The Ultimate Guide To Removing Dried Grease From Pans

Getting dried grease out of a pan can be a frustrating task. The good news is that there are several effective methods to tackle this problem, ranging from the use of common household items to commercial cleaners. The best approach depends on the type of pan and the severity of the grease buildup. Here are some of the most popular methods to consider:

Characteristics of "How to Get Dried Grease Out of a Pan"

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1:

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the bottom of the pan, focusing on the stained areas. You can also add some sea salt to the baking soda, as this combination is powerful enough to remove deep grease quickly.

Step 2:

Spray or sprinkle straight/distilled white vinegar onto the baking soda. The baking soda will begin to bubble and froth, but this will soon calm down.

Step 3:

Let the mixture rest. The length of time can vary depending on the severity of the grease build-up. Some sources suggest waiting for 5 minutes, while others recommend 15-20 minutes to loosen the grease before wiping or scrubbing it away. For best results, you can leave the mixture to sit overnight.

Step 4:

Use a sponge, scrub pad, or scouring pad to scrub away the grease. For stubborn grease, use a soft-bristled brush or scrub sponge.

Step 5:

Rinse the pan thoroughly to ensure no grease or residue is left.

Additional Tips:

For caked-on grease, you can pre-soak the pan in vinegar for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before applying the baking soda. You can also add a few drops of dish soap, such as Blue Dawn, to the mixture.

Ammonia

To use ammonia to clean your pans, place the pan in a plastic bag, such as a garbage bag, and add a small amount of ammonia. Seal the bag tightly and leave it for at least eight hours, or even overnight. The fumes from the ammonia will loosen the grease, so after this time, you can simply wipe the grease away with a sponge or cloth.

This method is best performed in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, as the fumes from the ammonia can be harmful. Always wear gloves when handling ammonia and be sure to store it away from children and pets.

It is important to note that you should never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach, as this will create a highly toxic gas.

Lemon juice

To remove dried grease from a pan, you can soak the pan in lemon juice for about an hour. After soaking, use a scrub brush or scrubbing pad with some dish soap to remove the grease. This method is best for pans with light stains.

For more stubborn stains, you can combine lemon juice with other natural products. One option is to sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the pan, spray or sprinkle with vinegar, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. The combination of baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice will help to break down the grease and make it easier to remove.

Another option is to add salt to the lemon juice. After soaking the pan in lemon juice, use salt to scrub the pan. However, salt is a harsh abrasive, so avoid using this method on non-stick or ceramic pans as it may damage the coating.

Oven cleaner

Step 1: Spread the oven cleaner

Spread a generous amount of oven cleaner on the bottom of the pan, ensuring that all the greasy areas are covered.

Step 2: Let it sit

Leave the oven cleaner on the pan for a few hours. For best results, it is recommended to let it sit overnight. This will give the oven cleaner enough time to penetrate and loosen the burnt-on grease.

Step 3: Scrub the pan

After letting the oven cleaner sit for several hours, it's time to scrub the pan. Use a scrubbing pad and scrub the bottom of the pan in a circular motion. You may need to apply some elbow grease to remove the stubborn grease completely.

Step 4: Rinse the pan

Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with hot soapy water to remove any residue from the oven cleaner. Make sure to wash the pan in hot soapy water to ensure all traces of the oven cleaner are gone.

Step 5: Dry the pan

After rinsing the pan, dry it with a clean cloth or let it air dry. Your pan should now be free of dried grease and ready to be used again!

Using oven cleaner is an effective way to remove burnt-on grease from pans, but it is always a good idea to read the instructions on the oven cleaner product and take the necessary safety precautions before using it. Additionally, always make sure to properly ventilate the area when using oven cleaner or any other commercial cleaning products.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend to clean dried grease from a pan, first, wet the surface of the pan. Then, sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend powder onto the surface and add a small amount of water to create a paste. Use a soft, wet cloth to rub the paste in a circular motion, then rinse the pan with clean water. For tougher stains, let the paste sit for a minute before rinsing. Finally, wash the pan in hot soapy water and dry as usual.

For very tarnished or greasy pans, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a soft sponge or rag. It is recommended that you wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin while using this product, as it is abrasive.

Frequently asked questions