Celery's Cleaning Power: Boiling Broth Cleans Pans?

Boiling celery can be used as a cleaning hack to remove burnt-on grease from pans. Instagram user Blossom posted a video revealing this unusual method, which produced surprising results. The before-and-after shots showed a thickly coated steel pan left sparkling clean after boiling celery. While some commenters were impressed, others were skeptical, questioning why traditional cleaning methods weren't used instead.

Boiling celery to clean pans: does it work?

Cleaning greasy pans is a tedious task. Fortunately, an Instagram user named Blossom has shared a cleaning hack that uses boiled celery to remove burnt-on grease from frying pans. The before-and-after photos show a thickly coated steel pan left sparkling clean.

To try this cleaning hack, simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Celery

Cut the celery into large chunks. There is no need to be precise with the cutting, as the celery will be boiled to release its juices.

Step 2: Boil the Celery

Place the celery chunks in a pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the celery to simmer for 10-15 minutes. The heat will help release the juices and break down the fibres of the celery, creating a natural cleaning solution.

Step 3: Apply the Celery Solution to the Pan

After boiling the celery, carefully remove the celery chunks from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Pour the celery-infused water into your greasy pan. Use a spoon or brush to gently apply the solution to all areas of the pan, ensuring it coats the burnt-on grease.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

Using a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive sponge, gently scrub the pan. The cellulose and natural oils from the celery will help break down the grease, making it easier to remove. Continue scrubbing until you see a noticeable difference in the amount of grease on the pan.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining celery residue and grease. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. Your pan should now be sparkling clean, thanks to the boiled celery solution!

While this cleaning hack may seem unusual, it is a natural and effective way to remove burnt-on grease from frying pans. So, the next time you are facing a tough pan-cleaning task, give boiling celery a try!

How to boil celery to clean pans

Boiling celery can be an effective way to clean pans, especially to remove burnt-on grease. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to boil celery to clean pans:

Step 1: Prepare the Celery

Wash the desired amount of celery and cut it into small pieces. There is no need to be precise with the cutting, as the celery will be boiled and used for cleaning rather than cooking.

Step 2: Fill the Pan with Water

Place the cut celery into the pan you wish to clean. Fill the pan with enough water to cover the celery and ensure effective cleaning.

Step 3: Bring the Water to a Boil

Place the pan on a stove burner and turn it to medium-high heat. Allow the water to come to a rolling boil. This should take around 10-15 minutes, depending on the amount of water used.

Step 4: Boil the Celery

Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a low setting and cover the pan. Allow the celery to boil gently for around 20-30 minutes. This will not only help clean the pan but also cook the celery, making it softer and releasing its juices.

Step 5: Remove the Celery and Scrape the Pan

After boiling, carefully remove the celery pieces from the pan using tongs or a slotted spoon. You can discard the celery or use it for another purpose, such as adding flavour to a soup or stock.

At this stage, you should be able to easily scrape away any burnt-on grease or food residue from the pan using a gentle spatula or scrubbing brush. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining celery fibres or residue.

By following these steps, you can effectively use boiling celery to clean your pans, removing stubborn grease and food stains without the need for harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing.

Other ways to clean pans

Boiling celery in a pan is one way to remove burnt-on grease, but there are several other methods to clean your pans. Here are some alternative ways to get your pots and pans sparkling:

The Boiling Water Method

This method is suitable for stainless steel pans with burnt-on food. Simply add water to the pan and bring it to a boil for 5-7 minutes. The steam will help loosen the food from the sides of the pan. Once the food comes off easily, pour out the hot water and wipe away any remaining food with a sponge.

Soaking in Hot Water

For dishes with baked-on or caked-on food, such as lasagna or brownies, fill the dish with warm to hot water immediately after cooking. Let the dish soak for 15-20 minutes or until the food loosens. If you didn't soak the dish right away, you can always add hot water later and let it soak overnight, then wash it in the morning.

Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Lemon Juice

This method is a powerful combination for cleaning your pots and pans. For the boil method, add a dash of baking soda or vinegar to help clean scorched saucepans. To accelerate the cleaning process, soak pots, baking dishes, or cookie sheets in hot to boiling water with baking soda and fresh lemon juice. For extra shine, rub half a lemon around the bottom and sides of stainless steel cookware, then rinse and air-dry. Finally, a squirt of vinegar followed by a rinse of water will eliminate any residual odours.

