Cleaning Grease Off Copper Pans: Quick And Easy Guide

Burnt grease on copper-coated pans can be a daunting task to clean but with the right techniques, it can be restored to its former glory. Before attempting to clean the pan, it is important to assess the severity of the burn. If there are only a few burnt food particles, a soft cloth and some dish soap should do the trick. For heavier burn marks, more aggressive cleaning methods may be necessary.

One method is to use natural cleaning solutions such as lemon juice and baking soda, vinegar and baking soda, or salt and lemon juice. Another option is to use chemical cleaning agents such as commercial copper cleaners. These can be effective in removing tough burnt-on stains but should be used with caution as they can be harsh on the hands and the copper itself.

It is also important to understand the properties of copper cookware. Copper is a reactive metal that can easily tarnish and corrode when exposed to acidic foods. It is also a soft metal that can scratch easily, so abrasive cleaning tools and products should be avoided.

With the right techniques and a little patience, burnt grease on copper-coated pans can be effectively cleaned.

Use a soft cloth and dish soap

If your copper-coated pan has only a few burnt grease particles, it can be cleaned with a soft cloth and some dish soap. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, fill your kitchen sink or a large bucket with very hot, soapy water. Make sure to use liquid dish soap. Allow the pan to soak for several hours. Replace the water with additional hot water if necessary, depending on how dirty the pan is.

Next, use a soft cloth or a non-abrasive scrubber to scrub the pan and remove the burnt-on grease. You can also use a soft sponge and a bit of elbow grease to get the grime off.

Once the burnt grease particles are removed, you can start the rinsing process. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to prevent water spots from forming. Use a clean towel to dry the pan thoroughly, and then use a soft cloth to polish it.

Finally, you can also use a natural copper cleaner, such as a paste made of lemon juice and baking soda, to apply to the copper surface and buff in a circular motion. Rinse and dry the pan again to finish the process.

Soak in hot, soapy water

If your copper-coated pan has burnt grease on it, one way to clean it is to soak it in hot, soapy water. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Allow the Pan to Cool

Before you start cleaning, it is important to let the pan cool down to room temperature. This is a crucial safety measure, as it prevents the risk of burns when handling the pan.

Step 2: Fill the Sink or a Large Container with Hot, Soapy Water

Run the tap until the water is hot, and mix in a generous amount of dish soap or liquid detergent. You want to create a solution that is sufficiently soapy to help loosen the burnt grease. If your sink is not big enough, you can use a large bucket or container.

Step 3: Soak the Pan

Submerge the pan completely in the hot, soapy water. Make sure that the water level is high enough to cover the entire pan, including the areas with burnt grease. Let the pan soak for several hours. The longer it soaks, the more effective it will be at loosening the burnt grease. If the water starts to cool down, replace it with fresh hot water.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After the pan has soaked for a few hours, use a non-abrasive scrubber or sponge to gently scrub the burnt grease areas. The hot, soapy water will have softened the grease, making it easier to remove. Work the scrubber in a circular motion, applying light to moderate pressure. If the grease is particularly stubborn, you may need to soak the pan for a little longer before trying again.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Once you have removed the burnt grease, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. Dry the pan immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth or towel. This step is important to prevent water spots and maintain the shine of your copper-coated pan.

Tips for Soaking in Hot, Soapy Water:

• If the burnt grease is extremely stubborn, you can try repeating the soaking process multiple times.
• For heavily burnt pans, you may need to combine this method with other cleaning techniques, such as using natural cleaning solutions or commercial copper cleaners.
• Always use non-abrasive tools when scrubbing copper-coated pans to avoid scratching the surface.
• To maintain your copper-coated pan and prevent future build-up, clean it regularly after each use with hot, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge.

Use a non-abrasive scrubber

If your copper-coated pan is burnt, you'll want to act fast. Burnt areas can range from light burnt spots to heavily burnt-on food, and the approach to cleaning will depend on the level of burnt marks on the pan. If the pan has only a few burnt food particles, it can be cleaned easily with a soft cloth and some dish soap. However, if the pan has heavy burn marks, then more aggressive cleaning methods may be necessary.

