Cody Casey
If you've been cooking up a storm, you may be left with a greasy pan that's in need of some TLC. Burnt-on oil can be a pain to remove, but there are several methods you can try that don't involve harsh chemicals. One popular method is to use a combination of baking soda and vinegar. You can make a thick paste with these two ingredients and coat the pan, or fill the pan with vinegar and let it soak. Another option is to use hot, soapy water, which can help loosen the residue. For tougher stains, you might need to use a scouring pad or sponge along with some dish soap and scrub in a continuous circular motion. Just be sure to avoid harsh pads like steel wool, as these can damage your cookware. With a bit of elbow grease, your pan will be looking good as new!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First step to clean a pan | Identify the type of stain |
| Types of stains | Burnt food, rainbow hue, pitting, rust, water stains, black or grey residue |
| How to remove burnt food | Baking soda, vinegar, soap, scouring powder, Bar Keeper's Friend, chain mail scrubber |
| How to remove rainbow hue | Bar Keeper's Friend, white vinegar and water |
| How to remove pitting | Grinding out the pitted parts, avoiding prolonged exposure to salty water, vinegar, etc. |
| How to remove rust | Baking soda and water, Bar Keeper's Friend, steel wool |
| How to remove water stains | Vinegar and water, Bar Keeper's Friend |
| How to remove black or grey residue | Olive oil, lemon juice and salt, baking soda and warm water |
| How to prevent pitting | Avoid using steel wool, hard metal brushes or abrasive cleaners |
| How to prevent rust | Avoid using steel wool, hard metal brushes or abrasive cleaners |
| How to prevent water stains | Avoid using oven cleaner, chlorine-based cleaners, chlorine bleach, abrasive steel wool |
What You'll Learn
Use a spatula or paper towels to get rid of excess oil
Using a spatula or paper towels is an effective way to get rid of excess oil from your pan. This is the first step you should take when cleaning a pan, before deglazing the pan by adding hot water. Using a spatula or paper towels to wipe out excess oil is a quick and easy way to clean your pan, and it will make the subsequent cleaning steps much easier.
When using a spatula, make sure to use a wooden or plastic spatula to avoid scratching the pan's surface. Hold the spatula at a low angle to the surface of the pan and use a gentle scraping motion to remove the oil. You can also use paper towels to wipe out the excess oil, but be careful as the pan may still be hot. It is recommended to use a towel or oven mitt to protect your hand from the heat.
If there are any remaining bits of stuck-on food, you can use a long-handled dish brush to loosen them. This will help ensure that all the excess food particles are removed before you proceed with the next steps of cleaning your pan. You can also use a toothpick to get into the nooks and crannies of the pan's rivets and remove any stubborn gunk.
It is important to note that you should always clean your pan while it is still hot, as this makes the cleaning process easier. However, you should let the pan cool down before fully submerging it in cool water to avoid thermal shock, which can cause the pan to warp.
By using a spatula or paper towels to remove excess oil, you can effectively clean your pan and prevent the buildup of oil and grease, which can be difficult to remove over time.
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Use a long-handled dish brush to loosen any bits of stuck-on food
Using a long-handled dish brush is an effective way to loosen and remove stuck-on food from your pan. The OXO Good Grips Dish Brush is a popular choice for this purpose, with its long handle providing the necessary reach and leverage to target stubborn food residue.
When tackling stuck-on food, it is advisable to begin by scraping out excess oil with a spatula or wiping it with a paper towel. Deglaze your pan by adding some hot water, as cleaning a hot pan is easier and won't damage it. Just be sure to let the pan cool before fully submerging it in cool water to avoid thermal shock, which can cause warping.
Once you've loosened the stuck-on food with the dish brush, follow up with a scouring pad or sponge and some dish soap to scrub the inside and outside of the pan. A Scotch-Brite scouring pad or a softer sponge, like a Dobie pad, can be used depending on your preference for effectiveness versus gentleness on the pan's surface.
For particularly stubborn stuck-on food, you may need to employ additional techniques or products. Soaking the pan in hot, soapy water or a solution of vinegar and water can help loosen the food residue, making it easier to wipe away. Alternatively, creating a paste with baking soda and water and applying it to the affected areas can be effective. For even more challenging situations, specialty cleaning products like Bar Keepers Friend can be used, though these may require the use of gloves to protect your hands.
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Try a scouring pad or sponge to remove stains
To remove oil patina from a pan, you can try using a scouring pad or sponge. It is recommended to use a fresh Scotch-Brite scouring pad or sponge to effectively remove stains. A softer Dobie pad will require more effort but will leave fewer scratches.
To begin the cleaning process, first scrape out excess oil from the pan using a spatula or wipe it out with a paper towel. Then, deglaze the pan by adding some hot water. Cleaning a hot pan is easier, and the addition of hot water will not damage it. However, it is important to let the pan cool down before fully submerging it in cool water to avoid thermal shock, which can cause warping.
