Cleaning Pans: Removing Stubborn Brown Grease

Burnt grease on pans is frustrating, but there are several easy ways to remove it. For example, you can use baking soda, vinegar, salt, and ketchup, or a combination of these ingredients. You can also use commercial cleaners such as oven cleaner and Bar Keeper's Friend. Here is a step-by-step guide to removing burnt grease from your pans using some of these methods:

Using Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Dish Soap:

- Make a thick paste by mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.

- Add a few drops of dish soap.

- Using a scrubbing pad, apply the paste to the bottom of the pan in a circular motion.

- Let the paste dry for 30 minutes to an hour.

- Scrub the pan with a toothbrush and scrubbing pad.

- Rinse the pan with warm water.

Using Vinegar for Non-Stick Pans:

- Fill your sink with enough distilled white vinegar to fully submerge the pan's bottom.

- Soak the pan for about an hour.

- Use a scrubbing pad, toothbrush, and a small amount of dish soap to remove the softened grease.

Using Salt, Vinegar, and Dish Soap:

- Soak the pan in white vinegar for an hour.

- Sprinkle salt on the bottom of the pan.

- Add a small amount of dish soap to the scrubbing pad.

- Vigorously scrub the pan's bottom, adding more salt and dish soap as needed.

- Rinse the pan with warm water.

Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and dish soap

To remove brown grease from pans, a paste made from baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap is a great solution. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to use this method effectively:

• Combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a container. Adjust the amounts of each ingredient to form a thick paste with a spreadable consistency.
• Add a few drops of your chosen dish soap to the paste and mix well. Blue Dawn is a recommended brand for this purpose.
• Using a scrubbing pad, apply the paste to the bottom of the pan in a circular motion. Ensure that you cover all the greasy areas thoroughly.
• Let the paste sit on the pan for about 30 minutes to an hour. During this time, the paste will work its magic, breaking down the stubborn grease stains.
• After the paste has dried, it's time to scrub. Use a combination of a toothbrush and a scrubbing pad to effectively remove the caked-on grease. For best results, scrub in circular motions, applying firm pressure as needed.
• Finally, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining residue. If necessary, use a mild dish soap and a soft sponge for a final wash.

This method is particularly effective for removing burnt grease from frying pans and baking sheets. It is important to note that you should never mix and store baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a closed container. Always mix them right before cleaning to avoid any safety issues. Additionally, wear protective gloves when working with hydrogen peroxide, and avoid ingesting it.

Vinegar for non-stick pans

Vinegar is an effective, natural way to remove grease from non-stick pans. It is particularly useful for pans with light brown discolouration.

To use vinegar to clean a non-stick pan, follow these steps:

• Pour enough distilled white vinegar into your sink to fully submerge the bottom of the pan.
• Soak the pan in the vinegar for about an hour.
• Use a scrubbing pad, toothbrush, and a small amount of dish soap (such as Dawn) to remove the softened grease.

If your pan is visibly charred, you can also try a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda. Here's how:

• Pour water, vinegar, and baking soda into the pan. Use enough water to cover the bottom of the pan, along with two tablespoons each of vinegar and baking soda.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously to dissolve and encourage any burnt residue to loosen.
• Allow the mixture to cool completely, then discard it and rinse the pan with warm water.
• Continue with the steps outlined above for removing grease with vinegar.

Note: While vinegar is generally safe to use on non-stick pans, it can degrade the non-stick properties of cast iron pans.

Salt and vinegar

If you're looking to remove brown grease from your pans, salt and vinegar can be a great combination to get the job done. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to use salt and vinegar to tackle that stubborn grease:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Before you begin, ensure that the pan is cool and dry. Place it upside down on a flat surface. If there are any large chunks of burnt grease, use a non-scratch sponge or a plastic scraper to gently remove them. Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive sponges as they may scratch the pan's surface.

Step 2: Apply Vinegar

Pour distilled white vinegar into the bottom of your sink or a large container. Ensure you have enough vinegar to completely submerge the bottom of the pan. Carefully place the pan in the vinegar, making sure that the greasy area is fully covered. Let the pan soak for about an hour. The vinegar will start to soften and loosen the burnt grease.

Step 3: Add Salt and Scrub

After the pan has soaked, remove it from the vinegar and pour out the excess vinegar. Generously sprinkle salt onto the bottom of the pan, focusing on the stained areas. The salt acts as a mild abrasive, helping to scrub away the grease. You can also add a small amount of dish soap, such as Blue Dawn, to the pan at this stage.

Using a scrubbing pad, sponge, or non-scratch scouring pad, vigorously scrub the bottom of the pan. Apply more salt and dish soap as needed while scrubbing. For pans with stubborn grease, you can also use a toothbrush to reach tight spots and scrub away any remaining grease.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you're satisfied that the grease has been removed, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining vinegar, salt, and dish soap. Dry the pan completely before storing it away.

Tips and Precautions:

• Always use distilled white vinegar for best results.
• If the grease is particularly stubborn, you can pre-soak the pan in vinegar for 30 minutes, rinse, and then proceed with the salt and vinegar scrubbing process.
• Be cautious when using salt as it can be coarse and may scratch some pan finishes. Avoid using salt on non-stick pans.
• For an extra boost, spritz the pan with vinegar after scrubbing and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
• Always exercise caution when handling vinegar and salt, and wear protective gloves if necessary.
• To maintain your pans and reduce the occurrence of burnt grease, be sure to wash them promptly after each use, paying special attention to scrubbing the bottom.

Oven cleaner

Step 1:

Spread the oven cleaner on the bottom of the pan. Ensure that you coat the entire surface evenly.

Step 2:

Let the oven cleaner sit for a few hours. Leaving it overnight is recommended for the best results. This gives the cleaner enough time to break down the burnt-on grease.

Step 3:

After the cleaner has had sufficient time to work, use a scrubbing pad to scrub the bottom of the pan vigorously. This will help remove the loosened grease and any remaining residue.

Step 4:

Rinse the pan with hot soapy water to remove any oven cleaner residue. Ensure that you clean the pan thoroughly to get rid of any chemical remnants.

Tips for Using Oven Cleaner:

• Oven cleaner is most effective on ceramic and non-stick cookware.
• While oven cleaner is a viable option, it is important to note that it can be quite harsh. There are other natural methods, such as using baking soda, vinegar, or salt, that can achieve similar results without potentially voiding your pan's warranty.
• Always follow the instructions and safety precautions provided by the manufacturer of the oven cleaner.
• Use oven cleaner in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively use oven cleaner to remove brown grease from your pans, restoring them to a like-new condition.

Ketchup

Step 1: Apply Ketchup to the Pan

Spread the ketchup evenly across the bottom of the pan, making sure to cover all the burnt grease areas. You may want to use a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure the ketchup is applied in an even layer.

Step 2: Let it Sit

This is the most important step. Leave the ketchup on the pan for several hours. For best results, it is recommended to let it sit overnight. This gives the acid in the ketchup time to break down the burnt-on grease, making it easier to remove.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After the ketchup has had sufficient time to work its magic, it's time to scrub the pan. Use a scouring pad or a non-scratch sponge, and add a small amount of dish soap to the scrubber. Scrub the pan in a circular motion, applying light pressure. You may need to use some elbow grease, especially if the grease is caked-on.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash

Once you have removed the burnt grease, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining ketchup and grease residue. Then, wash the pan with hot soapy water to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned. Dry the pan with a clean cloth or let it air dry.

Frequently asked questions