You can also gently scrub with a soft sponge or brush. For extremely stubborn residue, you might need to repeat the process or consider a slightly more aggressive cleaning method (though always test on a small inconspicuous area first).