Effective Ways To Clean Oil Off Your Cookware

Cleaning oil off pots and pans can be challenging, especially when dealing with burnt grease or stubborn residue. The key to effective cleaning is to use the right techniques and products to remove the oil without damaging the surface of your cookware. This introduction will explore various methods and tips for tackling oily pots and pans, from natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda to commercial products like oven cleaner, as well as preventative measures to reduce the buildup of sticky oil.

Baking soda and vinegar

Cleaning oil off pots and pans with baking soda and vinegar is a great natural method that doesn't require harsh chemicals. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Rinse the Pan

First, rinse the pan with hot water to remove any loose gunk, grime, or food residue. This will expose the burnt layer underneath.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar and Water

For this step, you have two options depending on the amount of staining on your cookware.

Option 1: Baking Soda Paste

Create a cleaning paste using baking soda and vinegar or warm water. Apply this paste directly to the burnt areas of your pan. This method is best for small stain spots.

Option 2: Submerge in Vinegar and Water Solution

If your pot or pan is heavily stained, fill a large container with vinegar and water and dissolve some baking soda in the solution. Submerge your cookware entirely in this mixture.

Step 3: Let the Mixture Sit

As the baking soda sits, it will start to dissolve and lift away any traces of burnt oil, baked-on food, and other stains. The vinegar will help degrease the pan and soften the hardened food bits.

Step 4: Scrub the Stains Away

Use a soft brush to clean non-stick pans and a scouring pad or scrubbing pad for stainless steel cookware. For heavily soiled pans, add more baking soda to the pan as it is a gentle yet abrasive scrubber.

Step 5: Wash with Dish Soap

Once all the stains are gone, wash the pan with dish soap and let it dry. You can place it on an open stove to quickly evaporate the moisture.

Tips:

• Always let the pan cool down before cleaning.
• Avoid using steel wool scrubbers as they may scratch the surface, creating notches where stains can stick.
• For a heavy-duty cleaning option, add white vinegar to the baking soda. This will create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove oil and burnt food from your pots and pans, leaving them clean and ready for your next culinary adventure!

Soaking in hot water

• Fill your sink or a large basin with hot water. Ensure the water is deep enough to completely submerge the pot or pan.
• Add a few drops of dish soap to the hot water. The soap will help to break down the oil and grease, making it easier to remove.
• Submerge the pot or pan in the soapy water. Let it soak for at least 15 to 20 minutes. The hot water and soap will work together to loosen and dissolve the oil.
• After soaking, use a soft sponge or brush to gently scrub away any remaining oil or grease. Pay close attention to areas with baked-on or burnt-on oil, as these areas may require a little more effort.
• Rinse the pot or pan thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
• Dry the cookware with a clean cloth or let it air dry. Ensure the pot or pan is completely dry before storing it away.

Lemon juice

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Juice

Start by squeezing fresh lemon juice onto the greasy areas of the pot or pan. You can also cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to rub the lemon juice onto the surface. If you don't have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can be used as an effective alternative.

Step 2: Let it Sit

Allow the lemon juice to sit on the greasy areas for a few minutes. The acidity of the lemon juice will help break down the oil and make it easier to remove. During this time, you can also prepare a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Step 3: Scrub and Rinse

After letting the lemon juice sit, use a sponge or a brush to scrub the greasy areas. The lemon juice will have loosened the oil, making it easier to remove. Once you've scrubbed away the oil, rinse the pot or pan thoroughly with water to remove any remaining lemon juice and grease.

Additional Tips:

• For stainless steel cookware, rub half a lemon around the bottom and sides after rinsing for extra shine.
• Lemon juice can also be used in combination with baking soda to create a more heavy-duty cleaning solution. Simply sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the pan, add a thin layer of water, and use a lemon half to scour the pan, creating a baking soda and lemon slurry.
• While lemon juice is great for removing oil and grease, it is not a disinfectant. Be sure to use proper cleaning supplies to eliminate harmful germs from cooking surfaces.
• Always rinse items cleaned with lemon juice afterward with warm water and gentle soap, and then dry them with a clean microfiber cloth.
• Do not use lemon juice to clean natural stone (tile, counters, floors, or countertops) or brass-plated items, as it can cause corrosion.

Salt

Step 1: Scrape Off Excess Oil

Before applying salt or any other cleaning agent, always remove any excess oil or food particles from the cookware. Use a spatula or a plastic scraper to ease the cleaning process.

Step 2: Apply Salt

Sprinkle a generous amount of salt onto the greasy areas of your pot or pan. The salt will act as a scrubbing agent, helping to loosen and lift the sticky oil.

Step 3: Scrub with a Damp Sponge or Brush

After applying the salt, use a damp sponge or brush to gently scrub the greasy areas. The salt will provide an abrasive surface, making it easier to remove the oil without damaging the cookware.

Step 4: Rinse with Hot Water

Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the pot or pan with hot water to remove any remaining salt and oil residue. Ensure that you rinse thoroughly to prevent any salt or oil buildup.

Step 5: Dry with a Clean Cloth

After rinsing, use a clean cloth to dry off the cookware. This will help prevent water spots and ensure your pots and pans are ready for their next use.

Tips for Using Salt to Clean Oil:

• Salt is a natural and effective alternative to commercial cleaners, which may contain harsh chemicals.
• For stubborn oil residue, you can create a paste by adding a small amount of water to the salt. Use a sponge or soft brush to gently scrub the paste onto the greasy areas.
• While salt is a great option for removing oil, it may not be suitable for all cookware. For example, stainless steel cookware can be vulnerable to corrosion and pitting if exposed to salt over time.
• Always rinse and dry your cookware thoroughly after using salt to prevent any residual salt buildup.

Bar Keeper's Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular product for cleaning pots and pans. It is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that is ideal for stainless steel items, though it can be used on other things, too, such as enameled cast iron. It can remove tough stains, rust, tarnish, and mineral deposits from most surfaces. It also helps to protect the surfaces of your pans, preventing them from rusting and tarnishing in the future.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, wet the surface of the item you are cleaning, then scrub. The product does not work up a lather, so you will need to scrub with the faucet off, using just the moisture on the surface of the pan to turn the powder into a paste. If needed, you can add a small amount of water to hydrate the powder. For very stained or greasy pans, you can start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a soft sponge or rag.

It is important to rinse the item well after cleaning. The product recommends not letting it sit on the surface for longer than a minute, but you can scrub for longer than that. If you are scrubbing a lot of pots, it may be a good idea to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin as the product is abrasive.

Bar Keepers Friend is not suitable for non-stick cookware as it can scratch off the coating. It is also not suitable for use on natural stone materials such as granite or marble, or on precious metals such as pewter, silver, or gold.

Frequently asked questions