Cutting Grease: Pan Cleaning Simplified

Removing grease from pans can be a challenging task, especially if food debris has been left to accumulate over time. The difficulty of the task depends on how stubbornly the grease is clinging to the surface. Burnt grease on the bottom of a pan is particularly tricky to remove, and simple dish soap often doesn't do the trick. However, there are several methods you can try at home to get your pans clean and sparkling again.

Baking soda and vinegar

Removing baked-on grease from pans can be tedious and frustrating, but a combination of baking soda and vinegar can make light work of this tough job. Here is a step-by-step guide to cutting through the grease using these two household staples:

Step 1: Sprinkle Baking Soda

First, cover the entire surface of your pan with baking soda. Make sure every spot is covered so that every bit of grease will be removed.

Step 2: Spray Vinegar

Once the pan is covered with baking soda, fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spritz it all over the surface. Again, ensure that the entire surface is covered for maximum cleaning. Don't be alarmed if you see bubbling and fizzing—this is a normal chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Leave the pan with the baking soda and vinegar solution overnight. This will allow the solution to sink in and lift away the crusted and baked-on grease.

Step 4: Scrub

After letting the solution sit, grab a scrubbing pad and scrub the pan in small areas using a circular motion. Repeat this motion until you've scrubbed all the dirty surfaces of the pan. The friction will help loosen up any remaining bits of stubborn grease.

Step 5: Rinse

Once you've finished scrubbing, rinse the pan under water, checking for any missed spots. If necessary, repeat the entire process.

Tips:

• For large grease stains, try boiling baking soda. Place a small amount of baking soda in the centre of the pan and add about 1/4 cup of water or more, depending on the size of the pan. Bring it to a boil and scrub the greasy parts as the water evaporates.
• For extra greasy pans, pre-soak the pan in vinegar for 30 minutes before applying the baking soda paste.
• For stainless steel pans with deep grease stains, add salt to the baking soda and vinegar combo for some extra grease-removing magic.

Happy scrubbing!

Ammonia

Firstly, it's important to note that you should never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach. This creates a highly toxic chlorine gas which can be extremely dangerous. Always wear chemical-resistant gloves and ensure the area is well-ventilated when using ammonia.

Now, here's a step-by-step guide to using ammonia to cut through grease on your pans:

• Place your pans in a closed container, such as a large plastic bag or a garbage bag.
• Pour a small amount of household ammonia into the container. You can also pour the ammonia directly into one of the pans and then seal the container.
• Let the pans sit for several hours or overnight. The fumes from the ammonia will loosen the grease.
• Open the container in a well-ventilated area and remove the pans.
• Use a non-scratching scouring sponge or scrub brush to wipe away the grease. It should come off easily without much scrubbing.
• Rinse the pans with hot water and soap to remove any remaining ammonia residue.
• Dry the pans and they're ready to use again!

A few additional tips:

• If you have pans with plastic handles, be cautious as the ammonia may damage them. Test a small area first if you're unsure.
• Do not use ammonia on Teflon pans as it can cause the coating to peel off.
• Always handle ammonia with care and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

With these instructions, you can easily and effectively use ammonia to cut through grease on your pans!

Lemon juice

To use lemon juice to cut through grease on your pans, squeeze the juice onto the pan with a little washing-up liquid. The acid from the lemon juice will cut through the grease. You can also cut a lemon in half and use the pulp to apply the lemon juice across all surfaces of the pan. Leave it sitting for 30 minutes before using a damp cloth to remove any grease and grime.

Oven cleaner

Here's how you can use an oven cleaner to cut through that stubborn grease:

Step 1: Apply the Oven Cleaner

Coat the bottom of the pan generously with a store-bought oven cleaner. Make sure you follow the instructions on the product's label and take any necessary safety precautions.

Step 2: Let it Sit

For best results, leave the oven cleaner on the pan for a few hours or even overnight. This will give it ample time to penetrate and loosen the burnt-on grease.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After the cleaner has had time to work its magic, grab a scrubbing pad and start scrubbing the bottom of the pan. Use circular motions to ensure you cover every inch of the surface.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash

Once you've removed the majority of the grease, rinse the pan with hot water to get rid of any remaining oven cleaner residue. Finally, wash the pan with hot soapy water to ensure it's thoroughly cleaned and ready for your next culinary adventure!

Remember, while oven cleaner is an effective solution for removing burnt-on grease, it's always a good idea to test it on a small area of your pan first, especially if you're concerned about its impact on the finish. Additionally, always make sure to work in a well-ventilated area when using oven cleaners, and wear protective gear like gloves and eye protection.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend on a stainless steel pan, first, dampen the surface of the pan with water. Then, make a paste by mixing Bar Keepers Friend powder with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the pan using a soft cloth or sponge, rubbing it in a circular motion from the centre outward. Allow the paste to sit for about a minute—but not longer—and then rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water. For tougher stains, you may need to use a scouring pad or steel wool in addition to the paste.

While Bar Keepers Friend has received positive reviews from many users, some people have reported that it may not be effective for light stains or that it may require some elbow grease for heavily burnt or stained pans. Nevertheless, it is a popular and affordable solution for cleaning stainless steel pans and other cookware, helping to restore them to their former glory.

Frequently asked questions