Removing Broiler Pan: Easy Steps

Broiler pans are subjected to high heat, which causes grease and food residue to bake on and makes them difficult to clean. Thorough cleaning after each use is recommended to prevent stubborn stains. The right cleaning techniques can help you achieve a spotless broiler pan while keeping the scrubbing to a minimum.

Soak in hot water

If your broiler pan has sides that allow it to hold water, fill it with hot water. If your broiler pan is flat with no edges, put it to soak in the sink or a plastic tub or basin that's large enough to hold it. Make sure the whole surface with cooked-on food is covered with water. Warm or cool water may work, but hot water is more effective.

Squirt a bit of dish soap into the water. Use a basic dishwashing detergent and squeeze a zigzag across the surface of the pan. A dish soap that is specially formulated to fight grease is most helpful. If you don't have dish soap, this method may still work without it.

Let the pan sit for at least one hour. Leave the pan to soak with the water and soap for about one hour. If the pan has badly stuck-on food, leave it for a few hours, or even overnight.

Rinse and wipe away any remaining food. After the pan has soaked for a while, dump the water out of it. Depending on how bad it is, wipe the pan with a sponge or scrubber to remove any residue that is still stuck on. It wouldn't hurt to give the pan a quick, regular cleaning with dish soap and water.

If your broiler pan is especially greasy or covered in stubborn baked-on food, skip the soap and try this alternative method. Heat the broiler pan in the oven until it's too hot to touch with bare hands. Turn off the oven and remove the pan, setting it over the sink to catch any drips during cleaning. Mix 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of sugar, and smear it over the top of the broiler. After an hour, wipe off the grease with a wet sponge and light scrubbing. A second treatment may be necessary for especially stubborn grease and stains.

Although soaking and vinegar treatments can remove most of the baked-on grease, some scrubbing is usually necessary. After removing most of the mess, wash the broiler pan in a sink full of hot, soapy water. Avoid heavily abrasive cleaners and steel wool, which may damage the surface. Use only a mildly abrasive sponge or plastic scraper to remove remaining debris. After scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly in clear water and dry it before storing it.

Use baking soda

To clean a broiler pan with baking soda, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure your broiler pan has completely cooled down. Then, sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda all over the surface of the pan. The thicker the layer, the more effective the cleaning will be.

Next, use a spray bottle filled with water to dampen the baking soda. You can also gently pour water onto the baking soda and mix it to form a paste. The water will help the baking soda to penetrate and loosen the burnt-on grease and food residue.

Cover the surface of the pan with wet paper towels. This will keep the baking soda moist for longer, allowing it to work more effectively. If you notice the paper towels drying out, spray or sprinkle some more water onto them.

Let the pan sit for at least 30 minutes. The longer you leave it, the better the results will be, especially if you are dealing with tough, burnt-on grease. Leaving it for two to three hours, or even overnight, will give the best results.

After the allotted time has passed, use a spatula to gently scrape the dried baking soda into the trash. Do not scrape it into the sink, as it may clog your drain. Finally, take your broiler pan to the sink and rinse off any leftover baking soda. Use a washcloth or a sponge to scrub away any remaining food residue or stains.

If your broiler pan is very dirty, you may need to repeat this process or try a different cleaning method.

Use a scouring pad

Using a scouring pad is an effective way to clean a broiler pan. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Broiler Pan

Before you begin scrubbing, fill the broiler pan with hot water and add a grease-fighting dishwashing liquid. If your broiler pan has sides, fill it with water; if it has slats or is flat, place it in your sink or a large container to soak. Ensure that the entire surface is covered with water. You can also add a capful of ammonia to the water, but avoid mixing it with bleach or other cleaners as this will produce harmful gases.

Step 2: Soak the Broiler Pan

Let the broiler pan soak for at least 30 minutes. This will help loosen any cooked-on food and make it easier to remove. If the pan is extremely dirty, you may want to let it soak for a few hours or even overnight.

Step 3: Scrub the Broiler Pan

After the broiler pan has soaked, use a scouring pad to scrub away any remaining food or grease. Work the scouring pad gently onto the metal surface to remove any hardened bits of food or grease. Be careful not to use a metal scouring pad or brush, as this can damage the finish of the broiler pan. Instead, opt for a mildly abrasive sponge or plastic scraper.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Broiler Pan

Once you've finished scrubbing, rinse the broiler pan thoroughly in clear water and dry it before storing it away. Ensure that all traces of the cleaning solution have been removed.

Tips:

• Always wear rubber gloves when handling cleaning chemicals and hot water.
• If you don't have a scouring pad, you can also use a sponge, washcloth, or scrubbing sponge to scrub the broiler pan gently.
• For extremely dirty broiler pans, you may need to repeat the process or try a stronger cleaning solution.
• Remember to clean your broiler pan regularly to prevent food build-up and make cleaning easier.

Clean with vinegar

Vinegar is a great natural cleaning solution for your broiler pan. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your broiler pan with vinegar:

• Remove the broiler pan from your oven. Place the pan in the sink.
• Mix one cup of white vinegar with two teaspoons of baking soda in a container. The powerful combination of vinegar and baking soda will remove even the most stubborn stains from your pan.
• Cover the broiler pan with the mixture. If necessary, you can add a small amount of water to make it easier to spread. If you don't want to touch the mixture, use paper towels or wear gloves to spread it over all surfaces of the broiler pan.
• Leave the pan to sit covered in the paste for a couple of hours.
• After a couple of hours, use a scraper or spatula to scrape all of the dried paste off the pan. To avoid clogging your kitchen drain, throw the paste debris into the trash.
• Wash the broiler pan under warm water. Use a clean scrubber and extra white vinegar if necessary to remove any remaining stains.
• Once clean, dry the pan with a clean cloth. You can also leave it in the sun for a couple of hours before placing it back in your oven.

Alternatively, if your broiler pan is especially greasy or covered in stubborn baked-on food, skip the baking soda. Instead, heat the broiler pan in the oven until it's too hot to touch with bare hands. Turn off the oven and remove the pan, setting it over the sink to catch any drips during cleaning. Mix 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of sugar, and smear it over the top of the broiler. After an hour, wipe off the grease with a wet sponge and light scrubbing. A second treatment may be necessary for especially stubborn grease and stains.

Use a Magic Eraser

A Magic Eraser is a powerful tool for cleaning your broiler pan. It can make the process faster and easier, but it's important to know that it's not suitable for every job. Magic Erasers are made from melamine foam, which acts like fine sandpaper, so while they're great for removing stubborn marks and messes, they can also scratch certain surfaces and remove protective finishes. Here are some tips on how to effectively use a Magic Eraser to clean your broiler pan:

• Before using the Magic Eraser, always do a spot test in an inconspicuous area to ensure it won't cause any damage.
• Wet the Magic Eraser before use. Wetting it softens the sponge and makes it less likely to scratch the surface you're cleaning.
• Wear gloves when using the Magic Eraser. The superfine abrasive material can irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure. Using too much force can scratch surfaces and even remove paint.
• Cut the Magic Eraser into smaller squares to make it last longer and to easily dispose of the used portions.
• Don't use Magic Erasers on stone countertops, nonstick cookware, stainless steel, or electronic screens, as they can scratch and damage these surfaces.
• Avoid using Magic Erasers on vinyl flooring, eye glasses, leather, and whiteboards, as they can cause scratches, smudges, and remove finishes.
• Always test the Magic Eraser on a small area first if you're unsure about its suitability for a particular surface.
• Be cautious when using Magic Erasers on clear-coated surfaces, and apply minimal pressure.

Frequently asked questions