The Magic Of Ammonia: Cleaning Pans Easily

Cleaning pans with ammonia is a great way to remove burnt-on grease and grime. It's a simple process that involves placing the pan in a sealed bag with ammonia and leaving it for several hours or overnight. This method is effective for cleaning stainless steel, ceramic, and glass bakeware. However, it should not be used on Teflon, anodized aluminum, aluminum, or cast iron pans as it may cause damage. When using ammonia, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area and avoid placing your face close to the bag when opening it. After removing the pan from the bag, it should be rinsed or lightly scrubbed with warm, soapy water.

Cleaning Pans with Ammonia

Soak pans in ammonia overnight

Soaking pans in ammonia overnight is an effective way to clean burnt-on grease and grime from stainless steel, aluminium, ceramic, and glass pans. To do this, fill a plastic bag with a cup of ammonia and place the pan inside, allowing it to soak overnight. It is important to perform this task outside, as ammonia fumes can be harmful. After soaking, remove the pan from the bag and rinse it with warm, soapy water, or give it a light scrub if necessary.

This method is not suitable for all types of pans. It should not be used on anodized aluminium, aluminium, or cast iron pans. Additionally, it is important to note that ammonia should not be used on Teflon pans, as it can cause the Teflon to peel off.

When working with ammonia, it is crucial to take safety precautions. Always wear gloves and ensure the area is well-ventilated. Avoid placing your face close to the bag when opening it, and walk away for a few minutes to allow the fumes to dissipate. Rinse the pan with a garden hose or in a sink to dilute the ammonia, and always wash the pans with hot, soapy dishwater after rinsing.

For stainless steel pans, placing them in a heavy-duty black lawn and leaf bag with one to two cups of ammonia for four to eight hours is another effective method. This process should also be done outside, and the bag should be closed tightly. After the allotted time, open the bag quickly and walk away, then rinse the pans with a garden hose and wash them with hot, soapy dishwater.

Soaking pans in ammonia overnight is a simple and effective way to remove burnt-on grease and grime, but it is important to follow safety precautions and ensure the compatibility of the pan material with ammonia.

Rinse and scrub pans with warm soapy water

Rinsing and scrubbing your pans with warm soapy water is the final step in the ammonia cleaning process. This is an important step to ensure that all the ammonia residue is removed from your pans.

Before you begin rinsing, make sure you are wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands. Then, rinse the pans with warm water to remove any remaining grease or grime. Use a gentle dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the pans, ensuring that you reach all the corners and edges. If your pans have baked-on grease or food stains, you can use a non-scratch scouring pad or a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the affected areas.

It is important to be thorough during this step to ensure that your pans are completely clean and safe to use for cooking. Rinse the pans again with warm water to remove any soap residue and then dry them with a clean cloth or towel.

You can also use this opportunity to give your pans some extra care and attention. For example, if your pans have water spots or stains, you can use a mild polish or stainless steel cleaner to restore their shine. Additionally, if your pans have plastic or wooden handles, you can use a damp cloth to wipe them down and remove any dirt or grease.

By taking the time to properly rinse and scrub your pans with warm soapy water, you can ensure that they are clean, sanitary, and ready for your next cooking adventure.

Don't use ammonia on Teflon, aluminium, or cast iron pans

Ammonia is a useful chemical for cleaning burnt-on grease from pans. However, it is not suitable for all types of pans. Here are some reasons why you should not use ammonia to clean Teflon, aluminium, or cast iron pans:

Teflon Pans

Teflon pans are non-stick, and while ammonia can be useful for removing grease, it can also cause the Teflon coating to peel off. This will ruin the pan, and you will have to throw it away. It is best to avoid using ammonia on Teflon pans and instead opt for a milder cleaning method, such as Barkeeper's Friend, or a scrub with hot water.

Aluminium Pans

Aluminium is a light metal with great thermal conductivity, which makes it perfect for cookware. However, it is important to note that aluminium oxidizes very fast and can be susceptible to corrosion and pitting. While ammonia is not known to cause damage to aluminium, it is a harsh chemical, and its use may not be necessary for cleaning aluminium pans. Mild soap, warm water, and a non-abrasive sponge are usually enough to clean aluminium cookware. For tough residue, a soak overnight and a gentle scrub should do the trick. Remember to always dry your aluminium pans after washing to prevent limescale formation.

Cast Iron Pans

Cast iron is a porous and pitted material, and while there is no clear consensus on whether ammonia can be used to strip cast iron, it is generally advised against. Some suggest using lye, a grind wheel, or a salt and water slurry instead. As cast iron is porous, it is best to avoid using any chemicals that you would not normally eat. A neutralizing step with an acid like vinegar is often used after cleaning cast iron with harsher chemicals.

In summary, while ammonia can be useful for cleaning burnt-on grease from some pans, it is not suitable for Teflon, aluminium, or cast iron pans. Always opt for milder cleaning methods for these types of pans to avoid damage and ensure their longevity.

Place ammonia and pans in a bag outside for 4-8 hours

Place the pan in a heavy-duty black lawn and leaf bag. You can also use a plastic bag or a garbage bag. Pour one to two cups of ammonia into the bag. Close the bag tightly and place it in a sunny, outside location for four to eight hours. Do not place your face near the bag when opening it. Open the bag outside quickly and thoroughly, and then walk away for a few minutes. Use a garden hose to rinse off and dilute the ammonia. Take your pans inside and immediately wash them with hot, soapy dishwater. You may need to scrub gently with some baking soda.

This method is not suitable for anodized aluminum, aluminum, or cast iron pans. It works great for stainless steel, grill grates, and oven racks.

Wash pans with hot, soapy dishwater after ammonia treatment

Once you have finished treating your pans with ammonia, it is important to wash them with hot, soapy dishwater. This step is crucial to ensure that all traces of ammonia are removed from the pans, making them safe to use for cooking again. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this effectively:

Firstly, gather your pans and inspect them to ensure that the burnt-on grease has been adequately loosened by the ammonia treatment. If there are still some stubborn areas with stuck-on food, do not worry, as the hot, soapy dishwater will help to further loosen and remove these remnants.

Next, fill your sink with hot water, ensuring that the temperature is not too high to avoid the risk of scalding. Add a generous amount of dish soap to create a soapy solution. Using a sponge or dishcloth, carefully scrub each pan, paying particular attention to the areas that were previously heavily soiled. The hot water and soap will help to dissolve any remaining grease and grime, making it easier to remove.

For pans with more extensive or stubborn residue, you can also use a gentle, non-scratch scouring pad to assist in the cleaning process. Gently scrub the affected areas in a circular motion, applying light pressure. Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the surface of your pans, especially if they are non-stick.

After scrubbing, rinse the pans thoroughly with clean, warm water to remove any soap residue. Ensure that you have rinsed away all traces of the dish soap before drying. You can either air-dry the pans or use a soft, absorbent cloth to speed up the process.

Finally, once the pans are completely dry, take a moment to inspect them again. Ensure that all burnt-on grease and food residue has been successfully removed. If there are any remaining traces, you can repeat the ammonia treatment and follow up with another round of hot, soapy dishwater.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your pans with ammonia and restore them to a like-new condition. Remember always to exercise caution when handling ammonia and ensure proper ventilation during the treatment process.

Frequently asked questions