The Ultimate Guide To Removing Burnt Grease From Pans

Burnt grease on pans is a common problem that many people face. While it can be tricky to remove, there are several simple solutions to tackle this issue. One of the most popular methods is using baking soda, which can be combined with vinegar, salt, or dish soap to form a paste and scrubbed onto the pan. Other natural alternatives include lemon juice or vinegar soaks, followed by a scrub with a brush or pad. For more intensive cleaning, commercial oven cleaners or Bar Keepers Friend can be used, followed by a thorough rinse. To prevent burnt grease, it is advisable to soak pans in hot water, follow manufacturer instructions, and avoid cooking at higher temperatures.

Baking soda

• Combine baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. You can also add a few drops of dish soap, such as Blue Dawn, to the mixture.
• Generously apply the paste to the areas of the pan where grease is burnt onto the surface.
• Leave the paste on for 20-30 minutes. During this time, the alkaline in the baking soda will start breaking down the bonds between the grease and the metal surface.
• Wash off the paste along with the grease, revealing a clean and renewed pan surface.

For pans with caked-on grease, it is recommended to pre-soak the pan in vinegar for about 30 minutes before applying the baking soda paste.

Additionally, you can also create a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to remove burnt grease. Simply sprinkle baking soda on the grease, pour vinegar on top, and use a sponge to scrub away the grime.

By following these steps and using baking soda, you can effectively remove burnt grease from your pans without resorting to harsh scrubbing or chemicals.

Lemon juice or vinegar

Using Lemon Juice

Slice two to three lemons and arrange them in your dirty pan. Place the pan on medium-high heat and add just enough water to cover the lemons. Bring the lemon water to a boil for five to eight minutes, then remove the pan from the heat. You will know the pan is ready for scrubbing when you see food particles floating to the surface of the water.

Discard the lemons and drain the water. Rinse the pan with hot, clean water and use a scouring pad or brush to scrub away any remaining stuck-on bits.

Using Vinegar

For light brown pans: Pour vinegar into your sink, ensuring there is enough to fully submerge the bottom of the pan. Place the pan in the sink and leave it to soak for about an hour. Then, use a scrubbing pad, toothbrush, and some dish soap to remove the softened grease.

For deep grease removal: Combine vinegar, salt, and baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda and sea salt onto the bottom of the pan, focusing on the stains. Spritz some vinegar onto the baking soda and let the mixture rest for about five minutes. Use a scouring pad to scrub the grease away.

Alternatively, you can try the following method: Fill your dirty pan with equal parts water and vinegar and bring the mixture to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and remove the pan from the heat. Let the mixture soak for up to 15 minutes. Discard the liquid and use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining burnt bits. If spots remain, create a paste with baking soda and a little water, apply it to the pan, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Oven cleaner

To clean your pans with oven cleaner, first, coat the bottom of the pan with the oven cleaner. Then, let it sit for a few hours; it is recommended to leave it overnight. After letting the oven cleaner sit, scrub the bottom of the pan with a scrubbing pad. Finally, clean the pan in hot soapy water to remove any oven cleaner residue.

This method works best on ceramic and non-stick cookware.

Bar Keepers Friend

Step 1: Wet the Pan's Surface

Firstly, wet the surface of the pan that you want to clean. You can do this by running the pan under hot water or by applying a few drops of water to the surface with a damp cloth or sponge.

Step 2: Apply Bar Keepers Friend

Sprinkle a generous amount of the Bar Keepers Friend powder onto the wet surface of the pan. You can also create a paste by mixing the powder with a small amount of water before applying it to the pan.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

Using a soft sponge or cloth, scrub the pan in a circular motion. For heavily burnt or greasy pans, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a softer sponge. Continue scrubbing until the burnt grease is removed.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Once you are satisfied with the results, thoroughly rinse the pan with clean water. For best results, rinse the pan soon after scrubbing and do not let the Bar Keepers Friend powder sit on the surface for longer than a minute. Finally, dry the pan with a clean cloth or let it air dry.

Tips and Precautions:

• Always wear gloves when using Bar Keepers Friend to protect your skin.
• Do not mix Bar Keepers Friend with other cleaning products, especially bleach or ammonia, as it may create toxic fumes.
• Do not use Bar Keepers Friend on non-stick surfaces, cast iron, granite, marble, wood, fabric, leather, or painted surfaces.
• Do not leave Bar Keepers Friend on the pan for too long, as it may cause discolouration or scratches.
• For copper-bottomed and steel-topped pans, you can use Bar Keepers Friend on both surfaces.

Dryer sheets

Cleaning Burnt Grease with Dryer Sheets

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Firstly, add a few drops of dish soap to the pan. You can also add a dash of dish soap later on, so don't worry if you don't have any to hand right now. Next, pour in enough warm to hot water to cover the burnt bits.

Step 2: Add the Dryer Sheets

Now, add two or three dryer sheets to the water. Any scent will do. Make sure the dryer sheets are completely submerged by pushing them down into the water.

Step 3: Let it Soak

Leave the pan to soak for at least an hour. For tougher jobs, you can leave the pan to soak overnight.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After soaking, run the pan under hot water and use a sponge or the dryer sheet to scrub away any remaining burnt bits. They should easily flake off. If there are still burn marks, repeat the process, ensuring the water is a few inches deep.

Tips

• Dryer sheets are pricier, single-use, and not environmentally friendly, so save this method for tough stains.
• Always wash the pan with soap and water after cleaning with a dryer sheet.

Frequently asked questions