Get Rid Of Pan Grease: Easy And Quick Solutions

Cleaning greasy pans is a tedious task, but it's important to do it right to maintain the quality of your cookware and prevent food from becoming contaminated with carcinogenic toxins. While it may be tempting to reach for harsh chemicals, a few pantry staples can effectively remove burnt-on grease. Here are some methods to try to get rid of that stubborn pan grease.

Characteristics of Getting Rid of Pan Grease

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Remove Debris

Start by removing as much food debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar

Add enough vinegar to the pan to cover the bottom with at least 1/2 inch of liquid. Place the pan on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add baking soda. A ratio of 1 cup of vinegar to 1 cup of baking soda is recommended. The mixture will start to fizz and bubble, so it is best to do this in the sink.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop. The reaction will help to loosen any burnt-on food and make it easier to remove.

Step 5: Discard Liquid

Once the reaction has stopped, carefully discard the liquid down the sink. Be cautious as the liquid will be hot.

Step 6: Scrub the Pan

Using a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, scrub the pan to remove any remaining food residue or stains. Add more baking soda as needed to create a mild abrasive that will help with scrubbing.

Step 7: Rinse and Dry

Once the pan is clean, rinse it with warm water and dry it thoroughly.

Tips:

• For heavier duty cleaning, you can try the "deglazing technique." First, heat the pan until a droplet of water sizzles. Then, add 1 cup of water or a mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar to the hot pan and boil. Use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening burnt-on food. Pour out the liquid, sprinkle the pan with baking soda, and let it cool before scrubbing.
• For cast iron pans, avoid using vinegar or other acidic substances as they can create rust and damage the pan's seasoning. Instead, use a paste of baking soda and water, and scrub with a stiff-bristle brush.
• For non-stick pans, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, then sprinkle with baking soda to create a paste. Let it sit for several hours or overnight before scrubbing with a non-stick-safe brush or sponge.
• To clean copper pan bottoms, turn the pan upside down and sprinkle with baking soda. Pour vinegar over the bottom, then use a lemon half as a scrub brush to remove stains.
• To clean roasting pans, sprinkle the surface with baking soda, then pour in a mixture of 1 cup hot water and 1/3 cup vinegar. Let the pan soak for a few hours, then scrape the surface with a spatula and continue to soak. Finally, wash the pan with straight baking soda and a scrubbing brush.

Ammonia

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Place the pan in a plastic bag, preferably a garbage bag. Make sure the bag is large enough to fit the pan. If you are concerned about the handle, you can use a smaller bag that covers only the pan and tie it tightly around the handle, ensuring minimal airflow.

Step 2: Add Ammonia

Add a small amount of household ammonia to the bag. You only need a splash or a dash; too much is unnecessary. Be cautious when handling ammonia, and ensure good ventilation during the process.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Seal the bag tightly, leaving some air inside. Let the pan sit in the bag overnight or for several hours. The longer you leave it, the more effective it will be. The ammonia fumes will loosen the grease, making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Rinse and Scrub

After letting the pan sit, open the bag in a well-ventilated area and pour out the ammonia. Rinse the pan with water to remove any remaining ammonia. Then, scrub the pan with a sponge or scouring pad. The grease should come off easily at this point. If necessary, use a small amount of dish soap to aid in the removal of any remaining grease.

Tips and Precautions:

• Ammonia is not suitable for Teflon pans, as it can damage the coating.
• Always ensure good ventilation when working with ammonia, and rinse the pan outdoors if possible.
• While ammonia is effective, it may not completely remove deep-set stains or heavily burnt grease.
• For particularly stubborn grease, you can combine this method with other techniques, such as using baking soda or vinegar.
• To prevent grease build-up, wash your pans regularly and avoid cooking at higher temperatures than necessary.

Oven cleaner

Step 1: Apply the Oven Cleaner

Spread a generous amount of oven cleaner on the bottom of your pan. Make sure to coat the entire surface, paying extra attention to areas with stubborn scorch marks or grease stains.

Step 2: Let it Sit

Allow the oven cleaner to sit for a few hours. For best results, it is recommended to let it sit overnight. This gives the cleaner ample time to penetrate and loosen the burnt-on grease.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After the cleaner has had sufficient time to work, it's time to scrub. Use a scrubbing pad and apply some elbow grease to remove the loosened grease and scorch marks. Scrub until you've removed as much of the grease as possible.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash

Once you're satisfied with the scrubbing, it's important to remove any oven cleaner residue. Clean the pan in hot soapy water to ensure all traces of the cleaner are gone. Wash the pan thoroughly with soap and water, especially if you plan to use it for cooking again.

Tips and Precautions:

• Oven cleaner is most effective on ceramic and non-stick cookware. If you have other types of pans, such as cast iron or stainless steel, you may want to consider other cleaning methods or consult the manufacturer's instructions.
• Always follow the safety precautions provided on the oven cleaner's label.
• While oven cleaner is a convenient option, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some people prefer natural cleaning methods or are concerned about the harsh chemicals in oven cleaners. In such cases, alternative methods like using baking soda, vinegar, or Bar Keeper's Friend can be explored.
• Additionally, oven cleaner can void your pan's warranty, so it's essential to check your pan's warranty information before using this method.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, first, wet the surface of the pan. Then, sprinkle the powder onto the surface and scrub with a wet cloth or sponge. For tougher stains, create a paste with water and let it sit for a minute before washing, rinsing, and drying.

Dryer sheets

Cleaning a Burnt Pan with Dryer Sheets

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Add a few drops of dish soap to the pan. You can also add a couple of drops of liquid dish soap if you have it. Then, pour in hot water. The water level should be a few inches deep, and the water should be hot but not scalding.

Step 2: Add the Dryer Sheet

Place a dryer sheet in the pan. It should be completely submerged in the water. Any scent will do.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Let the pan sit for at least an hour. For tougher jobs, you can leave it overnight.

Step 4: Rinse and Scrub

After the waiting period, rinse the pan under hot water. Use the dryer sheet to scrub away any remaining burnt bits, which should easily flake off. If there are burn marks on the bottom of the pan, repeat the process, letting the pan sit in a few inches of water.

Tips:

• This method works best for tough, baked-in messes. For lighter cleaning, you can try other methods such as vinegar and baking soda, lemons, or specialty products.
• Remember that dryer sheets are pricey, single-use, and not environmentally friendly, so save this hack for only the toughest stains.

Frequently asked questions