Scrub Away Black Grease: Revive Your Pan

Removing black grease from a pan can be a challenging task, but it's not impossible. Here's an introduction to the different methods you can use to get your pans looking clean and new again.

One of the most popular methods is to use baking soda, which can be mixed with water to form a paste. This paste can then be applied to the grease and left to sit for a while before being scrubbed off. For particularly stubborn grease, you can also add vinegar or dish soap to the mixture.

Another option is to use a commercial oven cleaner, which can be sprayed or spread onto the grease and left to sit before being scrubbed off. These products are designed to remove tough grease and food debris from ovens and pans.

For lighter stains, lemon juice or vinegar can be effective. Soaking the pan in lemon juice or vinegar for about an hour can help to break down the grease, making it easier to clean with a scrub brush or pad and some dish soap.

If you're looking for a more unconventional method, dryer sheets can also be used to remove grease. Simply fill the pan with hot water, add a few dryer sheets and some dish soap, and let it sit for an hour before scrubbing.

No matter which method you choose, the key to success is often giving the cleaner enough time to work. So don't be afraid to let those pans soak or give those cleaners a little extra time to break down the grease before you start scrubbing.

Baking soda and vinegar

If you're looking to remove black grease from your pan, a combination of baking soda and vinegar is a great natural method to try. This method works without the use of harsh chemicals and uses affordable pantry items that you likely already have in your home.

Step 1: Create the Mixture

Create a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar in your pan. Bring this mixture to a boil and then add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Be sure to slowly add the baking soda to the boiling water, as mixing these two ingredients can cause a somewhat explosive reaction.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

Once you have added the baking soda, remove the pan from the heat and let it soak. Allow the pan to soak for up to 15 minutes. During this time, the mixture will work to loosen and remove any burnt-on food and grease.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After soaking, discard the liquid down the drain and use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits. If there are still spots or stubborn residue, create a paste with baking soda and a small amount of water, apply it to the pan, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Additional Tips:

• For caked-on grease, pre-soak your pan in vinegar for 30 minutes before applying the baking soda paste.
• For non-stick pans, create a slurry of white vinegar, water, and baking soda directly in the pan. Bring it to a boil, stirring continuously for 5 minutes, and then allow it to cool completely before discarding the solution and rinsing the pan.
• If you're looking for a quicker and more effective method, you can also try using aluminium foil along with baking soda for enhanced scrubbing power.

Ammonia

To clean your pans using ammonia, put the pan in a garbage 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 also perfect for your stove grates or drip pans. This is a tried-and-true recipe for getting any deep-set stains out of metal.

However, do not use this method on Teflon pans, as the ammonia will cause the Teflon to peel off.

Lemon juice

To use lemon juice to remove black grease from your pan, follow these steps:

• Soak the pan in lemon juice for about an hour. Ensure that the lemon juice covers the bottom of the pan completely.
• After soaking, use a scrub brush or scrubbing pad to scrub the pan. You can also use dish soap or washing-up liquid to help with the cleaning process.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly.

For more stubborn stains, you can combine lemon juice with other household items. One way is to add salt to the lemon juice. After soaking the pan, use salt to scrub the pan. However, avoid using salt on non-stick and ceramic pans, as it can be too abrasive and damage the coating.

Another combination is to use lemon juice with baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the pan, spray it with lemon juice, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. For tough stains, you can also make a paste with baking soda and lemon juice and let it sit on the pan overnight.

Oven cleaner

To use an oven cleaner to remove grease from your pans, start by coating the bottom of the pan with the cleaner. It is recommended to let the cleaner sit for a few hours, or even overnight, to loosen the grease. Then, use a scrubbing pad to scrub the bottom of the pan. Finally, wash the pan with hot soapy water to remove any oven cleaner residue.

While oven cleaner is an effective method for removing burnt-on grease, it is not a natural method. If you are looking for a more natural alternative, you can try using baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, start by wetting the surface of the pan. Then, sprinkle on the powder and scrub with a scouring pad, sponge, or soft cloth. You can also make a paste with the powder by adding a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the pan and let it sit for about 10 minutes before wiping it off with a scrubbing pad. For very burnt pans, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a soft sponge or cloth.

It is important to note that Bar Keepers Friend is a powerful cleanser, so always wear gloves when using it and rinse the surface thoroughly after use. Do not leave it on the surface for too long, as it can cause discolouration and scratches. It should also not be used on non-stick surfaces, cast iron, granite, marble, wood, fabric, leather, or painted surfaces.

Frequently asked questions