Removing Grease Stains From Pans: Quick And Easy Methods

Grease stains on pans can be frustrating to deal with, especially when they seem to have caked onto the surface. However, there are several effective methods to tackle this issue and restore your pans to their former glory. From the use of household products like baking soda, vinegar, and salt to commercial cleaners such as oven cleaner and Bar Keeper's Friend, you can remove even the most stubborn grease stains. The key is to be patient, experiment with different techniques, and not be afraid to put in some elbow grease when scrubbing. With the right approach, your pans will be sparkling clean in no time!

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Remove Excess Food and Debris

Start by scraping off as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. This can be done with a spatula or scraper.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar in the Pan

Next, add enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan 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 1 cup of baking soda. You will see a fizzing reaction occur. It is recommended to do this over the sink as a safety precaution.

Step 4: Let the Mixture Sit

Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop. This usually takes a few minutes.

Step 5: Discard the Liquid and Scrub

Once the reaction has stopped, pour out the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge. Add more baking soda as needed while scrubbing.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing, rinse the pan with water and dry it thoroughly.

Tips:

• For non-stick pans, avoid using metal tools or scrubbing pads as they can damage the non-stick surface. Instead, use a nylon brush or non-scratch sponge.
• For cast iron pans, avoid using water, soap, vinegar, or lemon juice as they can cause rust and affect the pan's seasoning.
• Always allow your pans to cool before cleaning them. Submerging hot pans in cold water can cause warping.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove burnt grease and restore your pans to their former glory!

Soak in hot water

Soaking your pans in hot water is an effective way to remove grease stains and burnt-on food. The hot water helps to loosen the grease, making it easier to scrub away. It is recommended to soak the pans in hot, soapy water to further reduce the scrubbing time and the amount of grease on the sponge and your hands.

Firstly, fill your sink with hot water, ensuring there is enough to fully submerge the bottom of the pan. Then, add a few drops of dish soap. Blue Dawn is a recommended brand. Leave the pan to soak for at least an hour. For very tough stains, you can leave the pan to soak overnight.

After soaking, use a scrubbing pad, sponge, or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining grease. For burnt-on grease, a wire brush may be required. If the pan has crevices and indents, use a scrubber to ensure these areas are thoroughly cleaned.

Finally, rinse the pan with hot water and dry it with a cloth or paper towel.

It is important to note that this method may not be suitable for non-stick or ceramic pans, as the hot water and abrasive scrubbing materials may damage the coating.

Ammonia and time

Ammonia is a great way to clean the grease off your pans without much effort. It is also cost-effective, as a bottle of ammonia typically costs less than a dollar. All you need to do is put your pan in a plastic bag with a dash of ammonia and let the fumes do the work for you overnight. In the morning, the grease will have magically melted off.

This method is perfect for stove grates or drip pans and is the best way to get any deep-set stains out of metal. It is important to note that ammonia fumes can be harmful to breathe, so make sure to open the bag somewhere with good ventilation and dump the ammonia out before removing the pan.

Additionally, always wash your pan thoroughly with soap and water after using ammonia to ensure no residue is left behind.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, first, wet the surface of the pan. Then, make a paste using the powder and water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the paste onto the pan in a circular motion. For very greasy or tarnished pans, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a soft sponge or cloth. Finally, rinse the pan well and wash it in hot soapy water.

Dryer sheets

How to Get Rid of Grease Stains on Pans with Dryer Sheets

What You'll Need:

• Dryer sheets
• Dish soap
• Hot water

Steps:

First, add a few drops of dish soap to the stained pan. Then, pour in hot water—enough to cover the stain, or a few inches of water if the stain is on the bottom of the pan. Place a dryer sheet in the water, pushing it down so that it is completely submerged. Let the pan sit for 10-15 minutes, or longer for more stubborn stains. For extremely tough stains, you can leave the pan to soak overnight.

After the pan has soaked, remove the dryer sheet and rinse the pan with hot water. Use the dryer sheet to scrub away any remaining burnt bits, which should now easily flake off. If there is still some residue, repeat the process.

Finally, wash the pan with soap and water as usual.

According to Donna Smallin Kuper, author of "Cleaning Plain & Simple," it is likely that the conditioning properties of the dryer sheet, released into the water, help to remove the grease.

While this method may not be the most environmentally-friendly, it is a useful trick to try for those particularly stubborn grease stains that won't budge with regular scrubbing.

Frequently asked questions