Effective Ways To Remove Grease From Your Broiler Pan

Broiler pans are a great addition to your kitchen, but they can be a hassle to clean. Grease and food residue can quickly build up, leaving your pan grimy and stained. While it may seem like a daunting task to get your broiler pan looking clean again, there are several methods you can try that will loosen up the gunk and make cleaning a breeze. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get rid of that stubborn grease and have your broiler pan looking as good as new.

Soak the pan with a dryer sheet

If you're looking for a way to clean your broiler pan without the scrubbing, then dryer sheets could be your answer. This method is especially useful for broiler pans with caked or burnt-on food residue.

Firstly, fill the broiler pan with hot water. If your broiler pan has sides, fill it with water on the counter. If it has slats or is flat, place it in the sink or a large plastic tub or basin. Make sure the whole surface is covered with water.

Next, add a small amount of dish soap to the water. A zigzag across the surface should be enough. A dish soap that is formulated to fight grease is most helpful.

Now, lay a dryer sheet flat in the water, ensuring it is completely covered. For pans with particularly stubborn residue, add two dryer sheets. Biodegradable dryer sheets are a more environmentally friendly option.

Let the pan sit for at least one hour. For pans with badly stuck-on food, leave it for a few hours or even overnight. The dryer sheet will loosen the food residue while it soaks.

Finally, rinse the pan and wipe away any remaining food residue. You can use a sponge or scrubber for any stubborn marks.

This method is a great way to cut down on scrubbing time and save money on tinfoil. While it may not work for every pan, it is a useful hack for removing burnt-on grease and food.

Use baking soda

Using Baking Soda to Clean Grease from a Broiler Pan

Baking soda is a popular, versatile household cleaning ingredient that can be used to clean a broiler pan. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use it:

Step 1: Sprinkle Baking Soda Over the Broiler Pan

First, ensure your broiler pan has cooled down, then sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda all over the surface of the pan. You don't need to cover every inch, but make sure most of it is well-covered.

Step 2: Spray Water onto the Baking Soda

Grab a spray bottle and fill it with water. Spray the water all over the broiler pan to dampen the baking soda. If you don't have a spray bottle, you can gently pour or add water to the baking soda and mix it to form a paste.

Step 3: Cover the Baking Soda with Paper Towels

Use paper towels to cover the baking soda on the broiler pan. This helps the baking soda stay wet for longer, further loosening and removing baked-on grease and food residue. Spray the paper towels with water if they start drying out. Let the broiler pan sit for about 30 minutes to a few hours, or even overnight for tougher grease.

Step 4: Remove the Baking Soda

Once the baking soda has dried, gently scrape it off with a spatula and into the trash. Avoid scraping it into the sink, as it can clog your drain.

Step 5: Rinse and Gently Scrub the Pan

Take the broiler pan to the sink and rinse off any leftover baking soda, as well as any remaining food residue. Use a washcloth or a scrubbing sponge to gently wipe away anything that is still stuck on the pan.

Tips

If you're using a kitchen sponge to wash the pan, avoid heavy scrubbing as it may scratch or damage the surface of the broiler pan.

Scour with Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a superior hard-surface cleanser that can tackle rust, mineral deposits, baked-on food, and other tough stains. It is a non-abrasive, bleach-free formula that is safe to use on most surfaces. It is an excellent product for removing grease from broiler pans.

Step-by-step Guide:

• Wet the broiler pan with warm water: Place the broiler pan in the sink or on a table or countertop. If the pan has sides, put enough water to thinly cover the bottom. If it doesn't, put enough water in the sink to just barely cover the top of the pan. Warm water is more effective than cold water for cleaning broiler pans.
• Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend cleaning powder on the pan: Lightly sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend powder over the entire surface of the pan, ensuring that at least the worst spots are covered. There is no need to heap the cleaner on, but make sure the pan is totally covered in powder.
• Let the pan sit for a few minutes: Wait for a few minutes while the cleaner works to break up the burnt gunk and food residue. For pans with significant caked-on grime, let the powder sit for about ten minutes.
• Scrub the pan with a sponge or scrubber pad: Use an old rag, sponge, or scrubbing pad to gently scour the entire surface of the pan. Since Bar Keeper's Friend is stronger than dishwashing detergent, it is best to use a sponge that you don't use for your other dishes.
• Rinse the pan completely: Once you have scrubbed the entire surface and are satisfied that the gunk has been removed, thoroughly rinse all of the Bar Keeper's Friend off of the pan. It is good to wipe the pan down again with a clean, wet rag to ensure no cleaner residue remains.

