Scrubbing Away: Removing Stubborn Grease From Pans

Removing baked-on grease from pans can be a frustrating task. The brown gunk building up on the bottom of your pans can seem impossible to clean, but there are several methods you can try that don't involve harsh chemicals.

How to Remove Baked-on Grease from Pans

Use baking soda and vinegar

To remove baked-on grease from pans, baking soda and vinegar are your best friends. This method is safe, inexpensive, and effective in lifting away that stubborn, crusted grease. Here's a detailed guide on how to use baking soda and vinegar to restore your pans:

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Soda

Generously sprinkle baking soda over the surface of your pan, ensuring that the entire surface is covered. This step is crucial as it prepares the pan for the next steps in the cleaning process.

Step 2: Apply Vinegar

Pour some vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar over the baking soda-covered surface. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a fizz. Don't be alarmed by this; it's a natural and safe chemical reaction. Let the solution sit for a while, preferably overnight, to allow it to work its magic on the baked-on grease.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After letting the solution do its work, grab a scrubbing pad and get ready to scrub. Start scrubbing the pan in a circular motion, focusing on the areas where the baking soda and vinegar solution were applied. Continue scrubbing until you've covered all the dirty surfaces of your pan. If you're working with a non-stick pan or a pan with a fragile coating, avoid using a scrubber, scouring pad, SOS pad, or steel wool, as these can damage the surface.

Step 4: Rinse and Repeat if Necessary

Once you're done scrubbing, rinse the pan to remove the solution and any loosened grease. Check to ensure that all the baked-on grease has been removed. If you notice any spots that still have grease, simply repeat the process.

Alternative Method: Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste

Another way to use baking soda and vinegar to remove baked-on grease is by creating a cleaning paste. Mix baking soda with enough white vinegar to form a thin paste. Apply this paste directly to the burnt-on grease, covering both the interior and exterior of the pan. The baking soda will lift those stubborn stains, while the vinegar works to soften the grease, making it easier to clean.

Let the paste sit for at least 15 minutes, or longer if your pan is heavily stained. Then, use a scouring pad to gently scrub and remove the grease. Finish by washing the pan as you normally would and drying it thoroughly before storing.

By following these steps and using baking soda and vinegar, you can effectively remove baked-on grease from your pans, restoring them to their former glory!

Soak in hot water and detergent

Soaking your pans in hot water and detergent is an effective way to remove baked-on grease without scrubbing. This method is simple and requires very little effort. It is also a great alternative to scrubbing, which can be time-consuming and may not always be successful in removing stubborn grease.

To soak your pans effectively, start by filling your sink with hot water. Ensure the water level is high enough to completely submerge the parts of the pan with baked-on grease. Then, add a good amount of detergent. You can use regular dish soap, but dishwasher detergent is even better at breaking down grease. Aim for about 1 tablespoon of dishwasher detergent in total.

Once you've added the detergent, let the pan soak. For best results, leave it to soak for at least an hour. If the grease is particularly stubborn, you can even let it soak overnight. After soaking, the grease should be loosened and easy to wipe away. Use a sponge or cleaning cloth to wipe away the grease. If there are any remaining bits of grease, a gentle scrub with a soft brush or sponge should do the trick.

It's important to note that if you're using a non-stick pan, avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool as these can scratch the coating. Instead, opt for softer cleaning tools like sponges or cloths.

Soaking your pans in hot water and detergent is a straightforward and efficient way to remove baked-on grease. It saves you time and effort and will leave your pans sparkling clean.

Use a scrub brush

Using a scrub brush is an essential part of cleaning baked-on grease from pans. While there are many different methods and solutions to help remove the grease, a scrub brush is often required to finish the job.

One method is to use a mixture of dish soap and water. First, fill your sink with hot, soapy water and let the pan sit for an hour. Then, scrub the grease off with a brush.

Another method involves using a mixture of baking soda and water. Create a thick paste by mixing three parts baking soda with one part boiling water. Spread the paste on the burnt areas of the pan and let it sit for at least ten minutes. Then, scrub it off with a brush.

You can also try a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. First, sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the pan, making sure every spot is covered. Then, fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spray it all over the baking soda. This will cause a bubbling and fizzing reaction, which is normal. Let the solution sit overnight, then scrub the pan with a brush the next day.

If you're looking for a more heavy-duty solution, you can try using oven cleaner. Spread the oven cleaner on the bottom of the pan and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, scrub the bottom of the pan with a brush.

It's important to note that you should not use a scrub brush on non-stick pans or pans with fragile coatings, as it can irreparably damage the surface. For these types of pans, it's best to use a soft sponge or cloth instead.

Try oven cleaner

Oven cleaner is an effective way to remove burnt-on grease from the bottom of pans. While it may not be a popular technique, it is a tried-and-tested method that works well on ceramic and non-stick pans.

Step 1: Spread Oven Cleaner on the Bottom of the Pan

Take your oven cleaner and spread a generous amount onto the bottom of the pan, ensuring that all the baked-on grease is covered.

Step 2: Let it Sit for a Few Hours

Once you have applied the oven cleaner, let it sit for a few hours. For best results, it is recommended to leave it overnight or at least for a few hours so that the solution can work effectively to lift away the grease.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After letting the oven cleaner sit, it's time to scrub the pan. Use a scrubbing pad and scrub the bottom of the pan in a circular motion. Apply some elbow grease if needed, especially for stubborn spots.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash the Pan

Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with hot soapy water to remove any remaining oven cleaner residue. Wash the pan as you normally would, ensuring that all the oven cleaner and grease are gone.

Tips and Precautions:

• While oven cleaner is effective, it may not be suitable for all types of pans. It is best applied to ceramic and non-stick pans.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using oven cleaner, and take the necessary precautions to protect your skin and eyes.
• Ensure proper ventilation when using oven cleaner, as the fumes can be strong.
• If you are concerned about using oven cleaner on your cookware, you can test it on a small area first to ensure it does not cause any damage.

Apply a paste and let it sit

To remove baked-on grease from pans, you can apply a paste made from baking soda and vinegar. This is a safe and inexpensive solution. The paste should be thin enough to stay moist but thick enough to stick to vertical spaces. Apply the paste directly to the burnt-on grease, placing it on both the interior and exterior of the pan. The baking soda will lift burnt grease stains, while the vinegar works to soften the baked-on grease, making it easier to clean.

Let the paste sit for at least 15 minutes, or longer if your pots and pans are heavily stained. If the grease is not completely removed, re-apply the paste and wait for 10 to 15 more minutes. You can also add a bit of vinegar to the baking soda paste to help clean burnt-on grease stains.

Another paste you can try is a mixture of baking soda, Dawn dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste to the pan and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, 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 applying the paste.

For a more intensive cleaning solution, you can use oven cleaner or Bar Keeper's Friend. Spread the oven cleaner on the bottom of the pan and leave it for a few hours or overnight. Then, scrub the bottom of the pan with a scrubbing pad and wash the pan in hot soapy water to remove any residue.

Bar Keeper's Friend can also be mixed with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the pan with a scouring pad, scrubbing in a circular motion. Rinse the pan and finish washing it in hot soapy water.

Frequently asked questions