Removing Stubborn, Baked-On Oil: Easy Pan Cleaning Methods

Burnt-on oil is a common problem for cooks, and it can be a challenge to remove. The residue is created when oil or fats are heated to or above their smoke point, causing their triglycerides to break down into free fatty acids, which then polymerize into a resin that is insoluble in water. This scorched residue can be difficult to remove without harsh, toxic cleansers, but there are some home remedies that can help.

Use vinegar and baking soda

To remove baked-on oil from a pan using vinegar and baking soda, follow these steps:

First, rinse the pan with hot water to remove any loose gunk or grime and expose the burnt layer underneath. If there is only a thin layer of food residue, hot water may be enough to dissolve the oils.

Next, apply a paste made from baking soda and vinegar or warm water. Spread the paste directly onto any burnt food bits. This method is best for small stains. For heavily stained pots and pans, fill a large container with vinegar and water and dissolve some baking soda in the solution. Submerge the pan, ensuring that every part is covered by the mixture. Leave the mixture to sit; the baking soda will dissolve and lift away any traces of burnt oil, baked-on food, and other stains. The vinegar will also help to degrease the pan and soften hardened food bits.

Once the mixture has been left to sit, scrub the stains away. Use a soft brush for non-stick pans and other sensitive cookware. For stainless steel pans, use a scouring pad or scrubbing pad to clear away the softened stains. Adding more baking soda to the pan will aid the removal of the gunk, as it is a gentle yet abrasive scrubber.

Finally, wash the pan with dish soap and let it dry. Wash the pan as you normally would to clear away any remaining oil and baking soda residue. Leave the pan to dry, or place it on the open stove to evaporate the moisture quickly. Allow the pan to settle and cool before storing it away.

Try dishwasher tablets

Dishwasher tablets can be used to clean more than just dishes. They are made of concentrated dishwasher detergent and promise to cut through tough grease and leave your dishes sparkling. So, it makes sense that those powerful cleaning agents can work on baked-on grease and food stains in pans. Plus, the hard powder tablets have an abrasive surface that helps scour away stuck-on stains but is gentle enough not to scratch surfaces.

To use this method, you'll need a dishwasher tablet (or two) and a bowl of warm water. Dip the tablet into the warm water—make sure it's not too long, so it doesn't start to crumble. Then, simply use the tablet to scrub away the stains. Lay the tablet flat and use your palm to move it in circular motions. If the tablet starts to dry out, dip it in the water again.

This method works well on glass and metal surfaces and can be used on non-stick pans as well, as it doesn't require a lot of scrubbing. Just be sure to wipe away any residue with a damp cloth when you're finished.

Other methods to remove baked-on oil from pans

• Rinse the pan with hot water to remove any loose gunk or grime and expose the burnt layer underneath.
• Apply a baking soda paste or use the vinegar method, depending on the amount of staining. For small stain spots, create a paste using baking soda and vinegar or warm water and apply it directly to the burnt areas. For heavily-stained pans, fill a large container with vinegar and water and dissolve baking soda in the solution. Submerge your pan in the mixture and let it sit.
• Scrub the stains with a soft brush or a scouring pad, depending on the type of pan. For non-stick pans, use a soft brush, while for stainless steel pans, you can use a scouring pad.
• Wash the pan with dish soap as you normally would to remove any remaining oil and residue. Let the pan dry completely before storing it.
• Use a commercial cleaning paste or solution specifically designed to remove burnt-on grease from pans. However, be cautious as some of these products may contain harsh chemicals that could be toxic.

Soak in hot, soapy water

Soaking your pan in hot, soapy water is an effective way to remove baked-on oil. It is a simple method that does not require any additional, harsh chemicals.

First, fill your sink with hot water and add some dish soap. Next, place the pan in the sink, ensuring it is fully submerged. Leave the pan to soak for at least half an hour, or a couple of hours if the residue is particularly stubborn. The hot, soapy water will loosen the baked-on oil, making it easier to scrub away.

After soaking, you may need to use a scouring pad or scrubbing brush to remove any remaining residue. If the oil is still not coming off, you can try adding some baking soda to the pan and scrubbing gently. This will act as a gentle abrasive to help lift away the oil.

This method is suitable for stainless steel pans, but it is important to note that it should not be used on non-stick pans, as it may damage the coating.

While hot, soapy water is an effective treatment, it may not be 100% successful on its own. You may need to use a scouring powder, such as Bar Keeper's Friend, and a scrubber to remove the most stubborn bits of baked-on oil.

Use Bar Keeper's Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular product for cleaning baked-on oil and grease from pans. It is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that can be used on stainless steel items and other materials. The product is ideal for removing tough stains, rust, and tarnish from most surfaces.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, start by wetting the surface of the pan. Then, sprinkle the powder onto the surface and scrub with a soft sponge or cloth, keeping the faucet off. You can add a small amount of water to the powder to create a paste. For heavily stained pans, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a softer sponge.

It is important to note that Bar Keepers Friend is abrasive and can irritate the skin, so it is recommended to wear gloves when using this product. Additionally, it should not be used on non-stick surfaces or left on the surface for too long, as it may cause discolouration and scratches. Rinse the product thoroughly after use, and do not mix it with other cleaning products, especially bleach or ammonia, as this can create toxic fumes.

Try lemon and water

If you have baked-on oil in your pan, you might be tempted to reach for harsh chemicals to remove it. However, there are natural alternatives that can help you remove the residue without the need for such strong substances. One such method is to use lemon and water.

To start, you'll need to slice up two to three lemons and place them in the dirty pan. Then, add water to the pan until the lemons are just covered. Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat up to medium-high. Leave the lemon water to boil for five to eight minutes and then remove the pan from the heat.

You'll know the pan is ready for the next step when you start to see food particles floating to the surface of the water. At this point, you can discard the lemons and drain the water. Rinse the pan with hot, clean water and use a scouring pad or brush to loosen and remove any remaining stuck-on bits.

Although this method requires a bit of elbow grease, it's an effective way to remove baked-on oil without resorting to harsh chemicals. It's always a good idea to test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous portion of the pan first to ensure it won't damage the surface.

Frequently asked questions