Effective Ammonia Cleaning For Broiler Pans

Broiler pans are a pain to clean, but it doesn't have to be that way. The secret to cleaning a broiler pan is to use the right methods to prevent baked-on grease and keep scrubbing to a minimum. Here's how to clean a broiler pan with ammonia.

How to Clean a Broiler Pan with Ammonia

Soak the broiler pan in hot, soapy water with a cap-full of ammonia

To clean a broiler pan with ammonia, start by filling your sink with hot, soapy water. If your sink is too small to fit the broiler pan, you can use a large plastic tub or even a bathtub. Add a cap-full or two of ammonia to the water, being careful not to mix it with bleach or other cleaners as this will produce a harmful gas.

Once you've prepared the ammonia solution, place the broiler pan in the sink or tub and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. The ammonia will help loosen any baked-on food and grease, making it easier to remove. If your broiler pan is especially greasy or has a lot of stubborn residue, you may need to soak it for longer.

After soaking, remove the broiler pan from the ammonia solution and use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub away any remaining food residue. Avoid using abrasive brushes or cleaners, as these can damage the finish on the broiler pan. Rinse the pan thoroughly with clear water and dry it before storing.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your broiler pan with ammonia, removing stubborn grease and food residue while keeping the scrubbing to a minimum.

Avoid using bleach or other cleaners with ammonia

When cleaning a broiler pan, it is imperative to avoid mixing bleach or other cleaners with ammonia. This combination can have severe and even fatal consequences.

Ammonia is a common ingredient in many household cleaning products, including glass and window cleaners, interior and exterior paints, and urine-based cleaners such as those used for litter boxes, diaper pails, and toilet bowls. When mixed with bleach, it produces toxic gases called chloramines. These gases are harmful to both people and animals. The exposure to chloramine gases can irritate the throat, nose, and eyes, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, throat irritation, and even pneumonia and fluid in the lungs. In severe cases, it can cause loss of consciousness, coma, and death.

The risk of accidental poisoning with bleach and ammonia can be mitigated by always storing cleaning products in their original containers and reading the product labels before use. It is also crucial to avoid mixing bleach with any other cleaning products, especially those containing ammonia.

To clean a broiler pan effectively and safely, consider using alternative methods such as heavy soaking in hot, soapy water, or natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar. These methods can help remove stubborn grease and food residue without the dangers associated with mixing bleach and ammonia. Remember always to follow the manufacturer's instructions and exercise caution when handling cleaning chemicals.

Soak the pan for 30 minutes or more

Soaking your broiler pan for 30 minutes or more is an effective way to clean it without scrubbing too hard. The first step is to fill your sink with hot, soapy water. If your broiler pan is too big for your sink, you can use a large plastic tub or even your bathtub. Add a capful or two of ammonia to the water, but do not mix it with bleach or other cleaners as this will produce harmful gases. Once your water is ready, submerge the broiler pan completely.

Let the broiler pan soak for at least 30 minutes, or longer if there is a lot of cooked-on food. The longer you leave it, the easier it will be to remove the food residue. After soaking, the food should come off easily with some light scrubbing. Avoid heavy scrubbing with an abrasive brush or cleaner as this can damage the finish of the broiler pan.

If your broiler pan is extremely greasy or has a lot of baked-on food, you may want to skip the ammonia and try a different method. First, heat the broiler pan in the oven until it is too hot to touch. Then, turn off the oven and remove the pan, placing it over the sink to catch any drips. Mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with two tablespoons of sugar, and smear this over the top of the broiler pan. After an hour, wipe off the grease with a wet sponge, using light scrubbing. For very stubborn grease and stains, you may need to repeat this process.

After soaking or using a vinegar treatment, some scrubbing will usually still be necessary. Wash the broiler pan in a sink full of hot, soapy water, avoiding abrasive cleaners and steel wool, which can damage the surface. Use a mildly abrasive sponge or plastic scraper to remove any remaining debris. Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly in clear water and dry it before storing.

Lightly scrub the pan to remove remaining debris

Once you've soaked your broiler pan in a mixture of hot water, dish soap, and ammonia, it's time to lightly scrub the pan to remove any remaining debris. Using a mildly abrasive sponge or plastic scraper, gently scrub away at any remaining gunk or food residue. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive brushes, as these can damage the finish on the broiler pan. If your broiler pan is made of cast iron, be especially gentle, as you want to retain the seasoning that has built up over time.

If you're having trouble removing stubborn stains, you can try using a product like Bar Keepers Friend, a non-abrasive scouring powder. Simply wet the pan, sprinkle the powder on the affected areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently scrub the stains away. For burnt-on grease, a mixture of apple cider vinegar and sugar can also be effective. Apply this mixture to the pan, wait an hour, and then wipe away the grease with a wet sponge.

Remember, the key to keeping your broiler pan clean is regular maintenance. Be sure to clean your pan thoroughly after each use to prevent stubborn stains from setting in. With the right techniques, you can keep your broiler pan in good condition for a long time.

Rinse and dry the pan before storing

Rinsing and drying your broiler pan before storing it is the final step in the cleaning process. It is important to ensure that you have thoroughly rinsed the pan of any remaining food residue, grease, or cleaning products. Use clear water to rinse the pan, and then dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel. Make sure that all parts of the pan are completely dry before storing it away. This will help to prevent rust and extend the life of your broiler pan.

If your broiler pan has a rack, make sure to dry both the rack and the pan thoroughly before reassembling them for storage. Leaving water on the rack or pan can lead to rusting and corrosion, so it is important to take the time to dry them properly.

Storing your broiler pan properly will also help to keep it in good condition. If possible, store your broiler pan in a cool, dry place that is away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This will help to prevent the pan from warping or becoming damaged over time. Additionally, consider placing a layer of parchment paper or a dry cloth between the rack and the pan to prevent scratches or damage during storage.

By taking the time to rinse, dry, and store your broiler pan properly, you can help ensure that it stays in good condition and is ready for your next cooking adventure.

Frequently asked questions