Cleaning Grease: Removing Burnt Grease From Pots And Pans

Burnt grease on pots and pans can be a pain to clean, but there are several methods to tackle this issue. One method is to use a commercial oven cleaner, which can effectively eliminate burnt-on food and tough grease. Another approach is to soak the pan in hot water mixed with washing-up liquid, and then use a wire brush to remove the grease. For a natural cleaning method, you can try using baking soda and vinegar. Simply fill your dirty pan with equal parts water and vinegar, bring the mixture to a boil, add baking soda, and let it soak. Afterwards, discard the liquid and scrub away any remaining burnt bits.

Baking soda and vinegar

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

• First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Next, fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar.
• Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Then, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let it soak for up to 15 minutes.
• After soaking, discard the liquid down the drain.
• Use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits.
• If spots remain, apply a paste made of baking soda mixed with a little water and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

This method works because baking soda has mild abrasive properties and its alkaline pH can help neutralize acidic burnt foods. Additionally, when combined with an acid like vinegar, the two create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

Dishwasher tablets

Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue from the dishwasher tablet. Finally, wash the pan with warm, soapy water as you normally would. This method is a quick and easy way to remove burnt grease and restore your pots and pans to their former glory.

It is important to note that this method may not work for all types of pans. For example, one person reported that while their Raco pan came out sparkling, their IKEA pan still had some burnt-on marks. Additionally, this method may require the use of multiple dishwasher tablets, which could make it a pricey option.

Overall, using dishwasher tablets is a convenient and effective way to clean burnt grease from your pots and pans, but it may not work for all types of cookware.

Boiled lemons

Step 1: Remove any loose food or debris from the pot or pan. It is important to get rid of as much of the burnt residue as possible before proceeding.

Step 2: Cut two to three lemons into quarters or thick slices. You can also use leftover lemon peels and squeezed lemons for this method.

Step 3: Place the lemon wedges or slices into the pot or pan. If your pot or pan has a large surface area, you may need to use more lemons to ensure effective cleaning.

Step 4: Add water to the pot or pan. Pour in enough water to cover the entire scorched area, usually about 2-3 inches of water.

Step 5: Place the pot or pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. The combination of heat and citric acid will help loosen and lift the burnt food particles.

Step 6: Remove the pot or pan from the heat and let it cool. You can pour out the water and lemon mixture down the drain.

Step 7: Use a scouring pad or soft sponge to scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits. The boiled lemon method should have loosened most of the burnt residue, making it easier to scrub.

Step 8: Rinse the pot or pan with warm water to remove any lingering lemon residue or odour.

Using boiled lemons to clean your burnt pots and pans is an effective, natural, and eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. Not only will your cookware be clean, but your kitchen will also smell fresh and citrusy!

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Burnt-on grease can be a challenge to remove, but it's not impossible. Here's a detailed guide on how to use aluminium foil and baking soda to clean your pots and pans effectively:

Step 1: Rinse the Pan

Start by rinsing your dirty pot or pan with hot water. This will help to loosen any stuck-on food particles and grease, making it easier for the cleaning process that follows. Make sure to use gloves to protect your hands from the hot water.

Step 2: Apply Baking Soda

Generously sprinkle baking soda onto the bottom of the pan. You'll need about 2-3 tablespoons or enough to cover the burnt areas. The baking soda will act as a mild abrasive and help lift the grease and burnt food particles.

Step 3: Add Water

Add a small amount of hot water back into the pan. Just a few teaspoons should be enough. The water will react with the baking soda to form a paste. This paste will help to further loosen the burnt grease and food particles, making them easier to remove.

Step 4: Scrub with Aluminium Foil

Now, take a piece of aluminium foil and crumple it into a ball. This crumpled foil will be your scrubbing tool. Start scrubbing the pan with the foil, working the paste around the burnt areas. You may need to apply a bit of pressure, but you shouldn't have to scrub too hard. The foil will provide extra scouring power to help lift the grease and burnt food.

Step 5: Rinse and Wash

Once you've scrubbed away all the burnt debris, rinse the pan with hot, soapy water. Wash it as you normally would, using a mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth. Make sure to rinse away all the baking soda residue and ensure that your pan is thoroughly cleaned.

Tips and Tricks:

• You can reuse the same piece of aluminium foil to clean multiple pans.
• If there are any stubborn spots that didn't come off during the initial scrub, apply a bit more baking soda and scrub again.
• For extremely burnt-on grease, you may need to repeat the process a few times or let the baking soda paste sit for a longer period before scrubbing.
• Always use gloves and protect your hands when working with hot water and cleaning products.
• Make sure to dry your pots and pans thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots and rusting.

Dryer sheets

If you're looking for a way to clean your burnt pots and pans without the scrubbing, then dryer sheets may be the answer. This cleaning hack has gained popularity on TikTok and involves adding a dryer sheet to your burnt pot or pan, along with some warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes, or even overnight for tougher jobs. The dryer sheet will help lift the burnt grease and food particles from the pan, which can then be rinsed away.

While this method may not work for everyone, it's worth a try to save you time and effort. However, it's important to note that dryer sheets are not reusable and can be more expensive than traditional soap and scrubbing methods. Additionally, some people may have concerns about soaking their cooking pans with dryer sheets due to the chemicals and scents in these sheets.

For best results, combine the use of dryer sheets with other cleaning techniques, such as using a sponge or scrubber after the initial soak. This combination can effectively remove even the most stubborn burnt-on food and grease, leaving your pots and pans looking like new again.

Frequently asked questions