Breaking Down Oil And Grease: Metal Pan Cleaning Tips

Metal pans are a staple in any kitchen, but they can be a hassle to clean, especially when oil and grease are left to bake on. Burnt grease on the bottom of a pan can be tricky to remove, and simple dish soap doesn't always do the trick. However, there are several effective methods to clean burnt grease and oil off metal pans, restoring them to their former glory.

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Remove Excess Grease

First, use a spatula or paper towel to remove as much excess grease and burnt food debris from the pan as possible. It's best to do this while the pan is still warm, as the grease will be softer and easier to wipe away.

Step 2: The Power of Vinegar

Next, it's time to harness the power of vinegar. Pour enough white vinegar into the pan to cover the bottom with at least half an inch of liquid. Place the pan on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes; the heat and acidity of the vinegar will start to break down and loosen the grease.

Step 3: Fizz with Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add a generous amount of baking soda—about 1 cup should do the trick. This is where the magic happens! The alkaline baking soda will react with the acidic vinegar, creating a fizzing, bubbling reaction. This reaction helps to further loosen the burnt-on grease, making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Set the pan aside and exercise a bit of patience. Wait until all the fizzing and bubbling has stopped, and the liquid in the pan has cooled down. This step is important, as it gives the baking soda and vinegar time to work their magic and fully break down the grease.

Step 5: Scrub and Rinse

Once the pan is cool, it's time to scrub. Use a nylon scrub brush or a scouring sponge to remove the grease and burnt food bits. You may need to add a little more baking soda as you scrub to create a gentle abrasive effect. Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to ensure all the grease and vinegar residue is gone.

Tips for Best Results:

• For extremely burnt-on or stubborn grease, you may need to repeat the process.
• If you're dealing with a large pot or pan, adjust the amounts of vinegar and baking soda accordingly, ensuring you have enough to cover the surface.
• Always use a non-scratch scouring pad or sponge to avoid damaging the surface of your pan.
• For extra shine, sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge and give the pan a final once-over after rinsing.

So, the next time you're facing a greasy, burnt-on mess, don't despair. Reach for the baking soda and vinegar, and let them work their magic to break down that grease and leave your pans sparkling clean!

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, first wet the surface of the pan. Then, apply a generous amount of the powder and scrub in a circular motion with a scouring pad or sponge. For very tarnished or greasy pans, you can also use steel wool to begin the process. It is important to note that this product is abrasive, so it is recommended to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin.

For a pan with light stains, you can soak it in lemon juice or vinegar for about an hour before cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend. This will help to break down the grease.

• Turn the pan upside down in the sink and spray it with water.
• Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend over the bottom and sides of the pan.
• Gently rub the cleanser with a non-scratch sponge.
• If the powdered cleanser does not cover the sides of the pan well, mix it with water to form a not-too-thick solution. Pour this slurry over the pan, ensuring it runs over the sides.
• Let the slurry soak for about 5 minutes.
• Scrub the bottom and sides of the pan again with the sponge.
• Rinse the pan and finish washing it in hot soapy water.

Ammonia

• Place your metal pan inside a closed container, such as a garbage bag.
• Pour a small amount of household ammonia into the container. Be careful not to pour too much, as you just need enough to create fumes that will break down the grease.
• Let the container sit for several hours or overnight. The fumes from the ammonia will work to break down the grease and grime on your pan.
• Remove the pan from the container and rinse it thoroughly with hot water and soap. Ensure that you wear gloves during this step to protect your hands from the ammonia residue.
• Dry the pan completely before putting it away.

Some important things to keep in mind when using ammonia to clean your metal pans:

• Always use household ammonia, and avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach.
• Do not use steel wool pads or abrasive sponges as they can scratch the surface of your pan.
• Ensure the pan is completely dry before storing it away to prevent water spots from forming.
• Always wear gloves when handling ammonia and rinse the pan thoroughly to remove all traces of ammonia before using it for cooking again.

Oven cleaner

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Before applying any oven cleaner, it is important to prepare the pan. Ensure that the pan is cool and dry. Gently scrape off any large pieces of burnt grease with a plastic scraper, being careful not to scratch the pan's surface.

Step 2: Apply the Oven Cleaner

Coat the bottom of the pan generously with oven cleaner. You can use a commercial oven cleaner like Cif, which creates a foamy lather that is excellent for removing burnt grease. Alternatively, you can use an oven cleaner designed specifically for ovens, like Cif Oven Cleaner.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Allow the oven cleaner to sit on the pan for a few hours. For best results, it is recommended to leave it overnight. This gives the cleaner time to penetrate and break down the grease.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After the oven cleaner has had sufficient time to work, use a scrubbing pad to scrub the bottom of the pan. Apply some elbow grease to remove any remaining grease or scorch marks. Be careful not to use abrasive sponges or steel wool, as these can damage the pan's surface.

Step 5: Rinse and Wash

Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with hot, soapy water to remove any residue from the oven cleaner. Wash the pan as you normally would, ensuring that all traces of the oven cleaner are gone.

Important Precautions:

Always read and follow the safety instructions on the oven cleaner's label. Since oven cleaners contain powerful chemicals, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection. Keep oven cleaners out of the reach of children and pets.

Advantages of Using Oven Cleaner:

Disadvantages of Using Oven Cleaner:

While oven cleaner is effective, it is important to note that it is not safe for consumption. Therefore, thorough rinsing and washing of the pan are essential after using oven cleaner. Additionally, oven cleaners can be harsh on certain pan materials, so always test on a small area first if you are unsure.

Lemon juice

To remove grease from metal, mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and hot water. To amplify the cleaning power, add the juice of one lemon per cup of vinegar. Spray the solution onto the greasy surface or dip a sponge or soft cloth in the solution and wipe the surface clean. Rinse the area with a clean sponge or cloth dipped in plain water, then dry the metal with a microfiber cloth.

Frequently asked questions