Removing Grease From Red Copper Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Grease and grime are no match for a copper pan's superpower: heat conduction. But what happens when the heat's a little too high and things get burnt? Removing burnt grease from a copper pan can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. So, if you're looking for ways to get your copper cookware sparkling again, read on!

Soak in vinegar for 24 hours

To remove grease from a red copper pan, a vinegar soak is an effective method. This process is simple and can be done with household ingredients.

First, fill your kitchen sink or a large bucket with equal parts vinegar and water. Ensure that you have enough liquid to completely submerge the copper pan. Next, place the pan in the sink or bucket and let it soak for 24 hours. The vinegar mixture will help to break down the grease and any other residue on the pan.

After the pan has soaked, use a non-abrasive scrubber or sponge to remove any remaining grease or residue. If necessary, you can add a small amount of mild dish soap to the scrubber to help lift away any stubborn grease. Once you have finished scrubbing the pan, rinse it thoroughly with warm water.

Finally, dry the pan with a soft, clean cloth. This step is important to prevent water spots from forming and to restore the shine of the copper.

In addition to being an effective cleaner, vinegar is a natural and gentle option that is safe for copper. This method is a great way to remove grease and restore the shine of your red copper pan without using harsh chemicals.

Use oven cleaner

If you're looking to remove grease from a red copper pan, one method is to use an oven cleaner. Oven cleaners are designed to remove baked-on grease and food residue from ovens, and they can be effective on copper cookware as well. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use an oven cleaner to clean your red copper pan:

Step 1: Choose the Right Oven Cleaner

Select an oven cleaner that is suitable for copper cookware. Some oven cleaners may be too harsh and can damage the copper surface. Look for a product that is specifically designed for copper or choose a mild, non-abrasive oven cleaner.

Step 2: Prepare the Work Area

Before you begin, ensure you have adequate ventilation by opening windows or working outdoors. Oven cleaners can produce strong fumes, so it's important to work in a well-ventilated area. Put on protective gear, including rubber gloves and safety goggles, to shield your skin and eyes from the chemicals in the cleaner.

Step 3: Apply the Oven Cleaner

Spray or apply the oven cleaner generously to the greasy areas of your red copper pan. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product's label for proper application. Some oven cleaners may require dilution before use.

Step 4: Let It Soak

Allow the oven cleaner to sit on the pan for the recommended amount of time, which is usually a few minutes to an hour, depending on the product. The chemicals in the cleaner will work to break down the grease and make it easier to remove.

Step 5: Scrub and Rinse

After the soaking period, use a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the grease away. Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue from the oven cleaner. Ensure that you rinse the pan well to avoid any chemical taste or odour affecting your next meal.

Step 6: Dry and Polish

Once the pan is clean, dry it with a soft cloth or let it air dry. If desired, you can use a copper polish or a small amount of mineral or baby oil to restore shine and protect the copper surface from further tarnishing.

Using an oven cleaner is an effective way to remove grease and burnt-on food from your red copper pan. However, always exercise caution when working with chemicals, and ensure that the product you choose is safe for use on copper cookware. For heavily burnt or stubborn grease, you may need to repeat the process or try alternative methods.

Apply a paste of baking soda and water

To remove grease from a red copper pan, a paste of baking soda and water can be applied. This method is suitable for both unlacquered and lacquered copper pans.

Firstly, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water. Then, add enough baking soda to the water to create a paste. The paste should be thick enough to fully coat the pan.

Let the paste sit for a few hours or even overnight. If you don't want to wait, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to the paste to thin it out. Then, place the pan on the stove and bring it to a boil. However, be careful not to burn the pan again.

After the pan has cooled down, wipe or scrub the pan to remove the grease. If there is still some grease remaining, you can add more baking soda and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge.

This method can also be used to regularly wash copper pans and help prevent scorched stains or burnt-on residue.

Use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad

To get grease off a red copper pan, one of the methods you can use is a non-abrasive scrubbing pad. This is a safe option for copper pans as it won't leave scratches on the surface. You can find these scrubbing pads at The Wok Shop or on Amazon, which stocks a similar product.

Non-abrasive scrubbing pads are made of a plastic mesh cover wrapped around a standard sponge. The plastic is soft and flexible, but still effectively removes caked-on bits from pans. They can be used on a variety of surfaces, including non-stick pans, cast-iron skillets, enamel-coated dishes, and stainless steel pots.

To clean your red copper pan, start by allowing the pan to cool to the touch. Then, fill the pan with hot water and a mild dish soap. Use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad to gently scrub the interior and exterior of the pan. For stuck-on food, you can sprinkle some baking soda on the sponge to act as a gentle abrasive.

For more stubborn grease or burnt-on food, you can make a paste with baking soda and water, and apply it to the affected area. Let the paste sit for a few minutes, then use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad to gently scrub the grease away. Finally, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Try Barkeeper's Friend

If you're looking for a way to get grease off your red copper pan, Bar Keepers Friend could be your new best friend. This industrial-strength cleaner is a favourite of homeowners, hobbyists, musicians, and professional cleaners worldwide. With its ability to tackle rust, mineral deposits, baked-on food, and tough stains, it's no wonder that it's been a trusted product since 1882.

Bar Keepers Friend offers a range of products, including a Cookware Cleanser & Polish, that can help you get your copper pan looking like new again. Their cleansers are formulated to be gentle and bleach-free, so you don't have to worry about harsh chemicals. They are safe and effective on a variety of surfaces, including copper.

To use Bar Keepers Friend on your copper pan, start by making sure the pan is cool to the touch. Then, apply the Bar Keepers Friend cleanser according to the package instructions. You may need to let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to work on any stubborn grease or burnt-on food. Next, use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to gently scrub the surface of the pan. Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth.

For heavily burnt-on grease or food, you may need to put in a little extra "elbow grease" and repeat the process until your pan is clean. But with Bar Keepers Friend, you'll be well on your way to a sparkling copper pan in no time!

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