Clean Burnt Canola Oil Off Your Pan Easily

Burnt canola oil on a pan can be a pain to get rid of. The good news is that there are several methods to tackle this problem, and most of them use common household items such as baking soda, vinegar, and soap. One method involves making a paste with baking soda and vinegar and applying it directly to the burnt areas. Another method is to fill the pan with vinegar and water, and then dissolve some baking soda in the solution before submerging the pan. For heavily stained pans, a soak in hot, soapy water can be effective. If you're looking for a more natural approach, you can try using lemon slices and water, or even a dryer sheet!

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Rinse the Pan

First, rinse the pan with hot water to remove any loose gunk or grime and expose the burnt layer.

Step 2: Boil the Water, Vinegar, and Baking Soda Mixture

Fill the pan with water and vinegar in equal parts and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, slowly add in 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Remove the pan from the heat and let it soak for up to 15 minutes.

Step 3: Discard the Liquid and Scrub

Discard the liquid down the drain and use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits. If spots remain, apply a paste made of baking soda and a little water, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub again.

Tips:

• Be cautious when mixing baking soda and vinegar as it can cause an explosive reaction.
• For a more heavy-duty cleaning method, add white vinegar to the baking soda and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, scrub with a nylon brush or scouring sponge.
• For a smaller stain, create a paste with baking soda and vinegar and apply it directly to the burnt area.
• For heavily stained pots and pans, fill a large container with vinegar and water and dissolve some baking soda in the solution. Submerge the pan entirely in the mixture and let it sit.

Soak in hot, soapy water

Soaking your burnt pan in hot, soapy water is an effective way to remove burnt canola oil. This method is best for stainless steel pans and is a good alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.

First, fill your pan with hot water. You can add a bit of dish detergent and bring the water to a boil on the stove. Let it boil for a few minutes, then turn off the heat and let the pan soak as it cools down. If your pan is particularly dirty, you can leave it to soak overnight.

The hot, soapy water will loosen the burnt residue, making it easier to scrub away. After soaking, use a wooden or plastic spatula, or a soft brush or sponge, to scrub away any remaining burnt bits. Be careful not to use a metal scrubber, as this may scratch the surface of your pan.

If there is still burnt residue on your pan, you can repeat the process or try a baking soda and vinegar paste. Apply the paste directly to the burnt areas and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Finally, wash the pan with mild dish soap and hot water, then dry it thoroughly before storing.

Use a scouring pad

Using a scouring pad is a great way to remove burnt canola oil from a pan. While there are several methods to clean a burnt pan, using a scouring pad is a common element in many of them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a scouring pad to remove burnt canola oil from a pan:

Step 1: Rinse the Pan

First, rinse the pan with hot water. This will help to remove any loose gunk, grime, or burnt food particles. It will also expose the burnt layer underneath, making it easier to target.

Step 2: Apply a Cleaning Agent

There are several cleaning agents you can use to help loosen the burnt oil. One option is to fill the pan with water and vinegar, bring it to a boil, and then add baking soda. Alternatively, you can apply a paste made of baking soda and vinegar directly to the burnt areas. For heavier stains, you may need to submerge the pan in a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda. These methods will help to dissolve and lift away the burnt oil.

Step 3: Use a Scouring Pad to Scrub

Once you have applied a cleaning agent and allowed it to work its magic, it's time to scrub. Use a scouring pad to scrub away the softened stains. You may need to apply some elbow grease, especially if the stains are stubborn. Be careful not to use steel wool scrubbers as they may scratch the surface of the pan. Instead, opt for a non-scratch scouring pad.

Step 4: Repeat as Needed

Depending on the severity of the burnt oil, you may need to repeat the above steps multiple times. Reapply the cleaning agent and use the scouring pad to scrub until the stains are removed.

Step 5: Wash with Dish Soap

Once the stains are removed, wash the pan with dish soap and warm water. This will help to remove any remaining oil and residue.

Step 6: Dry and Store

After washing, dry the pan thoroughly and allow it to cool before storing it away.

Using a scouring pad is an effective way to remove burnt canola oil from a pan. It may require some effort, but it will help to leave your pan clean and stain-free.

Commercial cleaning pastes and solutions

Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular household cleaning product that can be used to clean burnt pans. It is made of oxalic acid, which is a stronger acid similar to vinegar or lemon juice. To use it, rub a few tablespoons of the powder with some water in the dirty pan to create a paste. Spread the paste over the burnt areas and let it sit for about a minute. Then, rinse the pan with hot water and scrub away the loosened residue.

Barkeeper's Friend

Barkeeper's Friend is another recommended product for cleaning burnt pans, especially if they are made of stainless steel. It is suggested to use the powder form rather than the liquid or cream form. If necessary, you can also use it with a steel wool pad for more scrubbing power.

Oven Cleaner

Oven cleaner can be effective in removing burnt oil from pans, but it may require multiple applications. It is important to note that oven cleaner contains lye, so it should be handled with caution and not be used on aluminium pans. It is also recommended to neutralise it with a weak acid like vinegar or citric acid after cleaning.

Dishwasher Tablets

Finish Powerball deep clean tabs have been found to be effective in cleaning burnt pans. To use, simply scrape the tablet across the burnt areas of the pan with a gloved hand, and then rinse with warm water. However, it is worth noting that this method may require using more than one tablet to thoroughly clean the pan.

Boiling Method

This method involves filling the burnt pan with water, adding baking soda, vinegar, and mild dish soap, and boiling the mixture for about 10 minutes. Use a wooden spatula to scrub the pan while boiling, then drain and scrub gently with a sponge and mild dish soap.

Paste Method

If the boiling method does not fully remove the burnt residue, you can try the paste method. Combine baking soda, vinegar, and mild dish soap in a small bowl to make a paste, and then apply it to the pan. Shape plastic wrap into a ball and scrub the pan for a few minutes until the stains are removed. Finally, gently scrub the pan with a soft sponge and mild dish soap.

Rinse the pan with hot water

Rinsing the pan with hot water is the first step in removing burnt canola oil. This will help to loosen and remove any loose gunk, grime, or thin layers of food residue on the pan. The hot water may even dissolve oils, exposing the burnt layer underneath.

After rinsing, you can apply a baking soda paste or use the vinegar method, depending on the extent of staining. For small stain spots, create a paste with baking soda and vinegar or warm water and apply it directly to the burnt areas. For heavily stained pans, a large container with a mixture of vinegar and water can be used to submerge the pan, ensuring every part is covered.

Let the mixture sit for a while. The baking soda will help to dissolve and lift away burnt oil, food, and stains. The vinegar will degrease the pan and soften any hardened food bits.

Once the pan has been soaked and the residue loosened, scrub the stains away with a soft brush or scouring pad, depending on the type of pan. For stainless steel pans, a scouring pad can be used to clear away softened stains. For non-stick pans, a soft brush is recommended.

Finally, wash the pan as usual with dish soap and let it dry.

Frequently asked questions