Get Rid Of Hardened Oil: Clean Your Pan Easily

Cleaning burnt oil from pans can be challenging. Olive oil, butter, and other greasy residues can stick to a hot pan, burning and causing stubborn stains. Baked-on oil and food particles can also damage your pans, and the burnt bits can get into your meals, which can be dangerous for your health. While there are commercial cleaning solutions available, some of these contain harsh and toxic chemicals. Homemade solutions, on the other hand, are inexpensive and allow you to control the ingredients.

Characteristics of cleaning hardened oil from a pan

Rinse the pan with hot water

Rinsing the pan with hot water is the first step in cleaning hardened oil from it. This serves to remove any loose gunk or grime on the pan, exposing the burnt layer underneath. It is also possible that hot water will dissolve the oils if there is only a thin layer of food residue.

It is important to let the pan cool before rinsing it with hot water. This will ensure that you do not burn yourself during the cleaning process. Once the pan is cool to the touch, turn on the hot water and adjust it to a temperature that is comfortable for you. Use a sponge or cloth to apply the hot water to the pan, making sure to cover the entire surface. If there are any areas of the pan that are particularly greasy, you may want to use a mild dish soap in conjunction with the hot water to help cut through the grease. Continue rinsing the pan until you no longer see any signs of grease or grime.

If the pan has a large amount of staining, you may need to let it soak in hot water for a while before attempting to scrub it. Fill the sink with hot water and add a small amount of dish soap. Place the pan in the sink and let it soak for 15-20 minutes. This will help to loosen any remaining grease and grime, making it easier to remove.

It is worth noting that hot water alone may not be enough to completely remove hardened oil from a pan. You may need to use a mild dish soap or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda in addition to the hot water to fully clean the pan. However, rinsing with hot water is an important first step in the process of removing hardened oil and will make the subsequent steps more effective.

Apply baking soda and vinegar

To clean hardened oil from a pan using baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

First, fill your pan with water. The exact amount of water will depend on the size of your pan. For context, a standard 20cm pan will require 1 cup of water, while a larger pan will need about 2 cups.

Next, add vinegar and baking soda to the water. For a 20cm pan, use 2 teaspoons each of vinegar and baking soda. For a larger pan, use 1 tablespoon of each. You can also add a mild dish soap to the mixture, using the same quantities as the vinegar and baking soda.

Now, place the pan on your stove and turn the heat to a medium setting. Allow the mixture to boil for about 10 minutes. Adjust the heat level as needed to prevent the liquid from boiling over.

After boiling, use a wooden spatula to scrub the oil stains. Boil the mixture for another 5 minutes. Then, drain the liquid and gently scrub the pan with a sponge and some mild dish soap.

If any burnt foods or stains remain, try the paste method. Combine 1 tablespoon each of baking soda, vinegar, and mild dish soap in a small bowl and mix well to make a paste. You can adjust the quantities based on the size of your pan. Add the paste to your pan. Then, shape plastic wrap into a ball and use it to scrub the pan until the stains are removed.

Finally, gently scrub the pan with a soft sponge and some mild dish soap. Rinse the pan thoroughly, ensuring that all traces of grease are gone.

Soak in a vinegar and water solution

To clean hardened oil from a pan, one method is to soak it in a vinegar and water solution. This method is effective for heavily stained pots and pans.

First, fill a large container with a mixture of 20% vinegar and 80% water. Dissolve some baking soda in the solution. Then, submerge the pan in the mixture, ensuring that every part of the pan is covered by the liquid. Leave the pan to soak. The baking soda mixture will work to dissolve and lift away any traces of burnt oil, food, and other stains. The vinegar will also help to degrease the pan and soften any hardened food bits.

Once the pan has soaked, use a soft brush or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining residue. For non-stick pans, use a soft brush to avoid damaging the pan's surface. For stainless steel pans, a scouring pad can be used.

After scrubbing, wash the pan with dish soap and water to remove any remaining oil or baking soda residue. Finally, dry the pan or place it on the stove to evaporate any remaining moisture. Allow the pan to cool before storing it away.

Scrub stains with a soft brush

Once you've rinsed your pan with hot water and applied a baking soda paste or vinegar solution, it's time to scrub away those hardened oil stains with a soft brush.

For non-stick and sensitive cookware, opt for a soft brush to gently scrub away the softened stains. If you're dealing with a stainless steel pan, a scouring pad or scrubbing pad can be used to remove the stains without damaging the surface.

For heavily stained pots and pans, you can add more baking soda to the pan as you scrub. Baking soda is a gentle yet abrasive scrubber, so it will help lift away those stubborn traces of burnt oil and food residue.

Remember to scrub in the direction of the pan's grain to avoid scratching the surface. This is especially important if you're using a scouring pad or scrubbing pad on stainless steel cookware.

Take your time and apply gentle yet firm pressure as you work the soft brush or scouring pad across the stained areas. You may need to spend a little extra time and effort on particularly stubborn stains, but with some patience and elbow grease, those hardened oil stains will be a thing of the past!

Wash with dish soap

Once you have removed the burnt-on oil stains from your pan, it is time to wash it with dish soap. This final step is important as it will clear away any remaining oil residue and ensure your pan is ready to be used again.

Begin by rinsing the pan with hot water to remove any loose particles. Then, apply a generous amount of dish soap to the pan, using a sponge or cloth to work up a lather. Be sure to cover the entire surface, including the sides and handles, to remove any remaining traces of oil or baking soda residue from the previous cleaning steps.

Scrub the pan gently but thoroughly, paying extra attention to any areas where oil or grease tend to build up. Rinse the pan with hot water again to remove the soap and any remaining residue. Repeat this process if necessary until the pan is completely clean and free of any soapy residue.

Finally, dry the pan thoroughly. You can place it on an open stove to quickly evaporate any remaining moisture, or simply let it air dry. Ensure the pan is completely dry and cool before storing it away.

Frequently asked questions