Cleaning Grease From Pans: Easy And Effective Tricks

Grease stains on pans are not only unsightly, but they can also be harmful to your health and the quality of your cookware. Burnt-on grease can be difficult to remove, but there are several simple and effective methods to clean your pans and save them from an early trip to the dump.

How to Clean Grease from Pans

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. It is important to do this before applying any liquid or cleaning agents. You can use a spatula or scraper to dislodge and remove the burnt debris.

Step 2: Apply Vinegar

Pour white vinegar into the pan, ensuring it covers the bottom of the pan by at least half an inch. Place the pan on the stove and boil the vinegar, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes. The heat and acidity of the vinegar will help to loosen and dissolve the burnt grease.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down slightly. Then, add a generous amount of baking soda to the pan. You should see a fizzing reaction occur as the baking soda combines with the vinegar. This reaction helps to break down and loosen the burnt grease, making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop. The length of time this takes may vary, so be patient and allow the mixture to work. The longer you let it sit, the easier it will be to remove the grease. You can even let it sit overnight for best results.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

After the mixture has settled, discard the liquid and begin scrubbing the pan. Use a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, and add more baking soda as needed to create a mild abrasive scrub. Scrub vigorously to remove the burnt-on grease. You can also use a toothbrush to get into any crevices or corners of the pan.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once you have removed all the grease and stains, rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water. Ensure that all the residue is gone, and then dry the pan with a clean cloth or let it air dry.

Using baking soda and vinegar is a natural and effective way to clean your pans without the need for harsh chemicals. It may take some time and elbow grease, but the results will be rewarding. Remember to always exercise caution when handling hot pans and vinegar, and always ensure your work area is well-ventilated.

Dish soap and dryer sheets

Cleaning Grease from Pans with Dish Soap and Dryer Sheets

Step 1: Fill the Pan with Hot Water

Start by filling your greasy pan with very hot water. The amount of water added should be enough to cover the bottom of the pan, which is usually the area with the most grease buildup.

Step 2: Add Dryer Sheets and Dish Soap

Place two or three dryer sheets in the pan. Along with the dryer sheets, add a dash of dish soap. Any standard dishwashing liquid should work for this purpose.

Step 3: Let It Sit

Allow the pan to sit for an extended period. The longer you let the mixture soak, the more effective it will be at loosening the burnt grease. For best results, let it sit for at least an hour or even overnight.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse

After soaking, use a sponge or scrub brush to easily scrub off the grease with soap and water. Rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining residue.

Tips and Variations:

• This method works well for most types of pans, including stainless steel, non-stick, and ceramic pans. However, be cautious when using it on non-stick or ceramic pans, as some users have reported that the coating can be damaged if scrubbed too vigorously.
• For extremely stubborn grease, you can try adding a small amount of baking soda to the mixture. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can boost the cleaning power of the solution.
• If you don't have dryer sheets on hand, you can also try using other household items like lemon juice, vinegar, or ammonia instead of, or in addition to, the dryer sheets.

Oven cleaner

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use oven cleaner to clean grease from pans:

Step 1: Choose the Right Oven Cleaner

Select a store-bought oven cleaner designed to remove burnt-on grease. Look for products specifically formulated for oven cleaning, such as Cif Oven Cleaner or Easy-Off Professional Fume Free Max Oven Cleaner. These products contain powerful ingredients that can break down grease and food residue.

Step 2: Prepare the Pans

Before applying the oven cleaner, ensure the pans are free of any loose food particles or debris. Use a paper towel or a soft cloth to wipe away any large pieces of food or grease. This step ensures that the oven cleaner can focus on the burnt-on grease rather than fresh stains.

Step 3: Apply the Oven Cleaner

Coat the bottom of the pans generously with the oven cleaner. Follow the instructions on the product label for the recommended amount and application method. Some oven cleaners may require spraying, while others might be applied with a cloth or sponge. Make sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the strong chemicals.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Allow the oven cleaner to sit on the pans for several hours. For best results, it is recommended to let the cleaner sit overnight. This gives the chemicals enough time to penetrate and break down the burnt-on grease, making it easier to remove.

Step 5: Scrub and Rinse

After the oven cleaner has had sufficient time to work, use a scrubbing pad or a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the pans. Work in circular motions, paying extra attention to heavily greased areas. Once the grease is removed, rinse the pans thoroughly with warm water to remove any residual oven cleaner.

Step 6: Wash and Dry

Finally, wash the pans with hot soapy water to ensure they are completely free of oven cleaner residue. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wash the pans, then rinse them again with clean water. Dry the pans with a clean towel or air-dry them before storing or using them again.

Remember always to follow the safety instructions on the oven cleaner's label and take the necessary precautions when handling such chemicals. Additionally, it is advisable to test the oven cleaner on a small area of the pan first to ensure it doesn't damage the cookware's finish.

Boil the gunk away

Boiling the gunk away is an effective method for cleaning grease from pans. It is a simple and easy cleaning method that can be done in a few steps.

Firstly, fill the pan with water from the tap. It is important to ensure that the water is not too hot, as this can damage the pan. Add a few drops of dish soap to the water and place the pan on the burner. Let the water come to a gentle simmer, being careful not to burn yourself. The simmering water will help to soften and lift the burnt-on grease, while the dish soap will dissolve the oils.

Once the water has been simmering for a while and you can see that the grease is starting to lift, it is time to remove the pan from the heat. Be careful when handling the pan as it will be hot. Let the pan cool down until it is just warm. You may need to wear oven gloves or use tongs to handle the pan safely.

At this stage, the grease should be softened and easier to remove. Use a scouring pad or a sponge to gently scrub away the grease. For stubborn grease stains, you may need to use the abrasive side of the sponge. Be careful not to scratch the pan, especially if it is a non-stick pan. If the grease is still not coming off, you can try repeating the boiling process or using a different cleaning method, such as a baking soda paste.

Once you have removed the grease, wash the pan as normal with warm soapy water. Dry the pan thoroughly with a kitchen towel. It is important to make sure that the pan is completely dry before storing it away.

Cream of tartar and vinegar

Cream of tartar is a powerful cleaning agent that can be used to remove grease from pans. Here are the steps you can follow:

The Paste Method:

• Make a cleaning mixture by mixing equal parts of cream of tartar and vinegar. Adjust the consistency to form a paste, ensuring it is not too runny.
• Apply the paste to the affected areas of the pan using a piece of rag. Let it sit for at least an hour, or overnight for best results. The mixture will loosen the grease and stains.
• Scrub the pan with a sponge or cloth. Some elbow grease may be required, but avoid using very hard or abrasive materials.
• Repeat the process if necessary until the pan is clean.

The Boil Method:

• Make a cleaning solution by mixing 2 cups of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar in the pan. Stir the solution thoroughly with a spoon.
• Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Ensure the solution covers the affected area completely.
• Bring the solution to a boil and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes.
• Let the solution cool down in the pan. The grease and scorched food will loosen, making it easier to scrub.
• Once cooled, discard the solution and use a cloth or sponge to scrub the pan.
• Repeat the process if needed, especially for thick and stubborn buildup.

Tips:

• If you don't have cream of tartar, you can use baking soda as a replacement. Make a paste with water and baking soda and use it in the same way as the cream of tartar paste.
• To make your aluminum pans extra shiny, boil apple peels in them. Fill the pan with water, add apple peels, and boil for about half an hour. Then, scrub the pan to remove scorch marks and stains.
• Avoid washing aluminum pans in a dishwasher or soaking them in soapy water for extended periods, as this can lead to discoloration.
• Use a steel-wool soap pad to remove food and make scrubbing easier.

Frequently asked questions