Effective Ways To Clean Stubborn, Baked-On Grease From Pans

Burnt pans are a common kitchen nightmare, but there are several easy ways to remedy the situation. The best method depends on the type of pan and the severity of the burn. For stainless steel and aluminum pans, a paste made from baking soda and water can be spread over the burnt area and scrubbed with a gentle sponge. For cast iron, it's best to avoid soaking the pan or using soap, as this can damage the pan's seasoning. Instead, use a cleaner like The Ringer or lemon and coarse salt to clean the pan. For nonstick pans, fill the pan with water and add baking soda, bringing the contents to a boil to loosen the gunk.

Deglaze with water or vinegar

Deglazing is a great way to clean a burnt pan without using harsh chemicals. This method uses a combination of water, vinegar, and baking soda to remove tough stains and burnt-on food. Here is a step-by-step guide to the deglazing technique:

Step 1: Remove Burnt Food and Debris

Use a wooden spatula or scraper to remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. It is important to do this while the pan is still cold to avoid burning yourself.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place the pan back on the stove and turn on the heat. Heat the pan until a droplet of water sizzles when dropped onto the surface. This will help loosen any burnt-on food and grease.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

Once the pan is hot, add 1 cup of water or a mixture of 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup white vinegar to the pan. Allow the liquid to come to a boil. As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening any bits of burnt food.

Step 4: Pour Out the Liquid

Once you have finished deglazing, carefully pour the hot liquid down the sink. Do not dry or wipe the pan at this stage.

Step 5: Add Baking Soda

Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda. The baking soda will react with the vinegar and water residue in the pan, creating a fizzing reaction that helps to loosen burnt-on food. Let the pan cool down completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 6: Scrub the Pan

Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pan vigorously to remove any remaining stains or scorch marks. If necessary, add more baking soda to create a paste and scrub the pan again. Wash and dry the pan as normal once it is completely clean.

This deglazing technique is an effective way to clean burnt pans without resorting to harsh chemicals. It utilizes the power of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to loosen and remove burnt-on food and stains. With a little elbow grease, you can have your pans looking like new again!

Use a dishwasher tablet

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there's a simple solution: dishwasher tablets. This method is especially useful for stainless steel or enamel pans.

First, cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it up on low heat. Remove the pan from the heat source and scrape a dishwasher tablet across the burnt areas. Gloves are recommended for this step. The tablet will act as a scouring pad, so there is no need to use a sponge.

The water will need to be heated to a sufficient temperature for the tablet to start breaking down. The water will turn dark brown as the tablet dissolves, and the burnt marks should begin to lift. Once the tablet has completely dissolved, leave the powder residue on the pan for about 10 minutes. Finally, wash the pan with hot, soapy water as normal.

This method is not recommended for non-stick pans, and it is suggested to be used only as a last resort for stubborn stains, as it is not the most environmentally-friendly option.

Soak with salt or soap

Soaking your burnt pans with salt or soap is one of the easiest ways to clean them. The severity of the scorching will determine whether this method works. To start, squeeze a few drops of dishwashing liquid into the affected pot and run water until the burnt area is completely submerged. Alternatively, you can skip the dishwashing liquid and add a tablespoon or two of salt. Let this soak for at least an hour.

Next, use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape off the residue. If there is still burnt food stuck to your pot, empty and refill it with the same soapy or salty water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and maintain this temperature for about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pot soak overnight. In the morning, bring the mixture to a boil again. Remove any remaining grime with a wooden spoon or spatula. Finally, wash your pot as you normally would.

Use lemons to get rid of grime

Lemons are a great natural cleaning agent that can be used to get rid of grime on burnt pans. The citric acid in lemons helps to break down burnt food stains and leaves a refreshing citrus scent in your kitchen.

To use lemons to clean a burnt pan, follow these steps:

• Cut two to three lemons into quarters or thick slices.
• Place the lemon slices in the bottom of the burnt pan.
• Add enough water to the pan to cover the entire scorched area.
• Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the lemon water to a boil.
• Boil the lemon water for about 5 minutes, or until you start to see food particles floating to the surface.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let it soak until the water cools to room temperature.
• Discard the water and lemon pieces.
• Lightly scrub off any remaining grime or stuck-on bits with a soft sponge or scouring pad.

The acid from the lemons will help to loosen the burnt-on food and grime, making it easier to remove without the need for harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers. This method is simple, effective, and will leave your kitchen smelling fresh and clean.

Use baking soda and vinegar

Using baking soda and vinegar is an effective way to clean a burnt pan without resorting to harsh chemicals. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. It is important to do this before applying any liquid or cleaning agents, as these can react with the burnt food and create a mess.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar in the Pan

Pour a small layer of equal parts water and white vinegar to cover the bottom of the burnt pan. The exact amount will depend on the size of your pan, but aim for at least 1 cup of liquid. Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. This will help to loosen the burnt-on food and grime.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

After the vinegar has boiled for a minute or so, remove the pan from the heat. For safety, it is recommended to pour out the vinegar before proceeding. Now, add a generous amount of baking soda to the pan. You are likely to see a fizzing reaction, which is normal and even desirable as it helps to break down the burnt food.

Step 4: Scour the Pan

Once the fizzing has stopped, discard the liquid from the pan. Use a scouring pad or sponge to scrub away any remaining burnt-on food and marks. If necessary, add a little extra dry baking soda to the pan before scouring. This will provide a mild abrasive effect to help lift the stains.

Step 5: Make a Baking Soda Paste (Optional)

If there are any stubborn marks or stains that won't come off, make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the affected areas and let it sit for a while. Then, return to these areas and scrub them clean.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once all the burnt-on food and stains have been removed, rinse the pan with clean water and dry it as usual. Your pan should now be clean and ready to use again!

This method is a great, natural way to clean burnt pans without resorting to harsh chemicals. It may require a bit of elbow grease, but it is an effective and affordable solution using pantry items that most people have on hand.

Frequently asked questions