Ammonia: A Powerful Alternative To Remove Stubborn Grease From Roasting Pans

Removing baked-on grease from a roasting pan can be a challenging task, but using ammonia is an effective solution. By placing the pan in a sealed bag with ammonia and leaving it for several hours or overnight, the grease can be loosened and easily scrubbed away. This method is supported by several online sources and personal testimonials, which also offer additional tips for tackling tough grease.

Ammonia fumes and a garbage bag

Ammonia is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen widely used in fertilizers and pharmaceuticals. It is also used as a refrigerant gas, to purify water supplies, and in the manufacture of plastics, explosives, fabrics, pesticides, dyes, and other chemicals. Ammonia is commonly found in household and industrial-strength cleaning solutions.

Ammonia is a toxic gas or liquid that is corrosive to tissues upon contact. It can cause severe irritation to the eyes, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air can cause immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract and can result in blindness, lung damage, or even death.

If you are looking to remove baked-on grease from a roasting pan, here is a method that utilizes ammonia fumes and a garbage bag:

Step 1: Place the roasting pan inside a garbage bag. Make sure the bag is large enough to completely enclose the pan.

Step 2: Pour a small amount of household ammonia into the bag. You don't need to use a lot, just enough to create fumes that will help loosen the baked-on grease.

Step 3: Tie the bag closed and let it sit for several hours or even overnight. The longer you leave it, the more effective it will be.

Step 4: After the required time has passed, take the pan out of the bag and rinse it with hot water. You may need to use a scrubber or sponge to help remove any remaining grease.

Step 5: Dispose of the garbage bag and ammonia safely. Make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands afterward to avoid any skin irritation.

This method is effective because the ammonia fumes react with the grease, breaking down the bonds that hold it to the pan. It is important to note that ammonia should not be used on Teflon pans as it can damage the coating. Additionally, always ensure that the area is well-ventilated when working with ammonia and avoid mixing it with other cleaning agents.

Baking soda and water paste

Baking soda is a versatile, gentle, yet powerful all-round cleaner that can be used to fight baked-on grease. It is especially useful when combined with hot water, which activates the baking soda, helping it to lift away stains and grease.

To make a baking soda and water paste, use a ratio of three parts baking soda to one part boiling water. Mix the two together to create a thick paste. Spread the paste onto the burnt-on areas of your roasting pan. Leave the paste for at least ten minutes, then scrub it off with a scouring pad.

For non-stick pans or pans with fragile coatings, avoid using a scrubber, scouring pad, SOS pad, or steel wool, as these will damage the surface. Instead, use a sponge or cloth to scrub the paste off.

If there are multiple areas of baked-on grease, you may need to repeat this process. However, the baking soda and water paste should effectively lift away the oil from your roasting pan.

Other Methods

Alternatively, you can add hydrogen peroxide to the baking soda instead of warm water for a more powerful grease-lifting effect. This method also works well for cleaning a waffle iron without removable plates.

Another option is to fill the roasting pan with water, or submerge it underwater in a giant pot, and sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into the water. Place the pan over heat and let the water simmer for at least 20 minutes. Then, scrub the pan in the sink with some soap and a good-quality scrubbing sponge.

To prevent stains on your roasting pan in the future, try to clean it as soon as possible after use. If you don't have time to clean it immediately, submerge the stained pan in water until you can clean it properly. This will soften the cooked-on food and make the pan easier to clean.

You can also line the roasting pan with aluminium foil before placing the ingredients to be cooked. This is especially useful for greasy dishes like roast chicken or bacon. After cooking, simply remove the aluminium foil, along with the grease collected at the bottom of the pan.

Bar Keeper's Friend

Bar Keepers Friend to the Rescue

Bar Keepers Friend is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product ideal for stainless steel items. It can also be used on many other things, including enameled cast iron. It can easily remove rust, tarnish, mineral deposits, and tough stains from most surfaces. It also protects the surfaces of your pans, helping to prevent them from tarnishing and rusting in the future.

How to Use Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, start by wetting the surface of the item you're cleaning. Then, scrub the surface with a sponge or cloth, using just the moisture on the surface to turn the powder into a paste. If needed, add a small amount of water to hydrate the powder. For very tarnished or greasy pans, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a soft sponge or rag.

