Get Rid Of Backbone Grease: Easy Pan Cleaning Tips

Getting baked-on grease out of a pan can be a tricky task. While it may be tempting to reach for the steel wool, this can often do more harm than good, especially if you're using it on non-stick or ceramic pans. Luckily, there are several alternative methods to try that won't damage your pans.

Boil the gunk away

Boiling is an effective way to get rid of the gunk in your pan. Here are some methods you can try:

Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar

• Sprinkle baking soda in the pan.
• Pour vinegar on the baking soda.
• Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes.
• Use a scouring pad to scrub the grease away.
• Rinse and dry the pan.

Method 2: Salt and Vinegar

• Soak the pan in vinegar for about an hour.
• Pour salt on the bottom of the pan.
• Add a bit of dish soap to a scrubby.
• Scrub the bottom of the pan vigorously, adding more salt and dish soap as needed.
• Rinse the pan with warm water.

Method 3: Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Dish Soap

• Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda until it forms a thick paste.
• Add a few drops of dish soap.
• Use a scrubbing pad to apply the paste to the bottom of the pan using circular motions.
• Let the paste dry on the pan for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Scrub the pan with the scrubbing pad and a toothbrush.
• Rinse with warm water.

Method 4: Ammonia

• Put the pan in a garbage bag with a dash of ammonia.
• Let the pan sit overnight or for a couple of days.
• Wipe off the grease.
• Wash the pan thoroughly with soap and water.

Create a cleaning paste

To create a cleaning paste to remove backbone grease from a pan, you will need a few pantry staples. While an oven cleaner will do the trick, a combination of baking soda and vinegar is a safe, inexpensive, and effective solution.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Tools

You will need baking soda, white vinegar, and a mixing bowl. You can also add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture to help cut through the grease. If you don't have baking soda, an alternative is to use salt, which acts as a mild abrasive.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Create the cleaning paste by mixing the baking soda with enough white vinegar to form a thick paste. The paste should be moist enough to stay wet but thick enough to adhere to vertical surfaces. A good ratio to follow is 2 tablespoons of baking soda for every 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of white vinegar.

Step 3: Apply the Paste

Apply the paste directly to the backbone grease stains on the pan. Make sure to cover both the interior and exterior of the pan, especially the stained areas. You can use a spatula or brush to apply the paste.

Step 4: Let the Paste Sit

Allow the paste to sit on the grease stains for at least 15 minutes. For heavily stained pans, you may need to let it sit for a more extended period. To test if the paste has done its job, wipe a small area with a paper towel. If the grease is not completely removed, reapply the paste and wait for another 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

Once the paste has loosened the grease, use a scouring pad, sponge, or scrubbing brush to gently scrub the pan. For non-stick pans, use the soft side of the sponge to avoid damaging the coating. For heavily stained pans, you may need to use steel wool or a similar abrasive to remove the burnt-on grease completely.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue. Then, dry the pan thoroughly with a kitchen towel. Ensure that the pan is entirely dry before storing it away.

This cleaning paste method is an effective and inexpensive way to remove even the most stubborn backbone grease stains from your pans, leaving them looking like new.

Let the paste sit

Once you've made your paste, it's time to let it sit. Depending on the paste you've chosen, you'll need to leave it for anywhere from 5 minutes to overnight.

For pastes made from baking soda and vinegar, you should let the paste sit for 5 to 20 minutes. The baking soda will bubble and froth when it comes into contact with the vinegar, so don't be alarmed! After a short time, the mixture will calm down and settle into something you can rub into the grease.

If you're using a paste made from Bar Keepers Friend, you should let it sit for about 10 minutes. This powerful cleaning agent will break down the grease at a molecular level, so it's important to give it time to work.

For tougher stains, you can try leaving your paste on overnight. This is a good option if you're using a paste made from baking soda or ammonia. Just be sure that your paste doesn't dry out—add enough water to keep it moist, and cover the pan if necessary.

If you're short on time, you can try a quicker method. Fill your pan with very hot water and add two or three dryer sheets and a dash of dish soap. Let it sit for at least an hour, and then scrub the grease away with soap and water.

No matter which paste you choose, the key is to give it time to work. Don't be tempted to scrub it away too soon!

Scrub the pan

Now that you've applied your chosen cleaning agent, it's time to scrub the pan. For this, you'll need a scrubbing pad, sponge, or scouring pad. You can also use steel wool, but be aware that this may leave scratches, so it's best avoided for non-stick and ceramic pans.

If you're using baking soda, vinegar, or a combination of the two, you'll want to let the mixture sit for 20 minutes or so before you start scrubbing. You can also leave it overnight for more stubborn stains.

If you're using Bar Keepers Friend, let the paste sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing.

For really tough stains, you can try scrubbing with a combination of baking soda and vinegar, then follow up with Bar Keepers Friend.

If you're cleaning a cast iron pan, finish with a final clean and wipe using a microfiber cloth.

Wash and dry as normal

Once you've removed the backbone grease from your pan, it's time to wash and dry it as you normally would. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to do this:

Washing Your Pan:

• Fill your sink with warm water and a mild dish soap. You can also use hot water if you prefer, but be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands.
• Place the pan in the sink and let it soak for a few minutes. This will help loosen any remaining grease or residue.
• Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently wash the pan, ensuring that you cover the entire surface, including the sides and handles.
• Pay close attention to any crevices or indents, as grease can build up in these areas. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to reach these areas effectively.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.

Drying Your Pan:

• Once your pan is clean, dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth or kitchen towel. Be sure to dry both the inside and outside of the pan, including the handles.
• You can also let the pan air dry by placing it on a drying rack or a clean surface.
• If you have a non-stick pan, be gentle when drying it to avoid scratching the coating.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and drying your pan, as different types of pans may have specific care requirements. With proper washing and drying techniques, you can keep your pans in good condition for a long time!

Frequently asked questions