Clean Grease Off Pots And Pans

Greasy pots and pans are a common problem for home cooks, but there are several ways to tackle the issue. The first step is always to remove any remaining food and grease, and then it's time to cut through that grease. This can be done with a strong dish soap, like Dawn, or with natural cleaning agents like vinegar, lemon juice, or salt. For example, you can soak your pots and pans in a tub of water with a ratio of one part vinegar to two parts water. For extremely greasy surfaces, a cream degreaser can also be effective.

Use vinegar and water to soak your pots and pans

To degrease your pots and pans, start by preparing a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts water. Place your cookware in a tub and fill it with the vinegar and water solution. Use a scrubbing pad to wash the grease off. For extremely greasy surfaces, you can use a cream degreaser.

Vinegar is highly acidic, with a pH of between two and three. Its acidic nature makes it adept at breaking down cooking-related stains on pots and pans, which usually occur due to charred or burnt food. When cleaning with vinegar, it is important to dilute it first. Additionally, be mindful of the materials of your pots and pans before using vinegar, as it can cause damage to certain materials, such as cast iron.

If you are dealing with burnt-on food or stains, you can try a different approach before resorting to vinegar. Simply fill your pan with water and bring it to a boil for 5-7 minutes. The steam will help loosen the food, making it easier to remove. After the food has loosened, pour out the hot water and wipe away any remaining food with the scrubby side of a sponge.

For glass or metal baking dishes, you can also use the boiling water method. Add boiling water and let it sit for several minutes before using the scrubby side of a sponge to wipe away any residue. Alternatively, you can fill the dish with warm to hot water and let it soak for 15-20 minutes or until the food loosens. If you didn't get a chance to soak the dish right after cooking, you can always add hot water later and let it soak overnight, then wash it in the morning.

Make a baking soda and water paste to remove stains

To make a baking soda and water paste to remove stains from pots and pans, follow these steps:

Firstly, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water. Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda to create a paste. The Spruce recommends a ratio of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, while KitchenKapers suggests 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 1-2 tablespoons of water. The paste should be thick enough to spread and stick to the burnt areas in your pots and pans. If the paste is too thin, simply add more baking soda.

Let the paste sit for several hours or overnight. This will allow the solution to soak into the pan, slowly lifting and softening the grime from the surface. After this, take a brush or scrubber and start scrubbing your cookware clean in a gentle, circular motion. The baking soda provides an abrasive cleaning power, so take caution when cleaning cookware with a non-stick surface. Keep scrubbing until you no longer notice any grime.

Finally, wash the pan as normal. Place the pan in the dishwasher with a dishwasher tablet, wash the pan, and let it dry completely. You can opt to dry your iron pans on the stove to quickly evaporate excess moisture and prevent rust.

Use a non-abrasive nylon scrubber to clean non-stick pots and pans

To degrease pots and pans, it is important to use the right tools to avoid damaging the non-stick surface. A non-abrasive nylon scrubber is a great option for cleaning non-stick pots and pans. Here are some tips on how to use them effectively:

• Nylon scrubbers are designed to be tough on grease and gentle on non-stick surfaces. They are made from flexible nylon, which allows them to easily reach corners and curved surfaces without scratching the coating.
• Before using a nylon scrubber, always ensure that the pan is cool. Submerging a hot pan in cold water or running cool water over a hot pan can cause warping.
• For best results, use a gentle dishwashing liquid with your nylon scrubber. Avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaning materials like steel wool, as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• Nylon scrubbers are durable and can be used multiple times. However, it is important to rinse them out after each use and allow them to dry thoroughly.
• If your non-stick pan has burnt-on food residue, you can fill the pan with water and add a 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Bring it to a boil, then remove from heat and let it cool. The burnt-on food should be easier to wipe away with your nylon scrubber after this treatment.
• It is recommended to wash non-stick pots and pans by hand. While it may be tempting to use the dishwasher, hand-washing with a nylon scrubber is the best way to ensure the longevity of your non-stick cookware.
• Always use rubber or wooden utensils when cooking with non-stick pans. Metal utensils can scratch or deteriorate the non-stick coating over time.
• To dry your non-stick pots and pans, it is best to air dry or use a soft cloth or paper towel. Avoid stacking other cookware on top of your non-stick pans to prevent scratches.
• Nylon scrubbers are also effective for cleaning other types of cookware, such as stainless steel and cast iron. However, it is important to note that different materials may require additional cleaning agents, such as baking soda or vinegar.

Degrease with dish soap

To degrease your pots and pans with dish soap, you'll first want to scrape out any grease or food remains and discard them in the trash. You can use an old jar or soda can to store used grease.

Next, use a brush or scouring pad to remove any remaining marks. Then, add hot water and a drop of dish soap to cut through the grease. If you're dealing with burnt-on food or grease scorch marks, it's time to bring out the heavy hitters.

Method 1: Baking Soda and Dish Soap

• Make a paste with baking soda and a little water.
• Spread the paste across the burnt-on areas of your pan.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes or more.
• Use a scouring pad to scrub the paste off.

Method 2: Boiling Water and Dish Soap

• Make a mixture of 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
• Pour into the pan until the bottom is covered by about 1/2 inch of water. If the stain goes up the sides, add more of the solution.
• Put the pan on the cooker and boil the water. Make sure to turn off the heat before all the water evaporates.
• You'll see a white film covering the pan—this is the baking soda residue.
• Hold the pan using oven gloves and use a long-handled brush to scrub the residue off while it's still hot.

Method 3: Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Dish Soap

• Half-fill the pan with a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar.
• Bring to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
• Remove from the heat and let stand for 15 minutes.
• Discard the water/vinegar mixture and scrub the pan with a brush and some dish soap.

Use coarse salt and a damp sponge to clean non-stick frying pans

To degrease and clean your non-stick frying pans, you can use coarse salt and a damp sponge. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, allow your pan to cool down completely. Do not rinse the pan under cold water while it is still hot, as this can cause the pan to warp and become damaged. Once the pan is cool, rinse it with warm water to remove any leftover food particles.

Next, create a mixture of coarse salt and water. This can be used as a gentle abrasive to clean your pan. Apply the paste to the inside of the pan and let it sit for a few minutes. You can also use a non-metallic brush or sponge to gently dab the mixture onto the pan's surface.

After the paste has been applied, use a damp sponge to scrub the pan gently. Focus on one section at a time and use a circular motion for best results. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove the paste and any remaining food particles.

Finally, dry the pan with a clean towel or soft cloth. Ensure that the pan is completely dry before storing it away.

Using coarse salt and a damp sponge is an effective way to clean non-stick frying pans without causing any damage to the surface. It is important to avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaning materials or cleansers, as these can scratch and ruin the non-stick coating.

Frequently asked questions