Cleaning Stainless Steel Pans: Removing Stubborn Grease

Stainless steel pans are a kitchen staple for many, but they can be a pain to clean. Burnt-on grease and food are common issues, but there are several ways to tackle them. One method is to use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend, which can be applied as a powder or mixed with water to form a paste. For a more natural approach, a paste made from baking soda and vinegar can be used to scrub away grease stains. Boiling water, dish soap, and baking soda is another inexpensive way to clean stainless steel pans. Simply fill the pan with water, add a few spoonfuls of baking soda, and bring to a boil. Let the pan cool, then scrub away the residue with a non-abrasive sponge.

Boil with water and baking soda

Boiling water is a great way to soften greasy surfaces and make it easier to scrub away burnt-on food or oil. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean stainless steel pans with baked-on grease using this method:

Step 1: Fill the Pan with Water and Dish Soap

Add water to the pan, making sure the water level exceeds that of the grease stains. Add a few drops of dish soap to help break down the oils.

Step 2: Bring the Water to a Boil

Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Keep an eye on the pan to ensure the water does not overflow or burn. Once the water has boiled, turn off the heat source.

Step 3: Let the Water Cool and Scrape Away Grease

Let the water sit in the pan until it is cool enough to handle but still relatively warm. Use a plastic or metal scraper to remove the baked-on grease. If some grease remains, fill the pan with water again and repeat the process.

Step 4: Wash and Dry the Pan

Wash the pan as you normally would and dry it with a paper towel or dishcloth. You may want to season the pan with a neutral-tasting oil to seal the surface and prevent food from sticking and burning in the future.

Tips:

• For bigger, tougher stains that climb up the sides of the pan, add a small mound of baking soda to the centre of the pan and cover with about 1/4 cup of water (adjust as needed for larger pans). Bring this to a boil and, as the water evaporates, it will leave a film of baking soda that you can scrub off.
• For extremely dirty pans, fully submerge them in a larger pot of boiling water and baking soda to boil off the stains. Choose a vessel that will fit your pan, such as a large stock pot for small skillets or a roasting pan for larger ones. Fill it with enough water to submerge (or mostly submerge) your pan. Add a generous amount of baking soda (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) and then carefully place your pan in the water. Reduce the heat to a gentle boil and let the pan cook for about 15 to 30 minutes, flipping or rotating it if necessary. You should start to see brown residue flaking off. Using tongs and oven mitts, remove the pan from the water and create an abrasive slurry with more baking soda and water to scrub away the rest of the stains while the pan is still hot.
• Always protect your hands with gloves, a towel, or oven mitts when cleaning a hot pan.
• To clean a pan you've just used, first, scrape out excess oil with a spatula or wipe it out with a paper towel. Then, deglaze the pan by adding some hot water. It is easier to clean a hot pan, and adding hot water won't damage it. However, always let your pan cool down before fully submerging it in cool water to avoid thermal shock, which can cause the pan to warp.

Use a commercial cleaner

To clean baked-on grease from your stainless steel pans, you can use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend. This product is an old-fashioned cleanser sold in most American supermarkets for around $3. Its active ingredient is oxalic acid, which works at the molecular level to break the bonds of stains.

Step 1: Moisten the pan

First, turn the pan upside down in your kitchen sink and spray it with plain water. Make sure the pan is wet enough, especially the areas with burnt-on grease.

Step 2: Apply the cleaner

Sprinkle the Bar Keepers Friend cleanser onto the bottom and sides of the pan. You can also make a solution by mixing the powder with a small amount of water to form a not-too-thick slurry. Pour this solution over the pan, ensuring it covers all the greasy areas.

Step 3: Let it soak

Let the cleanser or slurry sit on the pan for a few minutes. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be at breaking down the grease. For stubborn grease, you can let it soak for up to 5 minutes or even overnight.

Step 4: Scrub the pan

Using a non-abrasive scrubber, soft cloth, or sponge, gently scrub the paste or slurry into the scorched areas of the pan. You can also use a Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch sponge, which is specifically designed for this purpose. Scrub until the grease starts to loosen and come off.

Step 5: Rinse and repeat if necessary

Rinse the pan with clean water. If there are still some burn marks or grease left, repeat the process. For stubborn burn marks and carbon build-up, you may need to use a more powerful commercial cleaner, such as Carbon Off.

