Removing Oil And Grease From Pans: Easy Tricks For Clean Cookware

Removing baked-on grease from pans can be a challenging task, but it is possible with the right tools and methods. One popular method is to use a combination of baking soda and vinegar, which can be applied as a paste or a mixture and left to sit for a while before scrubbing. Other methods include using commercial oven cleaners, Bar Keeper's Friend, or a mixture of salt, vinegar, and dish soap. Soaking the pans in hot water and dish soap before scrubbing is also recommended to help loosen the grease.

Soak in hot water and washing-up liquid

Soaking your pans in hot water and washing-up liquid is an effective way to remove baked-on grease. This method is particularly useful if you are looking to avoid any intensive scrubbing.

Firstly, it is important to let your pan cool down to room temperature before placing it in the sink. A sudden change in temperature can cause thermal shock, which may ruin your pan over time. This phenomenon is called thermal expansion and contraction, and it occurs when metals expand in tiny amounts when heated and shrink when cooled. By allowing your pan to cool down, you prevent warping and cracking, ensuring that your pan remains in good condition and cooks evenly.

Once your pan has cooled, you can begin the soaking process. Fill your sink with hot water and add a suitable amount of washing-up liquid. The amount of washing-up liquid will depend on the size of your sink and the number of pans you are soaking. Ensure that the water is hot, as this will help loosen the grease. Place the pans in the sink and let them soak for a few minutes.

After soaking, you can use a soapy sponge to clean the pan. For tougher spots or burned-on food, you may need to use a stainless steel cleaner or a wire brush. Alternatively, you can place water and baking soda in the pan, heat it on the stove, and use a wooden spoon to rub and loosen the baked-on grease before wiping it away.

This method of soaking in hot water and washing-up liquid is a simple and effective way to remove baked-on grease from your pans without causing any damage.

Use a wire brush

Removing baked-on grease from pans can be a challenging task, but using a wire brush is an effective solution. Here is a detailed guide on how to use a wire brush to tackle stubborn grease:

Step 1: Soak the Pan

Before using a wire brush, it is essential to soften the baked-on grease. Fill the pan with hot water and add a small amount of washing-up liquid or dish soap. Let the pan soak for a while, allowing the hot water and detergent to loosen the grease. This step is crucial in ensuring that the subsequent scrubbing with the wire brush is more effective and requires less effort.

Step 2: Choose the Right Wire Brush

When selecting a wire brush, it is important to choose one that is suitable for the specific type of pan you are cleaning. For example, if you are cleaning a non-stick pan, opt for a brush with softer bristles to avoid damaging the non-stick coating. On the other hand, if you are dealing with a heavily stained or burnt pan, a brush with stiffer bristles may be more appropriate. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines to ensure you are using the right type of brush for your pan.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

Once the pan has soaked and the grease has softened, it's time to scrub. Using the wire brush, apply firm pressure and work the brush back and forth across the surface of the pan. Pay close attention to the edges and corners of the pan, as grease tends to accumulate in these areas. Scrub vigorously but with controlled force to avoid scratching or damaging the pan's surface. If needed, you can also use a plastic scraper to gently lift off any large chunks of grease before or during the scrubbing process.

Step 4: Rinse and Repeat

After scrubbing, rinse the pan with clean water to remove any residual grease and detergent. Inspect the pan to see if there are any remaining grease spots. If necessary, repeat the soaking and scrubbing process until the pan is completely free of baked-on grease. Remember to dry the pan thoroughly after rinsing to prevent water spots and ensure it is ready for its next use.

Tips for Using a Wire Brush:

• Always test the wire brush on a small, inconspicuous area of the pan first to ensure it doesn't cause any damage.
• If the pan has a non-stick coating, be especially gentle when using the wire brush to avoid scratching the surface.
• For heavily burnt or stained pans, you may need to use a stronger wire brush or combine the wire brush method with other cleaning techniques, such as using baking soda or vinegar.
• Wear rubber gloves when handling the pan during the cleaning process to protect your hands from the hot water and detergent.

Baking soda and vinegar

First, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface of the pan. Next, pour vinegar onto the baking soda. The two chemicals will react, creating a fizz. Leave the solution to soak overnight. The solution will lift the baked-on grease away from the surface of the pan. After it has soaked, scrub the pan in a circular motion with a scrubbing pad, removing the grease and dirt. Rinse the pan to remove any remaining solution and grease.

To make the process easier, you can place the vinegar in a spray bottle to ensure you are using the correct amount.

Oven cleaner

Step 1: Choose the Right Oven Cleaner

Select a commercial oven cleaner designed to tackle tough grease and burnt-on food. Look for products that are specifically formulated for oven cleaning, such as Cif Oven Cleaner, as they contain powerful and effective ingredients. These products usually create a foamy lather that can easily eliminate baked-on grease.

Step 2: Prepare the Work Area

Before you begin, ensure that the area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling the fumes from the oven cleaner. You may also want to put on gloves and protective eyewear for safety. If possible, work outdoors or in a well-ventilated space. Place the greasy pans in your sink or on a flat surface where you can easily access them.

Step 3: Apply the Oven Cleaner

Spray the oven cleaner generously onto the affected areas of the pans. Make sure to cover all the baked-on grease spots. Follow the instructions on the product's label for the recommended application method and safety precautions. Some oven cleaners may require you to wear gloves or a mask during application.

Step 4: Let It Sit

Allow the oven cleaner to sit on the pans for the recommended amount of time. This is a crucial step, as it gives the chemicals time to break down the grease and make it easier to remove. Depending on the severity of the grease buildup, you may need to let the product sit for 20 minutes or longer. Always refer to the product instructions for the suggested duration.

Step 5: Rinse and Scrub

After the oven cleaner has had sufficient time to work, rinse the pans with warm water to remove the product residue. For stubborn grease spots, use a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive scrub sponge to gently scrub away any remaining grease. Avoid using abrasive pads, steel wool, or scouring pads, especially on non-stick pans, as they can damage the coating.

Step 6: Wash and Dry

Once you've removed the baked-on grease, wash the pans with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Rinse them thoroughly to ensure no soap or oven cleaner residue remains. Finally, dry the pans with a clean cloth or let them air dry.

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively remove baked-on grease from your pans using oven cleaner. Remember always to follow the safety instructions on the product label and work in a well-ventilated area. With a bit of time and the right products, your pans will be sparkling clean again!

Bar Keeper's Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular product for cleaning burnt grease off pans. It is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that can be used on stainless steel items and other surfaces like copper, glass, and ceramic.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, start by wetting the surface of the pan. Then, scrub the surface with a soft, wet cloth, turning the powder into a paste. For tougher stains, create a paste with water and let it sit for a minute before washing, rinsing, and drying.

For very tarnished or greasy pans, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool. Once the surface is mostly clear, switch to a soft sponge or rag. Be sure to rinse the pan well when you're finished cleaning. Bar Keepers Friend is abrasive, so it's recommended to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin.

Bar Keepers Friend can be used on both copper bottom and steel top pans. It can also be used to clean skillets, pots, cookie sheets, and glass baking items.

Frequently asked questions