Cleaning Aluminum Pans: Removing Stubborn Grease

Cleaning baked-on grease from aluminium pans can be challenging, but it is possible. Here are some methods to help you get rid of baked-on grease without a lot of scrubbing.

Cream of tartar

Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Mixture

Combine equal parts cream of tartar and baking soda in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture onto the affected areas of your aluminum pan. You can adjust the amount of each ingredient depending on the size of your pan, but ensure they remain in equal ratios.

Step 2: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide

Spray the mixture with hydrogen peroxide. This will initiate a chemical reaction between the cream of tartar and baking soda, creating a fizzing effect that helps break down the grease.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Allow the mixture to sit on the pan for about 15 minutes. During this time, the cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide will work together to loosen the baked-on grease, making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After the waiting period, use your fingers or a soft cloth to scrub the pan gently. You may need to put in some elbow grease, but avoid using very hard or abrasive materials as they can damage the pan's surface.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat if Necessary

Rinse the pan with water to remove the cleaning mixture and the loosened grease. If there is still some grease remaining, simply repeat the process until your pan is sparkling clean.

Other Tips for Using Cream of Tartar:

• For burnt food at the bottom of the pan, create a cleaning solution by combining 2 cups of vinegar with 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar. Place the pan on the stove, add the solution, and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for at least 10 minutes, then let it cool before discarding the solution and scrubbing the pan.
• Cream of tartar can also be used to remove bleach stains from aluminum pans. Combine equal parts cream of tartar and vinegar to form a paste, apply it to the stains, and let it sit for at least an hour or overnight for best results. Then, scrub and rinse the pan.
• To make your aluminum pans extra shiny, boil apple peels in water. This will help remove scorched food and stains, leaving your pans looking like new.
• Cream of tartar is also useful for cleaning stainless steel pans. Sprinkle it onto the surface of the pan, cover with an inch of hot water, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub, rinse, and dry the pan.

So, the next time you're facing stubborn baked-on grease on your aluminum pans, reach for the cream of tartar and follow these steps for effective and efficient cleaning.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean baked-on grease from aluminum pans, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be used. This method should only be used on aluminum or aluminized steel baking pans.

First, spread a layer of baking soda evenly across the surface of the pan. Next, add vinegar to the pan and watch as the two ingredients react with each other. The fizzing reaction will help to loosen the baked-on grease.

After adding the vinegar, submerge the pan in a sink full of hot water and let it soak for 30-60 minutes. Remove the pan from the water and wipe away the dirt and grease with a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth. Finally, wash the pan with regular soap and water to remove any remaining residue.

This method is an effective way to remove baked-on grease from aluminum pans without the need for harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing. The baking soda and vinegar work together to break down the grease, making it easier to wipe away.

For more stubborn stains, you can also try mixing vinegar and water inside the pan and bringing it to a boil for about 10 minutes. Let the solution cool, then scrub the stains with a scouring pad. Rinse the pan with clean water and wipe it dry.

Ammonia

Step 1: Place your aluminium pans inside a durable plastic bag, such as a garbage bag.

Step 2: Add 1/2 cup of ammonia to the bag.

Step 3: Seal the bag shut and let it sit out in the sun for a full day. This will allow enough time for the ammonia to soften and react with the grease and food particles.

Step 4: Open the bag and remove the pans. Be careful not to breathe in the ammonia fumes.

Step 5: Scrub the pans with steel wool.

Step 6: Wash the pans thoroughly with soap and water to remove any remaining residue.

It is important to wear protective gloves, eyewear, and a mask when working with ammonia, as it is a harsh chemical. Additionally, do not use this method for non-stick baking sheets, as it may damage the coating.

Aluminium foil

If you don't want to use aluminium foil, you can also use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line your pan.

If you're looking to remove baked-on grease from your aluminium pans, you can try the following methods:

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Sprinkle baking soda all over the pan, then spray it with hydrogen peroxide. Use your fingers to create a paste and scrub the pan. After 30 minutes, wash the pan in hot, soapy water and rinse away any remaining grease.

Vinegar or Lemon Juice and Water

Soak the pan in a mixture of equal parts vinegar or lemon juice and hot water for about an hour. The acetic acid in vinegar or the citric acid in lemon juice will help to break down the grease.

Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda, and Hydrogen Peroxide

Sprinkle equal parts cream of tartar and baking soda onto the pan, then spray the mixture with hydrogen peroxide. After about 15 minutes, scrub the pan with your fingers and rinse it clean. The cream of tartar and baking soda create an effervescent reaction that, when combined with hydrogen peroxide, helps to disrupt the structure of the baked-on grease.

Washing soda and cream of tartar

To remove baked-on grease from aluminum pans, a mixture of washing soda and cream of tartar can be used. This method is gentle enough to use on aluminum, aluminized steel, and non-stick pans.

First, sprinkle washing soda and cream of tartar onto the pan. Then, pour a small amount of hot water on top of the pan. Mix the ingredients into a paste and spread it evenly across the pan. Let the paste sit for about 15 minutes. After that, scrub the stains with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad and wash the pan with water and soap.

Cream of tartar, or potassium hydrogen tartrate, is a byproduct of making wine. It is a useful cleaning agent, especially when mixed with an acid, as it can remove stains or grime. Washing soda, on the other hand, is a helpful cleaning product similar to baking soda. However, it is important to wear gloves when handling washing soda to prevent skin irritation.

Frequently asked questions