Removing Oil From Pan: An Easy Guide To Size And Technique

Removing burnt-on oil from pans can be a challenge, especially when it comes to stainless steel cookware. The process often requires a combination of different methods and some elbow grease to achieve desired results. While some suggest using harsh chemicals, others recommend natural alternatives like baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to remove the stubborn residue. The key is to act quickly and not let the oil build up over time, as it can be difficult to remove without the use of toxic cleansers.

Boiling water and baking soda

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. If there is burnt-on food, you can first try deglazing the pan by adding water and heating it until it sizzles. Use a spatula or scraper to loosen the burnt-on food, then pour out the liquid.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda

Cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the water to create a paste. The amount of baking soda will depend on the size of your pan. For a full pot bottom, use about 1 cup of baking soda.

Step 3: Boil the Mixture

Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. As the water evaporates, it will leave a film of baking soda around the pan.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

Once most of the water has boiled off, turn off the heat. Let the pan cool down, then use a nylon brush, non-stick-safe brush, or scouring pad to scrub away the residue. For cast-iron pans, use a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad, but avoid using soap as it can create rust.

Step 5: Rinse and Wash the Pan

After scrubbing, rinse and wash the pan as normal.

Tips:

• For tougher stains, you can add vinegar or lemon juice to the baking soda paste. These acids will react with the alkaline baking soda to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt-on food.
• If the stains are particularly stubborn, you can try submerging the entire pan in a boiling solution of water and baking soda. Fill a large pot with water, add the stained pan, and bring it to a boil. Then add baking soda and continue boiling for 15-30 minutes. The brown residue should start to flake off.
• Always be careful when handling hot pans and use oven mitts or gloves to protect your hands.
• Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaners as these can scratch your cookware.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove oil and burnt-on food from your pans using boiling water and baking soda.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend to remove oil from a pan, follow these steps:

• Wet the surface of the pan.
• Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend powder onto the wet surface.
• Use a soft, wet cloth or sponge to rub the powder into the surface, creating a paste. For tougher stains, make a paste with water before applying it to the surface.
• Let the paste sit for about a minute. Do not let it sit for longer as it may cause discolouration and scratches.
• Scrub the surface with a sponge or soft cloth in a circular motion, starting from the centre and moving outward. For very tough stains, you may want to use steel wool for scrubbing.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water.
• Wash the pan with hot soapy water and rinse again.

It is important to wear gloves when using Bar Keepers Friend as it can irritate the skin. Also, do not leave the product on the pan for too long, and be sure to rinse it off thoroughly after scrubbing. Additionally, do not use Bar Keepers Friend on non-stick surfaces, cast iron, granite, marble, wood, fabric, leather, or painted surfaces.

Vinegar

To remove oil from a pan with vinegar, start by rinsing the pan with hot water. This will remove any loose grime and expose the burnt layer underneath. If there is a thin layer of residue, hot water may be enough to dissolve the oils.

Next, fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar. Bring this mixture to a boil. For a heavily-stained pan, fill a large container with vinegar and water, and submerge the pan in the mixture, ensuring every part is covered.

Let the mixture sit. The vinegar will degrease the pan and soften any hardened food bits. For a more abrasive clean, add some baking soda to the mixture. This is a gentle yet abrasive scrubber.

After letting the mixture sit, scrub the stains away with a soft brush or scouring pad, depending on the type of pan. Finally, wash the pan with dish soap and let it dry.

For smaller pans with oil residue at the bottom, fill the pan with enough white vinegar to cover the area. Leave the pan for at least half an hour, or a couple of hours. Then, scrub the pan with a little salt or baking soda and wash as usual.

Hot, soapy water

If you're looking to remove burnt-on oil from your pans, hot, soapy water is an effective solution. This method is particularly useful for stainless steel pans, which can withstand high temperatures without being damaged.

To start, fill your sink or a large basin with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Completely submerge the pan in the soapy water and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes. The hot water and soap will help loosen the burnt-on oil, making it easier to remove.

While this method is effective, it may not completely remove all the burnt-on residue. You may need to use some additional cleaning products or tools to finish the job. For example, Bar Keeper's Friend, a household cleaning product, can be used with hot, soapy water to help remove stubborn oil residue. Alternatively, you can try using a chain mail scrubber or a non-scratch sponge to scrub away any remaining oil.

It's important to note that if you're using non-stick cookware, you should be cautious when using hot water and soap. Avoid using abrasive sponges or scrubbers as these can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, opt for soft sponges or cloths when cleaning these types of pans.

Additionally, it's always a good idea to test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area of the pan first to ensure that it won't damage the surface.

By following these steps and using hot, soapy water, you can effectively remove burnt-on oil from your pans and restore them to their original shine.

Baking soda and vinegar paste

To remove oil from a pan using a baking soda and vinegar paste, follow these steps:

Firstly, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, create a paste by mixing baking soda and vinegar in a small bowl. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to achieve the desired consistency, but a good starting point is to mix one tablespoon of each.

Once you have your paste, apply it to the pan, ensuring that it covers the entire scorched area. You can use plastic wrap to scrub the paste into the pan, which will help remove the oil stains without scratching the surface. If you use plastic wrap, shape it into a ball and scrub the pan for a few minutes, or until the stains are gone. Alternatively, you can use a non-scratch scrubber or sponge to scrub the paste into the pan.

After scrubbing, gently rinse the pan with warm water and wash it as normal with mild dish soap and a soft sponge. You may need to repeat the process if there is still some oil residue remaining.

This method is effective because baking soda has mild abrasive properties, and its alkaline pH can help neutralize acidic burnt foods. When combined with an acid like vinegar, it creates a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt-on food, making it easier to remove.

It is important to note that if you are cleaning a cast iron pan, you should refrain from using vinegar or other acidic substances as they can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning. In this case, simply use a paste of baking soda and water, and scrub with a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad.

Frequently asked questions