Hot Pot, Cool Grease: Cleaning Greasy Pot Holders

Grease-soaked pot holders are not only unsightly but also a safety hazard. The grease can fill up the airspace in the fabric, reducing its insulating power and increasing the risk of burns. To clean grease from pot holders, start by filling a sink with warm water and adding a few drops of soap. Let the pot holders soak for 10–15 minutes, then scrub any stains with a brush or rag. After that, launder as usual or boil them with a few drops of dish soap for 30 minutes before laundering. Alternatively, simply throw them into the washer on the hot cycle. To prevent grease stains, mist them with spray starch after each wash. For stubborn grease smells, try soaking in vinegar, using bleach or laundry detergent, or rubbing with baking soda before washing with dish soap.

Machine wash with other utilitarian fabrics

Machine washing your pot holders is an effective way to clean them. To start, check the laundering instructions on the tag sewn into the lining of your pot holder. If no tag is present, you can find the instructions online. Some manufacturers recommend laundering their models on the top rack of the dishwasher instead of in the washing machine.

When machine washing, wash your pot holders with other utilitarian fabrics, such as towels, or with other pot holders. This will likely be a small load, but most washers have a setting that lets you control for load size. Wash as you usually would and hang the items to dry.

Before throwing your pot holders into the dryer, ensure that all the grease has been removed. Give them a good scratch and sniff test. Throwing a greasy item into the dryer could result in a fire. If in doubt, line drying is the safest option. To speed up the drying process, gently squeeze or wring out as much water as possible.

After washing, misting your pot holders with spray starch can help prevent future grease stains.

Soak in warm soapy water, scrub, then launder

To effectively clean grease from your hot pot holders, follow these steps:

First, start by filling your sink with warm water. Ensure you have a clean and empty sink to work with. Add a few drops of soap to the warm water. You can also use a specific type of dish soap, such as Dawn, which is known to be effective against grease. Place your greasy pot holders in the sink and let them soak. The soaking time can vary, but it is recommended to let them soak for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This process helps to loosen and break down the grease, making it easier to remove.

Once the pot holders have soaked, it's time to scrub them. Use a brush or a rag to scrub any remaining stains or grease spots. Scrub gently but firmly, ensuring you cover all areas of the pot holders. Pay extra attention to any heavily stained or grease-soaked areas. You can also try using a pre-soak with baking soda or peroxide to help neutralize odours and give the grease something to cling to for easier removal.

After scrubbing, you can now launder the pot holders as usual. Check the care instructions on the pot holders to determine the appropriate washing method. Some pot holders can be machine washed, while others may recommend laundering on the top rack of the dishwasher. Wash them only with other pot holders or similar utilitarian fabrics, like towels, to avoid any potential damage.

Finally, when it comes to drying, it is recommended to hang the pot holders to dry instead of using a dryer. Give them a good inspection, ensuring all grease has been removed before drying. Line drying is the safest option, especially if you're unsure if any grease remains. By following these steps, you can effectively clean and remove grease from your hot pot holders, ensuring they are both clean and safe to use in your kitchen.

Boil in soapy water, then launder

To remove grease from hot pot holders, one method is to boil them in soapy water before laundering them as usual. This is a good method to try if your pot holders are too dirty for a standard wash.

First, fill a large pot with water and add a few drops of dish soap. Bring the water to a boil. You can use any type of dish soap, but Dawn is a popular choice. Next, add the greasy pot holders to the boiling water and let them "cook" for around 30 minutes. Use tongs to remove the pot holders from the hot water, being careful not to burn yourself.

After boiling, you can launder the pot holders as you usually would. Check the laundering instructions, as some manufacturers recommend cleaning pot holders in a dishwasher rather than a washing machine. Most sources advise against using a tumble dryer and suggest laying the pot holders flat to air dry. If you do choose to machine dry, be sure to check that all grease has been removed first, as it could cause a fire.

Neutralise odours with baking soda, then wash

To clean grease from hot pot holders, one method is to neutralise odours with baking soda, and then wash.

Baking soda is a well-known natural cleaner that can be used to eliminate unwanted smells. It is particularly effective at neutralising acidic odours, like those from sour milk, as it is an alkaline substance. When it comes into contact with acidic odours, it reacts to neutralise them, changing the pH and helping to eliminate the smell.

To use baking soda to neutralise odours in your pot holders, start by rubbing the powder into the fabric. You can also try soaking the pot holders in warm water with baking soda added. The baking soda will neutralise the odours and help to draw the grease out of the fabric. Leave the baking soda to work for at least 24 hours, or up to several days for stubborn smells.

After the baking soda has had time to work, you can then wash the pot holders. For a gentle wash, use a mild dish soap and warm water. You can hand wash the pot holders or use a machine wash. If using a machine, wash the pot holders with other utilitarian fabrics, like towels, and hang to dry.

For very greasy pot holders, you can try boiling them after washing. Bring a large pot of water to a boil with a few drops of dish soap, add the pot holders, and boil for 30 minutes. Then, launder as usual.

Mist with spray starch to prevent grease stains

Misting your pot holders with spray starch is an effective way to prevent grease stains. Spray starch is a concentrated form of starch that comes in an aerosol can and is used to stiffen fabric. It creates a thin layer of starch on the fabric that acts as a barrier between the fabric and dirt, sweat, and stains. This makes it easier to wash away grease and stains when doing laundry.

To use spray starch on your pot holders, follow these steps:

• Start with a freshly cleaned pot holder.
• Slightly dampen the pot holder with water.
• Hold the spray starch bottle about 6 to 10 inches away from the pot holder.
• Spray the starch evenly across the pot holder, moving the bottle back and forth to ensure an even coat.
• Allow the starch a few seconds to sink into the fabric.
• Use a hot iron to press down firmly on the pot holder, working in small sections at a time until all wrinkles are removed.
• Hang up the pot holder immediately after ironing.

It is important to note that you should always test spray starch on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it does not damage the fabric or leave any residue. Additionally, be careful not to use too much starch, as it can make the fabric stiff and uncomfortable.

By misting your pot holders with spray starch, you can help prevent grease stains and keep them looking crisp and fresh.

Frequently asked questions