Get Rid Of Burned Fat From Your Pan Easily

Burnt-on grease is a common problem for pots and pans, but there are several simple solutions to tackle this issue. One method is to use a commercial oven cleaner, which is designed to work in the oven and contains powerful and effective ingredients to return cookware to their former glory. Another approach is to use baking soda, which can neutralise the acid in grease, making it easier to wipe off. For stainless steel and enamel pots and pans, a mixture of water and baking soda can be brought to a boil and allowed to simmer for 15 minutes, after which the burnt-on food should come off easily. For cast-iron pans, coarse salt can be used as an abrasive to help unglue burnt-on food without damaging the pan.

Soak the pan in hot water and washing-up liquid

So, you've burned your pan. Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. The first thing you'll want to do is fill your pan with hot water and add some washing-up liquid. You can also add a little vinegar to the mix. Let the pan soak for at least 15 minutes, but the longer you leave it, the easier it will be to clean. If you're using vinegar, you shouldn't need to leave it for longer than 15 minutes.

While you're waiting, you can start to scrub some of the other dishes or make a start on the mountain of laundry that's been piling up. You could also put your feet up and enjoy a well-deserved break.

Once your timer goes off, grab a sponge or scouring pad and get to work on removing the burnt-on food. You might need to put in a little elbow grease, but the hot water and washing-up liquid will have loosened the dirt, making it easier to remove. If the burnt-on food is being stubborn, you can repeat the process or try using a plastic pan scraper to remove the residue without scratching the pan.

And that's it! Your pan should now be sparkling clean and ready to use again. Remember to always set a timer when you're cooking, and try to keep an eye on your pans to prevent burning in the future. Happy cooking!

Use a wire brush to scrub the pan

Using a wire brush to scrub away burnt fat from a pan is an effective method, but it's important to ensure the brush is suitable for the pan. Here are some detailed steps and tips for using a wire brush to clean your pan:

• Soak the Pan: Before scrubbing, it's best to loosen the burnt-on grease. Soak the pan in hot water mixed with a small amount of washing-up liquid. This will help to soften the burnt fat, making it easier to remove.
• Select the Appropriate Wire Brush: Choose a wire brush that is suitable for the type of pan you're cleaning. For example, if you're cleaning a non-stick pan, opt for a brush with softer bristles to avoid damaging the coating.
• Scrub the Pan: Once the pan has soaked, use the wire brush to scrub away the burnt fat. Apply firm pressure and work the brush in circular motions across the surface of the pan. Pay close attention to the edges and corners of the pan, as burnt fat tends to accumulate in these areas.
• Rinse and Repeat: After scrubbing, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any dislodged fat and debris. If necessary, repeat the soaking and scrubbing process until the pan is thoroughly cleaned.
• Dry the Pan: After rinsing, dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. Ensure that all water residue is removed to prevent water spots or mineral buildup.
• Maintain Your Pan: To reduce the frequency of deep cleaning, maintain your pan by cleaning it promptly after each use. Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive sponges that can scratch the surface and make it more susceptible to burnt-on fat.
• Consider Alternative Methods: While a wire brush is effective, it may not be suitable for all pan types. For non-stick pans, you can try using a paste made from baking soda and water or a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend. Soak the pan in hot water, apply the paste or cleaner, and scrub with a non-scratch sponge.

Use baking soda and vinegar

To clean a burnt pan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Pour enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 0.5 inches of liquid.
• Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of baking soda. You will get a fizzing reaction. It might be best to do this in the sink.
• Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling dies down.
• Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary.
• Rinse clean and dry.

Use dishwasher tablets

If your pans have burnt, blackened marks and stains, a dishwasher tablet can be a great solution. This method is simple, quick, and effective.

First, wet the dishwasher tablet with warm water. You can also warm up the pan on low heat. Then, wearing gloves, rub the tablet on the bottom of the pan, focusing on the burnt areas. The tablet will act as both a detergent and a scouring pad, breaking down the grime and lifting it off the pan.

You may need to use more than one tablet, especially if you are cleaning a large or heavily burnt pan. The process can be a little slow, but it is worth the wait. After scrubbing with the tablet, wash the pan with hot, soapy water as normal.

This method is a great alternative to other cleaning hacks, which can be time-consuming and require a lot of elbow grease. With a dishwasher tablet, you can have a clean, sparkling pan in just a few minutes.

Use Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular product for cleaning burnt pans. It is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that can be used on stainless steel items and other materials like copper, ceramic, and cast iron.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, follow these steps:

• Wet the surface of the pan.
• Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend onto the pan.
• Scrub the surface with a soft wet cloth, sponge, or brush. For very dirty pans, you can start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a softer sponge.
• Rinse the pan with clean water.

For tougher stains, you can make a paste with Bar Keepers Friend and water. Apply the paste to the pan, leave it for a minute, and then wash, rinse, and dry the pan.

Bar Keepers Friend is a useful product for removing burnt-on grease and stains from pans. It can be used on a variety of surfaces and is an effective way to make pans look new again.

Frequently asked questions