Next, use a long-handled dish brush, such as the OXO Good Grips Dish Brush, to loosen any fond (browned bits of food) stuck to the pan. This step will help ensure that all the food particles are removed before scrubbing.
Now, it's time to grab your scouring pad or sponge. Along with some dish soap, scrub the inside and outside of the pan using a continuous circular motion. A Scotch-Brite pad will lightly scratch the surface of the pan, but as long as you avoid harsh pads like steel wool, scrubbing will not affect the pan's performance or lifespan. If you opt for a softer sponge, such as a Dobie pad, be prepared to use more elbow grease during the cleaning process.
After scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a clean, absorbent towel. This step is important to remove any soap residue and ensure your pan is ready for its next use.
If you're dealing with particularly tough stains, you may need to try alternative methods or use a stronger cleaning agent like Bar Keepers Friend or baking soda. However, for most stains, a scouring pad or sponge should be sufficient to restore your pan to its former glory!
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Use a mild abrasive like baking soda to scrub off stains
To get oil patina off a pan using a mild abrasive like baking soda, you can try the following methods:
The Deglazing Technique
First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Put the pan back on the stove and heat until a droplet of water sizzles. Add a cup of water or a mixture of half water and half white vinegar to the hot pan and allow it to boil. Use more liquid if you have a large pot or pan. As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the pan, loosening bits of burnt food. Pour the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan. Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and let the pan cool. Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pot bottom vigorously. Wash and dry the pan as normal once all stains and scorched bits have been removed.
The Baking Soda & Water Method
Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Make enough to cover the scorched portion of the pan. For a full pot bottom, try one cup of baking soda and a third of a cup of water. Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to fully coat the pan. Alternatively, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, and then add enough baking soda to create a paste. Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight, then add more baking soda and scrub with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you don't want to wait, add another quarter to a half cup of water to thin the paste, then put the pan on the stove and let it come to a boil. Remove it from the heat quickly so it doesn't burn again. Let the pan cool, and then wipe or scrub to remove the scorched bits.
The Baking Soda & Vinegar Method
For a more heavy-duty clean, add white vinegar to the baking soda and let kitchen chemistry help break down the burnt food on your scorched pan. First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Add enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least half an inch of liquid. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and add a cup of baking soda. You will get a fizzing reaction, so it might be best to do this in the sink. Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling dies down. Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary. Rinse and dry the pan.
The Baking Soda & Lemon Method
Lemons are a great way to clean and shine stainless steel or copper cookware. Combined with the power of baking soda, you can remove black, yellow, or rainbow oxidation stains and help restore a burnt pan. Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Keep a thin layer of water in the pan, then sprinkle the bottom liberally with baking soda. Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan with the baking soda slurry. The combination of the acidic lemon juice and the alkaline baking soda may fizz slightly, which is a good sign. If your pan has a copper bottom that has gotten blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to help remove the stains and restore the shine.
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Clean the pan while it's still hot, using gloves to protect your hands
It is important to clean your pan while it is still hot, as this will make it easier to remove residue. However, you must take precautions to protect your hands from the heat. Always wear gloves or use a towel or oven mitt when handling hot pans.
Start by scraping out excess oil with a spatula or wiping it out with a paper towel. Then, deglaze the pan by adding some hot water. You can loosen any fond (the browned bits of food) with a long-handled dish brush. This will help to remove any stuck-on food without the need for harsh scrubbing or metal utensils, which can damage the pan's surface.
To remove tough stains, you can use a scouring pad or sponge. A fresh Scotch-Brite scouring pad or sponge is effective for removing stains, but be aware that it will lightly scratch the surface of the pan. If you want to avoid scratches, use a softer sponge, such as a Dobie pad, but be prepared to use more elbow grease.
For even tougher stains, you can use powdered cleaners such as Bar Keepers Friend or baking soda. These can be scrubbed off with a scouring pad, but be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands. You can also try making a paste with baking soda and water and letting it sit on the stains for a few minutes before scrubbing.
Always dry off your pans with a towel before putting them away to prevent water spots and rust.
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Frequently asked questions
To remove an oil patina from a pan without scratching it, you can use a combination of baking soda and water. Make a thick paste by mixing the two ingredients, then cover the stained area. Let the paste sit for at least 30 minutes before gently scrubbing it off with a plastic scrubber. For more stubborn stains, you can leave the paste on for longer or try a product like Bar Keepers Friend.
To prevent oil from sticking to your pan, avoid heating it above medium heat. Always add food to the pan before adding oil and avoid letting the oil sit in the pan for too long without food. Additionally, make sure to clean your pan promptly after cooking to prevent the oil from hardening and becoming more difficult to remove.
To clean an oil patina from a non-stick pan, it is important to avoid using abrasive materials or high heat. Instead, try using a gentle dish soap and warm water, along with a soft sponge or cloth. If the patina is particularly stubborn, you can try using a small amount of baking soda or vinegar to help break down the oil. Remember to always clean your non-stick pan promptly after use to prevent the oil from hardening.