Before you begin, remove any burnt food particles from the pan. Fill your kitchen sink (or a large bucket) with very hot, soapy water and allow the pan to soak for several hours. Replace the water with additional hot water if necessary, depending on how dirty the pan is. Scrub the pan using a non-abrasive scrubber to remove burnt-on food.

Once the burnt food particles are removed, you can start the cleaning/polishing process. To clean a burnt copper pan, you can use a natural cleaning solution or a chemical cleaning agent.

Natural Cleaning Solutions

To clean a burnt copper pan naturally, start by mixing a thick paste of salt and lemon juice. Apply the paste to the bottom of the pan and scrub in a circular motion with a non-abrasive dish scrubber. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Another natural solution is to sprinkle salt on the surface of the pan and then rub it with half a lemon. The acidic solution will help remove stubborn stains. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Another option is to use a vinegar and baking soda solution. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and bring the mixture to a boil. Pour the mixture into a large bucket or sink so that the copper pan can be immersed and let it sit for several hours. Stir in a healthy dose of baking soda, (maybe the whole box!) After soaking, use a dish scrubber to remove any remaining residue. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Chemical Cleaning Agents

Chemical cleaning agents can be effective in removing tough burnt-on stains. One option is to use a commercial copper cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend. Apply the cleaner to the bottom of the pan and scrub with a soft cloth. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Using chemical cleaners can be hard on your hands and possibly on your copper pan. Take caution when using Bar Keepers Friend on copper.

Try a natural cleaning solution

Lemon and Salt

Cut a lemon in half and dip the exposed end in table salt. Rub the salty lemon over the burnt grease on the pan. Add more salt as needed to loosen the grease. Rinse the pan in warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Lemon and Baking Soda

Make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda. Apply the paste to the burnt grease and let it sit for at least five minutes. Use a damp cloth to buff the pan in a circular motion. Repeat as needed and then rinse and dry the pan.

Vinegar and Salt

Mix one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar with 1/4 cup of table salt to make a paste. Apply the paste to the burnt grease and let it sit for five minutes. Buff the pan with a damp, soft cloth in a circular motion. Rinse and dry the pan.

Ketchup

Cover the burnt grease with ketchup and let it sit for at least ten minutes. Wipe away the grease and ketchup with a sponge. If the grease is stubborn, add a little baking soda to the ketchup and scrub. Rinse and dry the pan.

Baking Soda and Water

Make a paste with three parts baking soda and one part water. Apply the paste to the burnt grease and let it sit for about ten minutes. Scrub the pan with a non-scratch sponge.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Mix equal parts vinegar and water and bring the mixture to a boil. Pour the mixture into a bucket or sink and immerse the pan in it for several hours. Stir in a generous amount of baking soda. After soaking, use a dish scrubber to remove any remaining residue. Rinse and dry the pan.

Use a chemical cleaning agent

If your copper-coated pan has burnt grease on it, you may want to try a chemical cleaning agent to remove the residue. While natural cleaning solutions can be effective, they often require more time and effort. Chemical cleaning agents, on the other hand, can provide a faster and more efficient solution.

One option is to use a commercial copper cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend. This cleaner is designed to work on a variety of surfaces, including copper, and can be an effective tool for removing burnt-on grease. To use it, apply the cleaner to the bottom of the pan and scrub with a soft cloth. Then, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly. Keep in mind that this product can be harsh on your hands, so it is recommended to wear gloves while handling it.

Another chemical cleaning agent you can use is a dishwasher tablet. This method is surprisingly effective and can leave your pan sparkling clean. Simply scrub the pan under warm water with the dishwasher tablet until all the grease is gone. While this method is convenient, it can be more expensive, as you may need to use multiple tablets to get the job done.

For a gentler option, you can try using baking soda and vinegar. This method combines two common household ingredients to create a powerful cleaning solution. Fill your pan with equal parts water and vinegar and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and remove the pan from the heat. Let the mixture soak for up to 15 minutes. Finally, discard the liquid, and use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining grease. If necessary, make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to any stubborn spots.

When using chemical cleaning agents, always exercise caution and follow the instructions on the product labels. It is also a good idea to test the product on a small, inconspicuous area of the pan first to ensure it won't damage the surface.

Frequently asked questions