Effective Ways To Remove Grease From Your Cookware

Grease on pots and pans can be a pain to clean, but there are several methods to get them looking good as new. One popular method is to use Bar Keepers Friend, a powder cleanser that can be mixed with water to form a paste. This paste can then be applied to the greasy surface of the pan and left for around 20 minutes before being wiped away with a rag or scrubbed with a non-scratch sponge or scrub pad. Another method is to create a paste with baking soda and vinegar, which can also be left for 20 minutes and then scrubbed with a pad. For non-stick pans, a soak in distilled white vinegar for an hour can help to remove grease, and this can be followed by scrubbing with salt and dish soap.

Use baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and dish soap

To get rid of grease on pots and pans, one method involves using baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap. This method is especially useful for removing burnt grease from the bottom of frying pans.

First, mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda until they form a thick paste. Add a few drops of dish soap—Blue Dawn is recommended—and mix it into the paste. Using a scrubbing pad, apply the paste to the bottom of the pan in a circular motion. Allow the paste to dry for 30 minutes to an hour.

Once the paste is dry, use a toothbrush and scrubbing pad to rub the pan. If the grease is caked on, pre-soak the pan in vinegar for half an hour before rinsing and applying the baking soda paste.

This method can also be used to clean other kitchen tools, such as spatulas, and can even be used to polish faucets or doorknobs.

Use vinegar to soak the pan

Vinegar is an effective way to remove grease from your pots and pans. Its acidity breaks down the grease, making it easier to clean.

To use vinegar to soak your pan, follow these steps:

• Pour straight vinegar into the bottom of your sink, ensuring there is enough to submerge the bottom of the pan completely.
• Leave the pan to soak for about an hour.
• After soaking, use a scrub brush, scrubbing pad, or toothbrush, along with some dish soap, to clean the softened grease.

For an even more intensive cleaning solution, you can combine vinegar with other household products. For example, you can:

• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with baking soda, spray it with vinegar, and let the mixture sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
• Combine vinegar with an equal amount of baking soda to form a thick paste, rub it into the grease, and wait 20 minutes before scrubbing.
• Soak the pan in hot water, spread baking soda over it, add vinegar, and scrub the paste around with a nylon brush.

Using vinegar to soak your greasy pans is a simple and effective method for removing burnt grease and restoring your cookware.

Use salt and vinegar

Using salt and vinegar is an effective way to remove burnt grease from your pots and pans. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and the Cleaning Solution

• Fill your sink with hot water. The water should be hot but not burning to the touch.
• Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing distilled white vinegar and salt. You can also add a small amount of dish soap to the mixture.
• Alternatively, you can use straight vinegar without mixing it with salt.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

Soak the pan in the vinegar solution or straight vinegar for about an hour. Make sure the bottom of the pan is fully submerged.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

• After soaking, remove the pan from the sink.
• Sprinkle salt on the bottom of the pan, focusing on the stained areas.
• Using a scrubbing pad, scrub the bottom of the pan vigorously. Add more salt and dish soap as needed.
• For non-stick pans, use a non-scratch sponge or scrubber to avoid damaging the coating.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

• Once the grease is removed, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residual cleaning solution.
• Dry the pan thoroughly before storing it away.

Tips:

• Salt is considered an abrasive due to its coarse texture. While it is effective at removing grease, it may scratch the finish on some pans. Use with caution, especially on non-stick cookware.
• For caked-on grease, pre-soak the pan in vinegar for 30 minutes before applying the salt and vinegar mixture.
• For deeper grease removal, you can also add baking soda to the vinegar and salt mixture.

Use oven cleaner

Oven cleaner is a great way to remove burnt-on grease from your pots and pans. It's a powerful and effective solution that will have your cookware looking like new in no time. However, it's important to note that using an oven cleaner can be harsh and may void your pan's warranty. If you do decide to use an oven cleaner, follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose the Right Oven Cleaner

Select a commercial oven cleaner designed specifically for removing burnt-on grease from ovens and pans. Look for products that create a foamy lather, such as Cif Oven Cleaner, which will help lift away the grease.

Step 2: Read the Instructions

Before using any oven cleaner, carefully read and follow the directions on the label. Also, take the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and ensuring proper ventilation during the cleaning process.

Step 3: Apply the Oven Cleaner

Spray the oven cleaner directly onto the burnt-on grease, covering all the affected areas on the interior and exterior of the pans. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label for the recommended amount and application method.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Allow the oven cleaner to sit on the pans for the recommended amount of time. This will give the cleaner time to break down the grease and make it easier to remove. Refer to the product instructions to determine the appropriate duration.

Step 5: Scrub and Wipe

After the oven cleaner has had sufficient time to work, use a non-scratch sponge or scouring pad to gently scrub away the burnt-on grease. Pay extra attention to heavily stained areas, using a soft-bristled brush or scrub sponge if needed. Finally, wipe down the pans with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.

Step 6: Wash and Dry

Once the grease has been removed, wash the pans as you normally would with warm water and dish soap. Then, dry them thoroughly with a kitchen towel or by placing them in a hot oven for a few minutes. Ensure that your pans are completely dry before storing them away.

Using an oven cleaner is an effective way to remove burnt-on grease from your pots and pans. Just be sure to choose a suitable product, follow the instructions, and take the necessary safety precautions during the cleaning process.

Use Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that can be used to remove grease from pots and pans. It can be used on stainless steel items and is ideal for removing tough grease stains. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Bar Keepers Friend to get rid of grease on pots and pans:

Step 1: Wet the Surface

Firstly, wet the surface of the pot or pan that you want to clean. You can use a damp sponge or cloth to do this.

Step 2: Apply Bar Keepers Friend

Next, sprinkle a generous amount of Bar Keepers Friend powder onto the wet surface. You can also make a paste by mixing the powder with a small amount of water.

Step 3: Scrub the Surface

Using a soft sponge or cloth, scrub the surface of the pot or pan in circular motions. For very greasy or burnt-on grease, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a softer sponge.

Step 4: Rinse and Repeat

Finally, rinse the pot or pan with clean water. For tough grease stains, you may need to repeat the process. Remember to wear kitchen gloves when using Bar Keepers Friend, as it can be abrasive and may irritate sensitive skin.

Bar Keepers Friend is a great way to remove grease and stains from pots and pans, bringing them back to life and saving you money! It is a gentle yet effective cleaner that can be used on various surfaces, including stainless steel, cast iron, and copper. So, if you have greasy pots and pans, give Bar Keepers Friend a try!

Frequently asked questions