Ketchup: A Surprising Savior For Greasy Pans

If you're looking to remove old grease from the bottom of a pan, there are several methods you can try. One of the most popular methods is to use Bar Keeper's Friend, a cleaning product that can be made into a paste with water and applied to the bottom of the pan. Other methods include using baking soda, vinegar, salt, and ketchup. These can be combined in different ways to create a paste or soak to help remove the grease. For example, one method is to mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap, while another is to soak the pan in vinegar and then scrub with salt and dish soap.

Ketchup can be used to clean copper pans

To clean the bottom of a copper pan with ketchup, spread a liberal amount on the pan and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. You will need to use some elbow grease when rubbing the ketchup around to complete the process of wiping down your cookware. If you have done it right, your pans will look brand new!

Ketchup can also be used to shine and degrease copper pans, so this is a great method for cleaning copper pans and pots.

Other methods to clean copper pans

Although ketchup is a great option for cleaning copper pans, there are other methods you can try. Here are some alternatives:

• Bar Keepers Friend: Mix Bar Keepers Friend with enough water to make a paste. Apply this paste with a scouring pad to the bottom of the pan and scrub in a circular motion. Rinse and wash the pan in hot soapy water.
• Baking soda: Make a paste with three parts baking soda and one part water. Apply this paste to the bottom of the pan and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes. Scrub away the paste with a non-scratch sponge.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Boil the pan in a large stockpot or deep skillet filled with enough hydrogen peroxide to reach the stains. This will help to lift the stains off the pan.
• Vinegar: Fill your sink with enough vinegar to submerge the bottom of the pan fully. Let it soak for about an hour. Use a scrubbing pad, a toothbrush, and some dish soap to remove the softened grease.

Tips to keep your copper pans free from burnt grease

• Wash pans immediately after use, making sure to scrub the bottom.
• Soak pans in hot soapy water to loosen the grease.
• Use a scouring pad and scrubber to remove grime from indents and crevices.

Ketchup is 23% vinegar

To use ketchup to clean a pan, cover the bottom of the pan with ketchup and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then, use a scouring pad and a small amount of dish soap to scrub the pan. Finally, rinse the pan with warm water.

Ketchup is an effective cleaner because of its high vinegar content. Vinegar is an acid, which can help break down grease and lift it off the pan. In addition, the salt and spices in ketchup can act as abrasives, providing extra scrubbing power.

While ketchup can be an effective cleaner, it may not be the best option for all types of pans. For example, the salt and spices in ketchup may scratch some pan finishes. Additionally, ketchup may not be as effective as other methods, such as using baking soda or a commercial cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend.

Therefore, while ketchup can be used to clean burnt grease off the bottom of pans, it may not be the most efficient or gentle method. It is important to test a small area of the pan first to ensure that the ketchup will not damage the finish.

Ketchup is not effective on cast iron

While ketchup is a handy, cost-effective alternative to chemical-based detergents, it is not the best option for cleaning cast iron. The effectiveness of ketchup in removing grease and burnt-on residue lies in its acidity, which can help break down copper oxide and rust. However, when it comes to cast iron, ketchup falls short.

In a test by Clean My Space, ketchup was applied to the bottom of a cast iron pan and left for about 10 minutes. The results were disappointing, with scorch marks and build-up still present on the pan. The blogger notes that while ketchup may work well on copper-bottom pans, it is not suitable for cast iron.

Ketchup's ineffectiveness on cast iron is likely due to the unique properties of cast iron cookware. Cast iron is highly reactive to acidic foods, which can strip away its seasoning. Ketchup, being an acidic condiment with a pH of around 3.9, can adversely affect the flavorful seasoning of a cast iron pan. Therefore, it is not recommended as a cleaning agent for this type of cookware.

Instead of using ketchup, there are other methods and products that are more suitable for cleaning cast iron. For example, a paste made of cream of tartar and water, or baking soda and water, can be applied to the pan and scrubbed with a non-scratch sponge. Another option is to use a commercial cleaner specifically designed for cast iron, such as Bar Keeper's Friend, which has been praised for its effectiveness in removing burnt-on grease from cast iron pans.

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean burnt grease

Hydrogen peroxide is a great option for cleaning burnt grease off your pans. It is a commonly used household product that can be found in most homes. It is a safe, effective, and economical solution for removing grease stains from various materials, including cookware. Here are some tips on how to use hydrogen peroxide to clean burnt grease:

For Non-Stick Pans:

• Create a paste by mixing hydrogen peroxide with baking soda until it forms a thick consistency.
• Add a few drops of liquid dish soap, such as Blue Dawn, to the paste.
• Using a scrubbing pad, apply the paste to the bottom of the pan in a circular motion.
• Allow the paste to dry for about 30 minutes to an hour.
• Use a toothbrush or scrubbing pad to scrub the pan and remove the caked-on grease.
• Rinse the pan with warm water.

For Deep Grease Removal:

• Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda and sea salt on the bottom of your frying pan, focusing on the stained areas.
• Spray or spritz the baking soda with straight vinegar.
• Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes.
• Use a scouring pad to scrub away the grease and stains.
• Rinse the pan and dry it before storing.

For Oven Cleaning:

• While this method is not natural, it is effective for removing burnt-on grease.
• Spread oven cleaner on the bottom of the pan.
• Leave it to sit for a few hours, preferably overnight.
• Scrub the bottom of the pan with a scrubbing pad.
• Clean the pan in hot soapy water to remove any oven cleaner residue.

For Stainless Steel Pans:

• Combine Bar Keepers Friend (an alternative to hydrogen peroxide) with water to create a paste.
• Apply the paste to the bottom of the pan using a scrubbing pad in a circular motion.
• Rinse the pan and finish by washing it in hot soapy water.

Additional Tips:

• To avoid burnt grease stains, wash your pans immediately after use and scrub the bottom area.
• Soak pans in hot soapy water to loosen the grease and make it easier to remove.
• Use a scrubber or scouring pad to clean crevices and indents, ensuring a thorough clean.
• Install a grease trap to catch grease residues and prevent them from entering your kitchen's drainage system.

By following these steps, you can effectively use hydrogen peroxide and other methods to clean burnt grease from your pans, leaving them looking like new!

Oven cleaner is an effective alternative

While not a natural method, oven cleaner is an effective alternative to remove burnt-on grease from the bottom of various types of pans.

Although you might feel apprehensive about applying oven cleaner to your cookware, this is a tried-and-tested method. The formula is best applied to ceramic and non-stick pans.

To use oven cleaner to clean burnt grease from your frying pans, spread the oven cleaner on the bottom of the pan and leave it for a few hours; overnight is recommended. Then, begin to scrub the bottom with a scrubbing pad. Finally, get rid of the oven cleaner residue by performing the cleanup in hot soapy water.

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