Bleach Cleansing Powder and Hot Water

This traditional method involves soaking your pan with bleach cleansing powder such as Comet, Bon Ami, or Ajax. Fill the pan with hot water and add a liberal amount of bleach cleansing powder. Let it soak for about 30 minutes, and the gunk will come right off.

Aluminum Foil and Bar Keeper's Friend

This method is ideal for removing stains from your pans. Simply ball up a piece of aluminum foil, sprinkle Bar Keeper's Friend onto a wet pan, and scrub the pan with the foil. This method is not suitable for pans with a painted or special coating as the foil will scratch it off.

Dishwasher Tablet

If you have a dishwasher, this method is worth trying. Grab a dishwasher tablet and rinse your dirty pan with hot water. Then, gently scrub the pan under warm water with the dishwasher tablet until all the food debris lifts off.

Other Natural Methods

There are also some natural methods you can try, such as using lemon slices, tea tree oil, or even ketchup to remove stains and sticky grime. For lemon, slice a few lemons and arrange them in your dirty pan. Cover the lemons with water and bring to a boil for 5-8 minutes. For tea tree oil, add a few drops to your pan along with a drop of dish soap and scrub for about five minutes. As for ketchup, simply smear it on the stains and scrub until they disappear.

Celery as a cleaning agent

Celery is not just a healthy snack option but can also be used as an effective cleaning agent for pans. Boiling celery can help remove burnt-on grease from frying pans, leaving them sparkling clean. This unusual but effective cleaning hack was shared by Instagram user Blossom, who posted a video demonstrating the surprising results.

To use celery as a cleaning agent, simply fill a pan with water and add celery. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. Turn off the heat and let the water cool down before discarding it. The burnt-on grease and grime should come off easily, leaving your pan clean and shiny.

This natural cleaning method is a great alternative to using harsh chemicals and can be a fun and interesting way to clean your pans. It is also a cost-effective solution as you can use the celery stalks that are usually discarded.

In addition to cleaning pans, celery can also be used to clean other kitchen utensils and surfaces. For example, you can boil celery in a pot of water to create a natural cleaning solution that can be used to wipe down countertops and stovetops. This celery-infused water can also be used to clean greasy ovens and hoods, cutting boards, and even sink drains.

While the exact reason why boiling celery works so well for cleaning pans is not clear, it is believed that the combination of heat, water, and the natural properties of celery help to break down and lift away grease and grime. The cellulose and fiber in celery may also contribute to its effectiveness as a cleaning agent.

So, the next time you have some stubborn grease or burnt-on food on your pans, give boiling celery a try! It is a safe, natural, and inexpensive way to keep your cookware looking like new.

Other uses for celery

Celery is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups to comfort food staples. Here are some specific examples of how to use celery:

• Salads: Celery adds crunch, texture, and freshness to both mayo- and greens-based salads. It can be paired with ingredients like grapes, pecans, chicken, and apple.
• Mirepoix or soffritto: A mixture of diced celery, onion, and carrot sautéed in fat (olive oil, butter, etc.) that adds depth and sweetness to dishes like Bolognese sauce.
• Buffalo wings: Celery is a classic accompaniment to Buffalo wings, helping to cut through the heat and provide a cooling effect.
• Bloody Mary: While technically just a garnish, a celery stick is a classic addition to this cocktail.
• Stir-fries: Celery can add crunch and colour to stir-fries.
• Soups: Celery is a great addition to soups, especially when paired with other vegetables like carrots and onions.
• Braised meats: Celery can be used in a mirepoix or soffritto to add flavour to braised meats.
• Stock: Celery can be used when making vegetable, meat, or fish stock, as it can withstand long cooking times without disintegrating or leaching colour.
• Gratin: Celery can be the star of a creamy baked gratin, with a nutty topping.
• Crudités: Fresh celery can be chopped into chunks and served with dips like hummus.
• Waldorf salad: Celery is a key component in this classic salad, which also includes grapes, nuts, and mayonnaise.
• Soup: Celery can be blitzed into a smooth and satisfying soup with potatoes and garlic.
• Herby celery & bulgur salad: This vegan salad combines celery with nuts, pomegranates, herbs, and wheat for a textural delight.
• Sicilian vegetable stew: Celery can be cooked down with aubergines, tomatoes, capers, and raisins for a soft and flavourful stew.
• Italian sausage & pasta pot: Celery is one of the key ingredients in this hearty broth, along with onions, carrots, stock, sausages, and beans.
• Grilled steak salad with horseradish: Celery and horseradish are natural partners, and this recipe includes celery seeds and thin slices of celery stalk for added crunch.

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