Be sure to rinse the item well after cleaning, and don't let the product sit on the surface for longer than a minute. If you have sensitive skin or are scrubbing a lot of pots, consider wearing kitchen gloves, as the product is abrasive.

Bar Keepers Friend vs Ammonia

While some people swear by using ammonia to remove baked-on grease from roasting pans, it can be a risky process. One person reported that using ammonia on a Teflon pan caused the Teflon to peel off completely, resulting in the need to throw the pan away.

In contrast, Bar Keepers Friend is a gentle yet effective alternative that can be used on various surfaces, including stainless steel, copper, glass, ceramic, and enameled cast iron. It contains 50% more grease-cutting detergents than other cleansers, making it a powerful tool for removing burnt-on stains.

So, the next time you're facing a tough cleaning challenge, give Bar Keepers Friend a try. With its powerful formula and versatility, it's sure to become your go-to cleaning companion.

Vinegar and baking soda

Removing baked-on grease with vinegar and baking soda

If you're looking for a way to remove baked-on grease from your roasting pan, a combination of vinegar and baking soda may do the trick. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get your pan looking clean and sparkling again:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Fill your roasting pan with water and place it on the stove. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a simmer. While you're waiting for the water to heat up, you can start preparing the cleaning mixture.

Step 2: Make the Cleaning Mixture

In a small bowl, combine equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste. You can adjust the amounts of baking soda and vinegar as needed to create enough paste to cover the baked-on grease in your pan.

Step 3: Apply the Paste

Once the water in the pan is simmering, turn off the heat. Carefully remove the pan from the stove and place it in the sink or on a heat-resistant surface. Using a spatula or spoon, spread the baking soda and vinegar paste over the baked-on grease, making sure to cover all the greasy areas generously.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Leave the paste on the pan for at least 20 minutes. During this time, the baking soda and vinegar will work together to loosen the bonds between the grease and the pan's surface. The alkaline properties of the baking soda will help to neutralise acidic food stains, while the vinegar will provide additional cleaning power.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

After the paste has had enough time to work, it's time to start scrubbing. Fill the pan with hot water and add a squirt of dish soap. Use a good-quality scrubbing sponge or brush to scrub the pan, applying some elbow grease to remove any remaining grease and paste residue. Remember to avoid using steel wool or other abrasive scrubbers that may scratch the surface of your pan.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once you've removed all the grease and paste, rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water. Dry the pan with a soft cloth or kitchen towel, and admire your handiwork! Your roasting pan should now be free of baked-on grease and ready for your next culinary adventure.

Tips for Preventing Baked-On Grease

To reduce the amount of scrubbing required in the future, here are some tips to prevent baked-on grease from building up on your roasting pan:

• Clean as you go: Try to clean your pan as soon as possible after each use. This will prevent grease and food stains from settling onto the surface and becoming more difficult to remove.
• Soak the pan: If you don't have time to clean the pan immediately, at least submerge it in water until you can get to it. Soaking the pan will help to soften cooked-on food and grease, making it easier to clean later on.
• Line the pan: Before placing ingredients in the roasting pan, line it with aluminium foil. This is especially useful for greasy dishes like roast chicken or bacon. After cooking, simply remove the foil and discard the grease, leaving your pan almost as good as new.

Ammonia and dish soap

Ammonia is a powerful chemical that can be used to remove baked-on grease from roasting pans. To use it, place the pan in a closed container, such as a garbage bag, pour in a small amount of ammonia, and let it sit for several hours. The fumes from the ammonia will loosen the grease, making it easier to remove. However, it's important to note that ammonia should not be used on Teflon pans, as it can damage the coating. In addition, always use rubber gloves and ensure the area is well-ventilated when working with ammonia.

Dish soap is another useful tool for removing baked-on grease. When combined with hot water and some elbow grease, it can cut through grease and make your roasting pan squeaky clean. You can also try making a paste with baking soda and water, which can be applied to the pan and scrubbed with a sponge. For more stubborn stains, fill the pan with water, add a generous amount of baking soda, and place it over heat. Let the water simmer for at least 20 minutes, then scrub the pan with dish soap and a good-quality scrubbing sponge.

While both ammonia and dish soap are effective cleaners, it is important to note that they should never be used in combination with each other or with bleach. Mixing cleansers can create toxic combinations, so it is best to use them separately and according to the instructions.

Frequently asked questions