Soaking Grease: Does It Help Or Hurt?

Cleaning grease off pans can be a daunting task, especially when food debris has been left to accumulate for some time. The best way to remove grease depends on how stubborn the residue is. Here are some methods to try:

- Soaking the pan in hot water and washing-up liquid to loosen the dirt, then using a wire brush to scrub the pan.

- Using baking soda and vinegar, either by creating a paste or sprinkling and spraying the pan respectively, and letting it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing.

- Soaking the pan in lemon juice or vinegar for about an hour, then cleaning with a scrub brush or scrubbing pad and dish soap.

- Using a commercial oven cleaner, such as Cif, which creates a foamy lather that's great for eliminating tough grease.

Soaking pans in hot soapy water

The hot water helps to loosen the grease, making it easier to scrub away. The longer the pan is left to soak, the more effective this method will be. This is a good first step to take before attempting to scrub away any remaining grease with a sponge or scouring pad.

This method can be used in conjunction with other cleaning products, such as baking soda, vinegar, or oven cleaner. For example, after soaking, you can sprinkle baking soda onto the pan and scrub with a sponge. Alternatively, fill the pan with water and put it on the stove until the water boils, then let the water cool and wash the pan as normal.

It is important to note that some pans, such as non-stick and ceramic pans, require special care. Steel wool or other abrasive materials should be avoided as they can scratch the coating and damage the pan. Instead, opt for soft sponges or microfiber cloths to avoid scratches.

Additionally, always ensure proper ventilation when cleaning pans to minimise the inhalation of harsh chemical fumes.

Using baking soda and vinegar to clean grease

Soaking pans in water is a good way to loosen stuck-on food and grease. However, water alone cannot get rid of grease, so additional cleaning agents are required.

Baking soda and vinegar are excellent natural cleaning agents that can be used to remove grease from pans. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean grease from pans using baking soda and vinegar:

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Soda and Vinegar

Mix baking soda and vinegar in a small bowl to create a paste. The ratio of baking soda to vinegar can vary, but aim for a spreadable paste. You can adjust the consistency by adding more baking soda or vinegar as needed.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Pan

Using a spatula or your fingers, spread the paste all over the interior surface of the pan, focusing on the greasy areas. Make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the grease and grime.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Allow the paste to rest on the pan for at least 12 hours or overnight. During this time, the baking soda and vinegar will work together to break down the grease, making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Wipe Out the Pan

After the waiting period, use a damp dishcloth or sponge to wipe out as much of the dried paste as possible. For stubborn areas, you may need to use a plastic or silicone spatula to help scrape off the paste.

Step 5: Spray with Vinegar

Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spritz it onto any remaining paste residue in the pan. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a gentle foaming action.

Step 6: Final Wipe Down and Rinse

Use a damp cloth to wipe out the remaining foamy vinegar-baking soda mixture. Repeat this process until all the residue is gone. Rinse the pan thoroughly with water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.

Additional Tips:

• For extremely burnt or caked-on grease, pre-soak the pan in vinegar for about 30 minutes to an hour before applying the baking soda paste.
• For extra scrubbing power, use a scouring pad, scrubbing brush, or steel wool. However, be cautious when using abrasive materials as they may scratch the pan's finish.
• To remove grease from pans with light brown discolouration, simply soak the pan in straight vinegar for about an hour, then scrub with a pad, toothbrush, and dish soap.
• For deeper grease removal, combine vinegar, salt, and baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda and sea salt onto the pan, focusing on the stained areas. Then, spritz with vinegar and let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes before scrubbing.

Lemon juice or vinegar to soak pans

Soaking pans in lemon juice or vinegar is an effective way to remove grease and burnt-on food. Lemon juice is a natural cleaner that can tackle dirt and grease with ease. It also acts as an all-natural air freshener, making your kitchen smell pleasant.

To clean pans with lemon juice, simply rub half a lemon around the bottom and sides of the cookware. You can also add a dash of baking soda or vinegar during the boil method to help clean scorched saucepans. For an accelerated clean, soak pots, baking dishes, or cookie sheets in hot to boiling water with baking soda and fresh lemon juice.