Benefits of using Bar Keepers Friend:

• It is designed to clean stainless steel without scratching or damaging the surface.
• The powdered formula is especially effective at removing burnt-on food and scorch marks.
• It is affordable, usually costing around $2 to $3.
• It can also be used to clean other surfaces like glass cooktops, stoneware, and even tiles.

By following these steps and using Bar Keepers Friend or a similar commercial cleaner, you can effectively remove baked-on grease from your stainless steel pans, restoring them to their former glory.

Boil with vinegar and water

Boiling vinegar and water is an effective way to clean stainless steel pans with baked-on grease. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Fill the Pan with Vinegar and Water

Add one part vinegar to three parts water to your stainless steel pan. Ensure the liquid covers the baked-on grease. You can also add a few drops of dish soap to help break down the oils.

Step 2: Bring the Mixture to a Boil

Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Bring the mixture to a boil. Keep a close eye on the pan to prevent it from over-boiling and overflowing. Once the water has boiled, turn off the heat.

Step 3: Let it Cool

Allow the mixture to cool down until it is safe to handle but still relatively warm. This step is important as it softens the greasy surface, making it easier to remove the stains.

Step 4: Scrape the Grease Stains

Use a plastic scraper, such as a flat cake smoother, or a metal scraper to remove the baked-on grease. If some stains persist, repeat the process or try scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge.

Step 5: Wash and Dry

Finally, wash the pan as you normally would and dry it with a paper towel or dishcloth. You can also season the pan with a neutral-tasting oil to create a protective layer and prevent food from sticking and burning in the future.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove baked-on grease from your stainless steel pans, leaving them clean and ready for your next culinary adventure!

Sprinkle with baking soda

To clean stainless steel pans with baked-on grease, sprinkling with baking soda is an effective method. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda liberally onto the surface of the pan. Ensure the pan is dry before sprinkling. You can also add a small amount of water to create a paste or slurry. This paste can be applied to specific areas with burnt-on grease or food residue.

Step 2: Let it Sit

Allow the baking soda to sit on the pan for a few minutes. For more stubborn stains, you can leave it for several hours or even overnight. The longer you leave it, the more effective it will be at breaking down the grease and stains.

Step 3: Scrub

Using a scouring pad or the scrubby side of a sponge, scrub off the crusty food or burnt-on grease. For tougher stains, use a scrubby sponge or a kitchen scrub brush. You may need to put some muscle into it, but the baking soda will help lift the grease and stains, making them easier to remove.

Step 4: Repeat if Necessary

If there are still some stubborn stains or grease remaining, simply repeat the process. Sprinkle more baking soda onto the pan, add a little water if needed, and let it sit again before scrubbing.

Tips:

• For really tough stains, you can create a stronger cleaning solution by combining baking soda with natural cleaning agents like vinegar, lemon juice, or salt.
• Always make sure you thoroughly dry your pans after cleaning to prevent water spots and dried calcium spots from developing.
• Avoid using steel wool or harsh scrubbers, as these can scratch the surface of your stainless steel pans.

Use lemon and salt

Lemon and salt can be used to clean stainless steel items without resorting to chemical cleaners. This method is especially useful for vertical surfaces. It also leaves a refreshing scent in your kitchen.

To clean your stainless steel pans with lemon and salt, first, slice a lemon in half. You will only need one half of the lemon to clean your stainless steel items, so you can store the other half in the fridge for later use. Lemons contain high amounts of citric acid, which dissolves soap scum and hard water spots, and breaks down grease and oil stains.

Next, dip the lemon in a mixture of fine and rock salt. Using only fine salt is inadequate as it cannot provide a proper abrasive action, while rock salt cannot reach into small dents and scratches. By using a combination of the two, you get a powerful scrubber that can be used on any surface.

Now, use the lemon as a scrubber and squeeze a bit of juice over the stain. As the juice works to dissolve the stains, the salt will scrub them out. Go in firm, circular motions, or follow the grain of the stainless steel surface to avoid leaving streaks.

Finally, wipe the solution away with a damp cloth (dampened with warm water), then dry the surface with a soft cloth. Apply an oil sealant to protect the stainless steel item from moisture and dust.

Frequently asked questions