Clean Oily Containers And Pans: Easy And Effective Tricks

Cleaning oily containers and pans can be a challenging task. Oily residue and stubborn stains are often left behind, requiring extra elbow grease to remove. However, there are several effective methods to tackle this issue. For plastic containers, one popular hack involves adding dish soap, warm water, and ripped-up paper towels to the container, shaking it vigorously, and then rinsing it out. This method has gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter. Another approach is to use undiluted dishwashing soap, which can be applied directly to oily spots and rubbed in with fingers or a damp sponge. This technique is especially effective against tough grease. Additionally, hot water can be used to warm up the oil and help release it from the surface of the container. For lip stick stains, a combination of melt and pour soap, baking soda, and boiling water has proven useful. These methods aim to cut down on cleaning time and restore containers to their original, clean state.

Use hot water

Using hot water is an effective way to clean oily containers and pans. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use hot water to tackle the greasy mess:

Step 1: Rinse with Hot Water

Firstly, fill your dirty pan or container with hot water. This initial rinse will help to remove any loose gunk, grime, or thin layers of food residue. The hot water may even be able to dissolve oils, especially if they are still warm and have not yet hardened.

Step 2: Bring Water to a Boil (for Scorched Pans)

If you're dealing with a scorched stainless steel pan, fill it with water and place it on the stove. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil for 5-7 minutes. The steam and high temperature will help to loosen burnt-on food. After this, pour out the hot water.

Step 3: Soak in Hot Water

For stubborn, baked-on oil and food particles, a hot water soak can work wonders. Fill the container or pan with hot water, making sure to cover all the sides. Let the item soak for 15-20 minutes or until the food softens and can be easily removed. If you didn't soak the item immediately after cooking, don't worry. You can add hot water later and let it soak overnight, then wash it in the morning.

Step 4: Scrub Away Remaining Bits

After soaking and loosening the food particles, use a sponge or scrubber to wipe away any remaining food residue. For glass or metal baking dishes, use the scrubby side of a sponge to wipe away residue after soaking. For cast iron pans, avoid using abrasive sponges as they can ruin the seasoning. Instead, use a soft sponge or cloth, and if needed, kosher salt and warm water to help loosen residue.

Tips for Using Hot Water:

• Be cautious when using boiling water with plastic containers. Boiling water can warp or melt the plastic. Instead, use water that is hot enough to warm the oil and help release it from the surface.
• For cast iron pans, always rinse with hot or boiling water and avoid using steel wool scrubbers as they can scratch the surface, creating notches where stains can stick.
• If you're dealing with greasy pans, it's best to avoid using hot water as it can emulsify grease, causing it to solidify and coat your pipes as it cools. This can lead to clogged pipes and expensive plumbing issues. Opt for cold water instead.

Apply undiluted dish soap

When it comes to cleaning oily containers and pans, one effective method is to apply undiluted dish soap directly to the stubborn oily spots. This technique is particularly useful for removing tough grease from plastic containers. Here's how to do it:

First, if there are any remaining oils or fats in the container, wipe them out with a paper towel or kitchen towel. You can also use a paper towel or tissue to absorb any excess oil before cleaning. This step ensures that the majority of the oil is removed before applying the dish soap.

Next, apply the dish soap directly to the oily spots. Use your fingers or a damp sponge to rub the soap into the grease. For plastic containers, you can also add a few drops of dish soap, along with warm water and a few pieces of ripped-up paper towel, and then secure the lid and shake the container vigorously for about 45 seconds to a minute. This method agitates the liquid inside and helps remove the grease without the need for scrubbing.

For pans, you can try a similar approach by applying dish soap and then using a scrub brush to get into the crevices and remove the grease. However, keep in mind that it's important to use cold water when washing greasy pans to avoid clogging your drain or damaging your pipes.

By following these steps and using undiluted dish soap, you can effectively remove stubborn grease and oil from containers and pans, leaving them squeaky clean and ready for reuse.

Try a viral cleaning hack

A viral cleaning hack from TikTok can help you get rid of those stubborn greasy stains in your plastic containers. The hack was shared by TikTok user @adikempler, who posted a video demonstrating how to remove grease stains from plastic food containers. The video has garnered over 500,000 views and counting.