Vinegar is another powerful cleaning agent. It is super acidic, which is great for dissolving any stubborn gunk. To use vinegar for cleaning pans, pour straight vinegar into the bottom of your sink, enough to submerge the bottom of the pan completely. Leave it to soak for about an hour. Then, use a scrubbing pad, toothbrush, and some dish soap to remove the softened grease.

Lemon juice and vinegar can also be combined to create an effective cleaning solution. To make a basic solution, add 100 ml of white vinegar, 100 ml of cooled boiled water, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to an empty spray bottle. This solution has a short shelf life, so it should be made in small quantities.

For a longer-lasting solution, mix 250 ml of white vinegar with 250 ml of cooled boiled water in an empty spray bottle, and then add 15-20 drops of lemon essential oil. This mixture will last for 6-8 weeks.

Another option is to steep lemon peels and herbs such as rosemary or lavender in white vinegar to create a lemon-scented vinegar-based cleaning solution. This process takes about two weeks. After steeping, add 250 ml of the strained solution to an empty spray bottle and top it off with 250 ml of cooled boiled water. This mixture will also last for 6-8 weeks.

It is important to note that lemon and vinegar are both acidic, so they should not be used on certain surfaces such as natural stone, granite, marble, or quartz. These surfaces may be corroded over time, leaving etch marks.

Ammonia and time to clean grease

Soaking pans in water is a great way to loosen up burnt food particles and make them easier to scrub away. However, if you're dealing with stubborn grease, you might want to turn to some chemical solutions to help get your pans looking like new.

Ammonia is a well-known and historically recognised cleaner for grease and oil. It acts as a surfactant, like detergents, and emulsifies grease and oils, allowing them to be washed away with water. Additionally, ammonia reacts chemically with some oils, converting them into substances that no longer have the same properties as the original grease or oils. This process is called ammonolysis, and ammonia can also act as a catalyst in this reaction.

To use ammonia for cleaning grease, you can follow these steps:

• Place the greasy pan in a closed container, such as a garbage bag.
• Pour in a small amount of household ammonia.
• Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
• Remove the pan from the bag and rinse it with hot water.
• Use a scrub pad or steel wool to remove any remaining grease.

It's important to note that ammonia should not be used on Teflon pans, as it can damage the coating. Additionally, use caution when working with ammonia and ensure the area is well-ventilated.

Other Methods to Remove Grease

In addition to ammonia, there are several other methods you can try to remove grease from your pans:

• Baking soda and vinegar: Create a paste with baking soda and vinegar, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then scrub with a pad or steel wool.
• Bar Keeper's Friend: Make a paste with water and scrub the pan with a pad or steel wool.
• Boiling water: Fill the pan with water and boil it on the stovetop or in the oven. Let the water cool, then wash the pan as normal.
• Bleach cleansing powder: Fill the pan with hot water and add a liberal amount of bleach cleansing powder. Let it soak for about 30 minutes, then scrub the pan.

Oven cleaner to remove grease

Soaking pans in hot water is a great way to loosen grease and make it easier to scrub off. However, for burnt-on grease, you may need to try a few different methods to get your pans looking like new.

One method that can be used to remove grease is oven cleaner. While this may not be a popular technique, it is effective in removing burnt-on grease from the bottom of pans. This method is best applied to ceramic and non-stick pans.

• Spread oven cleaner on the bottom of the pan.
• Leave it for a few hours; it is recommended to leave it overnight for the best results.
• Begin to scrub the bottom of the pan with a scrubbing pad.
• Rinse the pan with hot soapy water to remove any residue from the oven cleaner.

It is important to note that you should not use oven cleaner on pans with special coatings, as it may damage the finish. Additionally, always wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation when working with oven cleaners, as they may contain harsh chemicals.

Other methods that can be used to remove grease include:

• Baking soda and vinegar
• Salt and vinegar
• Bar Keeper's Friend
• Boiling water
• Bleach cleansing powder
• Borax and warm water
• Steel wool
• Commercial cleaners, such as Easy-Off Professional Fume Free Max Oven Cleaner

By trying out these methods and with a bit of elbow grease, you can effectively remove burnt-on grease from your pans.

Frequently asked questions