Bar Keepers Friend is a powerful cleaning solution that can effectively remove grease and grime from broiler pans. It is important to follow the steps carefully and ensure a thorough rinse after cleaning to avoid any cleaner residue on the pan.

Use a magic eraser

Using a Magic Eraser is an effective way to clean a broiler pan. It is a powerful scrubber that can remove even the most stubborn grease and grime. While there are other cleaning methods, such as using baking soda, dryer sheets, or Bar Keepers Friend, the Magic Eraser stands out for its exceptional results.

• Initial Wash: Start by giving your broiler pan an initial wash using a basic dishwashing detergent, such as Dawn Original Dish Soap. This will help remove the initial layer of grease and grime. However, baked-in stains and more stubborn residue may remain.
• Prepare the Broiler Pan: Place your broiler pan on a counter or table. If your broiler pan has sides, fill it with water. If it is flat or has slats, put it in the sink or a large plastic tub, ensuring it is fully covered with water.
• Apply the Magic Eraser: Take your Magic Eraser and give the broiler pan a thorough scrub. You will likely be amazed at how effectively it removes the grease and baked-on stains. For best results, use the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser brand, as it tends to work better and last longer than other options.
• Rinse and Repeat: Rinse the broiler pan with water to remove any residue from the Magic Eraser. If necessary, go over the pan with the Magic Eraser once more to ensure all the grease and grime are gone.
• Final Rinse: Give your broiler pan a final rinse with clean water to ensure no residue remains. Your broiler pan should now be sparkling clean and ready for use!

The Magic Eraser is a versatile tool that can be used for various cleaning tasks beyond just the broiler pan. It can tackle everything from removing scratches and scuff marks on floors to cleaning soap scum from bathtubs and grime from kitchen cabinets. Its ability to handle tough cleaning jobs with ease makes it a valuable addition to your cleaning arsenal.

Try oven cleaner

Oven cleaner can be used to clean a broiler pan, but it's not the most popular option due to the mess and fumes involved. However, if you're dealing with a lot of burnt-on grease and food residue, it can be an effective solution.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Broiler Pan

If your broiler pan has sides, place it on a counter or in the sink. If it's flat or has slats, put it in a sink or a large plastic tub/basin.

Step 2: Apply the Oven Cleaner

Follow the instructions on your chosen oven cleaner. Typically, you'll want to spray or apply the oven cleaner liberally to the broiler pan, ensuring that all the problem areas are covered.

Step 3: Let it Sit

This is when the oven cleaner gets to work. The exact time will depend on the product you're using and the severity of the grease and grime. It could be a few minutes or even overnight for tough, burnt-on food.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse

After the cleaner has had time to work, use a sponge, scrubber, or scrubbing pad to gently work on the remaining grease and food residue. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands. Once you're satisfied, thoroughly rinse the broiler pan with water to remove any remaining cleaner.

Tips:

• Oven cleaner can be strong, so ensure the area is well-ventilated, and keep children and pets away.
• Consider using a sponge or scrubbing pad that you don't use for regular dishes, as oven cleaner can be harsh.
• If you're concerned about the fumes, you can place the broiler pan in a heavy-duty garbage bag and spray the cleaner inside the bag. Leave it outside overnight.
• Always follow the safety instructions on the oven cleaner product you're using.

While oven cleaner may not be the first choice for everyone, it can be a useful option for those dealing with stubborn grease and burnt-on food on their broiler pans.

Frequently asked questions