The hack is simple and effective. All you need is some dish soap, warm water, and a paper towel. First, put a little bit of dish soap and warm water into the stained container. Then, add a few small pieces of torn paper towels. Next, seal the lid and shake the container vigorously for 45 seconds to one minute. Finally, rinse out the container.

The shaking motion, combined with the soap and water, helps to dislodge the grease stains, and the paper towel absorbs the grease, leaving your container squeaky clean. This method is especially useful if you don't have a dishwasher and have to hand wash your containers.

This hack has been tried and tested by many people, and it has received rave reviews. People have commented that it is a "game-changer" and the "#1 most helpful TikTok" they've ever seen. So, if you're struggling with greasy containers, give this viral hack a try!

Sprinkle baking soda

If you're looking for a way to clean oily containers and pans, baking soda is a great option. It's a non-toxic, inexpensive household ingredient with mild abrasive properties that can help eliminate burned-on food, tough stains, and lingering food odours. Here's how you can use it:

• Start by sprinkling a liberal amount of baking soda onto the oily surface of your container or pan. You want to cover the entire area that needs to be treated.
• For more resistant stains, you can add a little water to create a paste or slurry. Use just enough water to form a thin paste that will stay on the surface.
• Let the baking soda sit on the surface for a few minutes. This gives it time to absorb the oil and loosen any burned-on food or tough stains.
• After a few minutes, take a damp sponge or cloth and begin to scrub the surface. You may need to use a little elbow grease for particularly stubborn areas, but the baking soda should help lift the oil and grime away.
• Once you're satisfied, rinse the container or pan with warm water to remove any remaining baking soda and grime.
• Finally, wash the container or pan with dish soap and warm water as you normally would. Dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth or towel.

Baking soda is a great, gentle option for cleaning your oily containers and pans. It's important to note that you should avoid using steel wool or abrasive scrubbers on non-stick or delicate surfaces, as they can cause scratching. With baking soda and a gentle scrubber, you'll have your containers and pans looking like new in no time!

Use vinegar and water

Vinegar is a great way to clean oily containers and pans, and it can be used in several ways. Here is a detailed guide on how to use vinegar and water to tackle greasy and burnt-on stains:

For Plastic Containers:

• Start by removing the lid and giving the container a quick rinse with hot water to remove any food remnants.
• Next, fill the container with vinegar. Use pure distilled white vinegar, and add enough to cover any stained areas.
• Place the lid back on and let the vinegar soak for around 30 minutes. This helps break down discolouration and neutralise odours. For heavier stains, you can leave it for an hour or more.
• After soaking, pour out the vinegar and squirt a few drops of liquid dish detergent into the container.
• Use a kitchen sponge or stiff-bristled nylon brush to scrub the container vigorously. Focus on any remaining stains, but avoid using anything more abrasive than a sponge to prevent scratching the plastic.
• Finally, rinse the container with warm water and dry it thoroughly before putting the lid back on.

For Pans:

• For burnt pans, fill the pan with enough white vinegar to cover the stains.
• Let the vinegar sit in the pan for about two hours.
• Dip a nylon scrubbing pad into the vinegar and scrub the pan to remove the burnt residue.
• Rinse the pan with hot water.
• For a deeper clean, mix equal parts water and vinegar in the pan and place it on the stove.
• Bring the mixture to a boil for about 10 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat, let it cool slightly, and scrub again with the nylon pad. Rinse and repeat as needed until all burnt residue is removed.

For Stainless Steel Pans:

• Simply pour some white vinegar into the pan and swirl it around. You can use a rag to wipe it up the sides of deeper pots.
• The vinegar will react with the metal, making rainbow stains disappear instantly.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly.

For Non-Stick Pans:

• Allow the pan to cool completely before cleaning.
• Mix one part white vinegar with one part water in the pan. If using undiluted vinegar, use two parts water.
• Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape off any stuck-on food bits.
• Soak the pan in hot soapy water for a few minutes, then wipe away any remaining food particles.
• Rinse the pan and let it dry on a rack.

Remember to always use non-abrasive cleaning tools with non-stick pans to avoid scratching and damaging the surface. Also, avoid leaving vinegar on the pan overnight, as it may corrode and damage the coating.

Frequently asked questions