The Best Grease-Busting Methods For Sparkling Clean Pans

Cleaning grease off pans can be a frustrating task. The good news is that there are several easy solutions available right in your kitchen pantry. Here are some common methods to effectively remove grease and make your pans sparkle again.

Characteristics of cleaning grease off of pans

Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap

To clean grease off pans with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap, you can follow these steps:

• Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a thick paste.
• Spread the paste across the greasy areas of the pan.
• Let the paste sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2-3 hours.
• Use a plastic scraper to remove the paste from the pan.
• Wash the pan with warm, soapy water and a scrub sponge.

For particularly stubborn grease stains, you can try adding a few drops of dish soap to the paste before applying it to the pan. Another option is to pre-soak the pan in vinegar for 30 minutes before applying the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste.

It is important to note that this cleaning method is recommended for aluminized steel pans only. If you are cleaning a non-stick pan, you can try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar instead.

Vinegar, salt, and baking soda

To clean grease off your pans with vinegar, salt, and baking soda, follow these steps:

Firstly, fill your sink with enough distilled white vinegar to fully submerge the bottom of your pan. Leave the pan to soak for an hour. This is an especially effective method for cleaning pans with light browning.

Next, pour salt onto the bottom of the pan. The coarse texture of the salt will act as an abrasive, helping to scrub away the grease. However, be aware that salt can scratch the finish on some pans, so proceed with caution.

Then, add a small amount of dish soap, such as Dawn, to a scrubbing pad or sponge. Scrub the bottom of the pan vigorously, adding more salt and dish soap as needed.

Finally, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining grease, salt, and dish soap.

For an even deeper clean, you can add baking soda to this process. After sprinkling salt onto the bottom of the pan, add a generous amount of baking soda, focusing on any stained areas. Then, spritz the baking soda with vinegar and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before scrubbing with a scouring pad.

This combination of vinegar, salt, and baking soda is a powerful way to remove grease from your pans quickly and effectively.

Ammonia and time

Ammonia is one of the best ways to clean a frying pan. It requires little effort and is super cost-effective. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use ammonia to clean grease off your pans:

• Place the pan in a garbage bag.
• Add a dash of ammonia.
• Leave the pan overnight.
• In the morning, the grease will have melted off.
• Wash the pan with soap and water.

This method is perfect for stove grates and drip pans, and it can be used on any type of pan, including non-stick, stainless steel, ceramic, and cast iron.

Some precautions to keep in mind:

• Ensure the area is well-ventilated when working with ammonia.
• Avoid direct contact with ammonia, as it can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
• Keep ammonia out of the reach of children and pets.

Oven cleaner

Step 1:

Spread oven cleaner generously on the bottom of the pan. Make sure to cover all the greasy areas.

Step 2:

Let the oven cleaner sit for a few hours. For best results, it is recommended to leave it overnight. This will give the cleaner enough time to break down the grease and make it easier to remove.

Step 3:

After the oven cleaner has had sufficient time to work, it's now time to scrub. Use a scrubbing pad or a non-scratch sponge to scrub the bottom of the pan vigorously. Pay extra attention to areas with stubborn, caked-on grease.

Step 4:

Once you're done scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with hot, soapy water. This step is crucial to ensure that all the oven cleaner residue is removed from the pan. Wash the pan as you normally would, ensuring that it is free from any cleaning product residue.

Tips and Precautions:

• Always follow the instructions and safety precautions provided by the manufacturer of the oven cleaner you are using.
• Some people may be apprehensive about using oven cleaner on their cookware. It is essential to choose a trusted brand and follow the instructions carefully.
• Oven cleaner can be harsh on some types of pans and may void the warranty. Therefore, it is recommended to try gentler methods first, such as using baking soda, vinegar, or other natural alternatives.
• Always use gloves when handling oven cleaner and ensure proper ventilation during the cleaning process.
• If you are sensitive to strong chemicals, consider using natural alternatives like baking soda, vinegar, or cream of tartar. These methods may require more time and elbow grease but can be just as effective.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, first, wet the surface of the pan. Then, sprinkle the powder on the pan and scrub with a sponge or soft cloth. For tougher stains, make a paste with the powder and water, and let it sit for a minute before scrubbing and rinsing. For very greasy or burnt pans, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a sponge.

Frequently asked questions