Greasing Pots And Pans: To Do Or Not To Do?

Greasy pots and pans are a common problem for cooks of all skill levels. The good news is that you probably have everything you need to clean up your cookware at home.

The first step is to fill your cookware with hot water and dish soap and let it sit. This will help to soften the grease. You can also try adding vinegar to the water, as this will help to cut through the grease. Once the grease has softened, you can use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to scrub it away. If your pots and pans are especially greasy, you may need to use steel wool or a stronger cleaner, like oven cleaner or Bar Keepers Friend.

To prevent grease build-up in the future, be sure to clean your cookware promptly after each use. You can also try using parchment paper or a non-stick baking sheet when cooking, or seasoning your pans to create a non-stick surface.

Using baking soda and vinegar to clean pots and pans

Greasing pots and pans is a good idea if you want to season them and give them a non-stick surface. However, it is not necessary and you can choose not to grease them.

Step 1: Create a Cleaning Paste

Make a paste by mixing baking soda with enough white vinegar to form a thin paste. The ratio should be 2 tablespoons of baking soda for every 1 and a half tablespoons of white vinegar. The paste should be thin enough to stay moist but thick enough to stick to the surface of the pan.

Step 2: Apply the Paste

Apply the paste directly to the burnt-on grease, covering both the interior and exterior of the pan. Baking soda will help to lift burnt grease stains, while vinegar works to soften the baked-on grease, making it easier to clean.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Let the paste sit for a minimum of 15 minutes. For heavily soiled pots and pans, you may need to leave it on for longer. Test an area by wiping it with a paper towel. If the baked-on grease is not completely removed, reapply the paste and wait for 10-15 more minutes. If the paste dries out, add a little more vinegar to the affected area.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

Once the paste has done its job, use a scouring pad or the abrasive side of a sponge to gently scrub away the burnt-on grease. For the interior of non-stick pans, use the soft side of the sponge to avoid damaging the surface.

Step 5: Wash and Dry

Rinse away the residue and wash the pan as you normally would. Finally, use a kitchen towel to dry the pan thoroughly.

Tips:

• For extra tough stains, try adding a little salt to the affected area before applying the baking soda and vinegar paste.
• If you want to boost the cleaning power of this method, add a little white distilled or apple cider vinegar to the mix before boiling.
• Always make sure to dry your pans completely before storing them.

How to clean cast iron skillets

Cast-iron skillets are durable and versatile, and with proper care, they can last for decades. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean and care for your cast-iron skillet:

Step 1: Clean the pan while it's still hot

Clean your cast-iron skillet immediately after cooking. Stuck-on food hardens as it cools, so cleaning the pan while it's still hot will save you time and effort.

Step 2: Clean with hot water and no soap

Use hot water to help loosen food stuck to the pan. Scrub the pan firmly with a cast-iron scrubber or a chainmail scrubber. While some sources claim that using a small amount of soap is acceptable, others argue that it strips the seasoning from the pan. Therefore, it is best to avoid using soap altogether.

Step 3: Use salt and a dry towel for stuck-on messes

For stubborn food residue, sprinkle some salt onto the pan and work it in with a dry towel. The abrasion of the salt will help lift the food away, and the towel will provide extra surface area for scrubbing. If the food still won't come off, try boiling a little water in the pan to soften it.

Step 4: Dry the pan thoroughly

Dry your cast-iron skillet thoroughly with paper towels to prevent rusting. To ensure it is completely dry, place it on the stove and heat gently until all the water evaporates. Then, wipe the inside of the pan with an oiled paper towel. Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil are best for this step.

Step 5: Store your pan properly

Store your cast-iron skillet by hanging it on a strong hook or stacking it with paper towels between pans to protect the finish.

Step 6: Season your cast-iron skillet

Seasoning your cast-iron skillet will give it a glassy, non-stick surface that prevents baked-on grease. To season your pan, follow these steps:

• Clean the pan as described above.
• Apply a thin layer of oil to the pan. Flaxseed oil flakes or neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil are good options.
• Buff the oil until the pan looks dry.
• Place the pan in the oven and bake at 350°F for one hour.
• Let the pan cool completely before using it.

Removing grease from hard anodized pots and pans

Grease and grime are inevitable when cooking with pots and pans, but fear not—there are several ways to remove these unwanted stains and marks. Here are some tips and tricks for removing grease from hard anodized pots and pans:

Before You Begin

Before diving into the cleaning process, it's important to note that hard anodized cookware is different from ordinary cookware and requires special attention. Always wash your pots and pans after each use and avoid using cold water immediately after cooking, as it can cause warping. Instead, give them time to cool down or use hot water, which doesn't cause warping.

Use the Right Cleaners

When cleaning hard anodized cookware, avoid using abrasive and scratchy sponges, steel wool, or chlorine bleaches on the exterior of your pans as they can cause damage and discoloration. Opt for warm water and dish soap, and scrub the anodized pans with a soft cloth gently.

Baking Soda and Water

Baking soda is a great option for removing stains caused by burnt food and leftover grease. Mix baking soda with water, stir until it forms a mixture, and apply it to the exterior of your anodized pan. Let it soak for a while, then wash your pan with warm water and wipe it with a dry cloth. If the stains persist, apply the mixture again and let it soak overnight. Wash the pan in the morning, and the stains should be gone.

Create a Cleaning Paste

Another effective method is to create a cleaning paste by mixing baking soda with white vinegar. Apply this paste directly to the burnt-on grease, both inside and outside the pans. The baking soda will lift burnt grease stains, while vinegar will soften the baked-on grease, making it easier to clean later. Let the paste sit for at least 15 minutes, or longer if your pots and pans are heavily stained. Use a scouring pad or the abrasive side of a sponge to gently scrub away the grease.

