Removing Stubborn Grease From Pots And Pans

Baked-on grease on pots and pans is not only unsightly but can also be harmful to your health and damage the quality of your cookware. The good news is that there are several effective methods to remove it. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get rid of that stubborn, baked-on grease and make your cookware look brand new again.

Soak in hot water and washing liquid

Soaking your pots and pans in hot water and washing liquid is a great first step to removing baked-on grease. This method helps to loosen the dirt and soften the burnt-on grease, making it easier to remove. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you effectively soak and clean your pots and pans:

Step 1: Prepare the Soaking Solution

Fill your sink or a large container with hot water. You want the water to be hot but not boiling, as you will need to handle the pots and pans during the soaking process. Add a few squirts of a good quality washing-up liquid or dish soap. The washing liquid will help to cut through the grease and loosen any burnt-on food debris.

Step 2: Soak the Pots and Pans

Place the greasy pots and pans into the hot, soapy water. Ensure that all the greasy areas are fully submerged in the water. If you have stubborn, baked-on grease, you may need to let the items soak for a longer period of time. For extremely tough grease, you can also try adding a little vinegar to the soaking solution to boost its cleaning power.

Step 3: Scour the Grease

After soaking, take a scouring pad, sponge, or wire brush and gently scrub the pots and pans. The soaking process should have loosened the grease, making it easier to remove. Use a circular motion and a little elbow grease to work the scrubber over the affected areas. For trickier spots, you can use a toothpick or a scraper to get into any grooves or crevices.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you have removed the baked-on grease, thoroughly rinse the pots and pans with hot water to remove any remaining soap residue. Then, dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel. Admire your handiwork as your pots and pans look brand new again!

Remember, always exercise caution when handling hot water and soapy items. This method is an effective way to remove baked-on grease without the need for harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers.

Use a wire brush

Using a wire brush is an effective way to remove baked-on grease from pots and pans. However, it's important to ensure that the wire brush is suitable for the specific type of pan you're cleaning, as some pans, such as non-stick pans, can be damaged by abrasive cleaning tools.

If you're dealing with a particularly stubborn case of baked-on grease, you may need to use a denser wire brush, or even a wire brush attached to a power drill. This method can be very effective at removing the grease, but it will likely leave scratch marks on your pan. To avoid unsightly scratches, you can try using a finer-bristled wire brush, or using a circular motion when brushing to minimise the appearance of scratches.

Before using a wire brush, it's a good idea to try some less abrasive methods first. Soaking the pan in hot water and washing-up liquid can help to loosen the grease, making it easier to remove with the wire brush. Alternatively, you could try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, or even just vinegar or lemon juice, to break down the grease before scrubbing.

Baking soda and vinegar

To use this method, start by sprinkling baking soda onto the greasy areas of your pots and pans. Next, pour vinegar over the baking soda. Allow the mixture to sit for around 15-20 minutes to loosen the grease. Finally, use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to scrub away the burnt-on grime. Rinse the pots and pans thoroughly with water to ensure no grease or residue remains.

For particularly stubborn grease, you can create a baking soda and vinegar paste and apply it to the affected areas. Leave the paste to sit for a longer period, such as overnight, before scrubbing and rinsing. Alternatively, you can first try sprinkling salt onto the greasy areas, followed by a layer of baking soda, and then spraying vinegar on top.

While this method is effective, it may require more time and effort compared to some other methods, such as using commercial oven cleaners or specialised cleaning products. It is also important to note that baking soda and vinegar may not be suitable for certain types of pans, such as those with non-stick coatings or fragile surfaces. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before attempting any cleaning method to ensure it is safe for your specific cookware.

Steel wool

Instead, use a non-abrasive or "stainless steel-approved scrubber" to avoid scratches, scrapes, and deposits of chlorides from cleaners, hard water, or salt. Always scrub parallel with the polish lines of the stainless steel.

Soak in hot water and dishwasher detergent

Soaking your pots and pans in hot water and dishwasher detergent is an effective way to remove baked-on grease. This method is especially useful if you're dealing with stubborn, hard-baked grease stains. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you tackle the task:

Step 1: Prepare the Soaking Solution

Fill your sink or a large basin with hot water. You can also use boiling water to enhance the cleaning effect. Add a few drops of a good-quality dishwashing liquid or detergent to the water. The detergent will help to break down and dissolve the grease, making it easier to remove.

Step 2: Soak the Pots and Pans

Place the greasy pots and pans in the hot, soapy water. Ensure that they are fully submerged and leave them to soak. The duration of the soak will depend on how heavily stained your cookware is. For light to moderate grease buildup, 30 minutes to an hour should be sufficient. However, for heavily stained pots and pans, you may need to let them soak for several hours or even overnight.

Step 3: Scrub and Rinse

After soaking, remove the pots and pans from the water. Use a sponge or a scouring pad to gently scrub away any remaining grease. For non-stick pans, be sure to use the soft side of the sponge to avoid scratching the coating. Rinse the cookware with clean water to remove any detergent residue.

Step 4: Dry and Admire

Once your pots and pans are free of grease, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to dry them thoroughly. You can also let them air dry. Finally, admire your handiwork! Your cookware should now be sparkling clean and ready for your next culinary adventure.

Remember, this method is particularly effective for removing baked-on grease without resorting to harsh chemicals. By allowing the hot water and detergent to do the hard work, you can minimize the amount of scrubbing required.

Frequently asked questions