Cleaning Grease Off Copper Chef Pans: Easy Tips

Grease and oil stains on copper pans can be difficult to remove, especially if left uncleaned for a long time. The good news is that there are several ways to clean copper pans without damaging their finish or your wallet. Here are some tips and tricks to get your copper pans looking brand new.

Soak in vinegar for 24 hours

To clean built-on grease from your copper chef pans, a vinegar soak is an effective method. This technique is especially useful for pans with heavy stains.

Firstly, create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. For a stronger solution, you can use straight vinegar without diluting it. Next, fully submerge your copper pan in the vinegar solution. Leave it to soak for 24 hours, ensuring that the pan is completely covered in the liquid.

After the 24-hour soaking period, remove the pan from the vinegar solution. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the pan's surface, rinsing it thoroughly with water afterwards. Finally, dry the pan with a clean towel.

This process may need to be repeated for pans with heavy grease buildup. Remember to always exercise caution and avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals when cleaning your copper chef pans, as these can damage the surface.

Lemon and salt scrub

To clean your copper chef pan with a lemon and salt scrub, follow these steps:

• Cut a lemon in half.
• Dip the cut ends of the lemon in table salt.
• Rub the salty lemon over the exterior of the copper pan. The lemon acts as a scrub brush, and the salt helps to loosen the built-on grease and tarnish.
• Add more salt as needed to remove stubborn grease and tarnish.
• For tough stains, make a paste with lemon juice and salt or baking soda. Apply the paste to the pan and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the pan clean.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly with a lint-free microfiber cloth.

It is important to note that you should never use abrasive cleaners, scrubbing pads, or steel wool on copper pans, as these can damage the surface. Additionally, always dry your copper pan completely after washing to prevent water spots and slow down the tarnishing process.

Baking soda and vinegar paste

To clean baked-on grease from your copper pans, a paste made of baking soda and vinegar is a great option. This method should only be used on aluminium or aluminised steel pans.

• Use 1 part baking soda and 1 part vinegar (a good place to start is with 1/4 cup of each).
• Pour the baking soda onto the pan and spread it evenly.
• Add the vinegar to the pan and watch the two ingredients react with each other.
• Submerge the pan into a sink filled with hot water.
• Soak the pan for 30-60 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the water and wipe away the dirt and grime with a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth.
• Clean the pan with regular soap and water.

It is important to avoid using abrasive cleaning tools on copper pans, such as scrubbing pads, steel wool or harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach. Instead, use a soft sponge, brush or washcloth along with some mild dish soap.

Additionally, always dry your copper pans right after washing them, as moisture speeds up the tarnishing process.

Ketchup

To clean built-on grease from copper chef pans using ketchup, follow these steps:

• Spread ketchup over the tarnished areas of the pan with a sponge or cloth.
• Let the ketchup sit for at least 10 minutes. The acid in the tomatoes will help to break down the grease.
• Wipe away the tarnish and grease with a sponge or cloth.
• If the grease is tough to remove, add a little baking soda to the ketchup and scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge. Be careful not to scratch the copper surface.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining ketchup and grease.
• Dry the copper pan with a microfiber cloth or lint-free cloth to prevent water spots and slow down the tarnishing process.

Commercial copper cleaner

If you're looking for a commercial copper cleaner, there are several options available. Here are some products that can effectively remove built-on grease and tarnish from copper cookware:

Wright's Copper and Brass Cream Cleaner

Wright's Copper Cream is a popular choice for copper and brass items. It has a mild, non-scratching formula that won't damage the copper surface. It effectively removes tarnish and leaves behind a protective coating to prevent future tarnishing. This product is ideal for copper mugs, pots, pans, sinks, and doorknobs.

Flitz Brass and Copper Tarnish Remover

This spray-on formula is perfect if you want to avoid the hassle of scrubbing. Flitz Tarnish Remover starts working as soon as it is applied, and the tarnish will start dripping off. It is suitable for various surfaces, including copper, brass, fiberglass, glass, and porcelain. However, it is important to note that this product is a tarnish remover and not a polish, so it won't restore shine to your copper items.

Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser

Bar Keepers Friend is a low-priced, multipurpose cleaner that can be used on copper and other surfaces like glass, aluminum, porcelain, and steel. It is effective at removing rust, stains, and grime. However, it does require some elbow grease and scrubbing to achieve the desired results.

Twinkle Brass & Copper Cleaning Kit

The Twinkle Cleaning Kit is perfect for removing burnt-on stains and tarnish from copper cookware. It easily dissolves stains with minimal scrubbing, and it also includes a polishing compound to restore shine. This kit is suitable for copper pots, steel stovetops, bar reels, and other metal surfaces.

Rolite Brass & Copper Cleaner

Rolite is an industrial-grade copper cleaner used for fixtures, railings, elevators, and other surfaces. It cleans, shines, and protects copper, producing a brilliant shine. It is easy to use; simply apply it with a microfiber cloth and rub gently in a circular motion.

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