08:22 28-11-2025

How to clean glass lids: baking soda and dish soap fix

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Restore cloudy glass lids without abrasives: step-by-step with baking soda and dish soap. Clean under the rim, eliminate odors, and get shine in 15 minutes.

Glass lids are often the first to give away the age of your cookware. They turn cloudy, pick up a sticky film of grease, and the space beneath the metal rim becomes a trap for baked-on residue. The fix is quick—and you can skip abrasives, the risk of scratches, and harsh chemicals.

Why lids lose their looks so quickly

Grease from pans, soup splashes, and steam settle right on the lid. The toughest spot is the narrow gap between the glass and the metal band—sponges and brushes simply can’t reach it. Over time a dense film forms inside, absorbing odors and drawing in more grime. That doesn’t have to be the case. Avoid a few common missteps, and lids can look practically new again.

Common mistakes when cleaning lids

Sponge and regular dish soap

It sounds sensible, but a sponge can’t reach the tight crevices. The grease inside just keeps building up.

Harsh sprays

They do dissolve dirt, but traces of chemicals can linger on the surface—hardly ideal when a lid meets steam and hot food.

Abrasive pads

Micro-scratches turn the glass dull, and grease clings even more. After a few rounds, the problem only worsens.

Dishwasher

It may clean the surface, not the inner gaps. Lids can also get banged up as they knock against other items.

A gentle, effective fix: baking soda + dish soap

This pairing proves both safe and efficient. A paste made from baking soda and dish soap breaks down even old grease without scratching the glass.

How to use the method—step by step

Step 1. Prep

Scrape off larger burnt bits with a spatula to speed things up.

Step 2. Paste

Mix baking soda and dishwashing liquid 1:1. Spread the paste along the lid’s edge, especially under the rim.

Step 3. Hot solution

Fill a basin with hot water, add a spoonful of baking soda and a little dish soap.

Step 4. Soak

Submerge the lid for 15–20 minutes. The grease softens and starts to release.

Step 5. Gentle detail work

Run a soft brush or a toothpick along the edges. Remaining buildup lifts off easily.

Step 6. Rinse

Rinse the lid thoroughly under running water—it regains its clarity and shine.

Why this works

After this kind of clean, the surface stays smooth and unscratched, so it soils more slowly. The method is safe, inexpensive, and suited to regular care. It takes just 15 minutes, and the result is genuinely satisfying: lids look fresh and tidy, without greasy traces or lingering odors.