Boil the Gunk Away

Fill your pot or pan with water, add a few drops of dish soap, and place it on the burner. Let the water simmer on low heat to soften and lift the burnt-on grease while the dish soap dissolves the oils. Once the pan has cooled, scrub away any remaining residue.

Bar Keeper's Friend

Bar Keeper's Friend is a popular choice for removing grease and burnt-on food. Create a paste by mixing the powder with water, apply it to the affected areas, and let it sit for about 10-20 minutes. Then, use a non-abrasive plastic scrubber or a soft cloth to wipe away the grease.

Other Methods

• Soak your pan in hot water and dish soap for 30 minutes, then scrub with a nylon brush or non-abrasive scrubber.
• Use a scouring agent by mixing scouring powder with water to form a paste. Apply this paste to the exterior of your pan and wash it with hot water. Gently wipe your pot with a soft cloth afterward.
• For tough stains, use vinegar and hot water. Immerse the pot in vinegar, let it soak for 20-30 minutes, then scrub the interior of the pan gently with a soft-bristled brush.
• Make a mixture of cream of tartar and water, apply it to the interior of your pan, and leave it for 10 minutes. Scrub the interior with a soft sponge, then wash and dry your pan.
• For heavily stained pans, use steel wool with a cleaning agent like Bar Keeper's Friend or Softscrub.

Cleaning stainless steel pots and pans

Stainless steel pans are durable and heat up quickly and evenly. They are also non-reactive, meaning you can cook almost anything in them without damaging the surface. However, they are not impervious to burnt-on messes and discolouration. Here are some tips for cleaning stainless steel pots and pans:

General Tips:

• Always check the manufacturer's instructions for specific washing tips.
• To avoid warping, let your cookware cool down before cleaning.
• Never use abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner on your stainless-steel pans, as these can permanently damage the surface.
• For everyday cleanup, scrub your stainless-steel pan with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.
• To prevent water spots, dry your cookware immediately after washing.

For Stuck-On Food:

• If stuck-on food bits remain, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue, bring to a boil, and scrape with a spatula or wooden spoon.
• Allow the pan to cool, then wash as usual.

For Burnt Food or Oil:

• Baking soda is a simple, inexpensive way to clean burnt stainless-steel pans. Add a few spoonfuls to your scorched pan, and enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring to a boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.
• Turn off the heat and wait until the pan is cool enough to handle. Scrub away buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash in hot, soapy water.
• A commercial cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend can be used to clean stainless-steel pans, following the manufacturer's directions.

For Discolouration:

Splash some vinegar in your pan and wipe the area with a soft sponge before rinsing and drying fully.

For Hard Water Stains:

Hard water can leave white, cloudy-looking residue on your stainless-steel pans. To get rid of this chalky buildup, bring a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to a boil in the pan. Let it cool, then wash with soap and water.

Removing grease from ceramic or non-stick pans

Grease on ceramic or non-stick pans can be a challenge to remove, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get your pans looking like new again!

For Non-Stick Pans:

It is important to note that non-stick pans should not be cleaned in the dishwasher. The high heat and harsh conditions of a dishwasher can deteriorate the non-stick coating, leading to a shorter lifespan for your pan. So, hand washing is the best option for these types of pans.

• Wash your non-stick pan immediately after use. Most debris will rinse right off if you clean the pan right away.
• Use hot, soapy water and a gentle dish soap made to cut grease. Wash the entire inside and outside of the pan with soap, water, and a microfiber cloth or sponge.
• Avoid using abrasive pads, steel wool, or stiff scrubbing brushes as these can scratch and damage the non-stick coating. Opt for a gentle or soft sponge instead.
• For burnt-on grease, create a paste by mixing baking soda with water or olive oil until it reaches a toothpaste-like consistency. Apply this paste to the affected areas and let it sit for 15 minutes or more if needed. Then, use a soft sponge to scrub and remove the grease.
• Alternatively, you can try a "cleaning cocktail" by adding ½ cup vinegar and 1 ½ cups water to your non-stick pan. Cook this mixture over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, allowing the vinegar to loosen any stuck-on food particles. Let the mixture cool, then wash the pan with warm, soapy water and a gentle sponge.
• To protect the surface of your non-stick pan, you can rub a small amount of oil on the pan before and after use.

For Ceramic Pans:

Ceramic pans are known for their durability and ease of cleaning. However, they can still develop burnt-on grease or stains over time. Here are some methods to remove grease from your ceramic pans:

• Fill the pan with hot water and a few drops of dish soap. Bring the water to a simmer over low heat, allowing the soap to dissolve the oils and the hot water to soften the grease.
• Create a cleaning paste by mixing baking soda and white vinegar. Apply this paste directly to the burnt-on grease, both on the interior and exterior of the pan. Let the paste sit for at least 15 minutes, or longer if the pan is heavily stained.
• Use a scouring pad or the abrasive side of a sponge to gently scrub and remove the grease.
• Wash the pan as usual and dry it thoroughly before storing.

Additional Tips:

• Soak your pans before washing to soften any dried food bits and make them easier to remove.
• Use parchment paper or a non-stick baking sheet when cooking to prevent food from directly staining your pans.
• Clean your pans after each use and don't let food stains sit for too long.
• For cast iron and stainless steel pans, consider seasoning them to create a non-stick surface that prevents baked-on grease.

Frequently asked questions