Erase Burned Olive Oil From Steel Pans Easily

Removing burned olive oil from a stainless steel pan can be a challenging task, but it's not impossible. While some harsh chemicals can be used, there are also natural, eco-friendly alternatives that can help you get your pan looking like new again. In this article, we will explore different methods for removing burned olive oil and share our top tips for success. So, whether you're dealing with a freshly scorched pan or built-up grime, read on to discover the best approach for restoring your cookware.

Use a non-abrasive scouring pad

To remove burned olive oil from a stainless steel pan, you can use a non-abrasive scouring pad. This method is ideal for stainless steel cookware, as it is tough enough to remove softened stains without scratching the surface of the pan.

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

Next, create a cleaning paste using baking soda and vinegar or warm water. Apply this paste directly to any burnt food bits or stains. For small stains, this method is very effective.

For heavily stained pans, fill a large container with a mixture of vinegar and water, and dissolve some baking soda in it. Submerge the entire pan in this solution and let it sit. The baking soda slurry will lift away traces of burnt olive oil and food, while the vinegar will help to degrease the pan.

Finally, use your non-abrasive scouring pad to scrub away the softened stains. For extra tough stains, add more baking soda to the pan before scrubbing, as it is a gentle abrasive.

Once the stains are gone, wash the pan with dish soap and water, and dry it before storing.

Soak in hot, soapy water

Soaking your burnt stainless steel pan in hot, soapy water is an effective way to remove burned olive oil. This method is a good alternative to harsh, toxic cleansers.

To start, fill your sink with hot water and add a generous amount of dish soap. You can also boil water in a separate pot and pour it into the sink to ensure the water is hot enough. Stir the water to create some suds and fully dissolve the soap. Next, place your burnt pan in the sink, making sure it is fully submerged. If your pan is large, you may need to plug the sink drain and fill the basin with hot water directly. Allow the pan to soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The longer it soaks, the more effective this method will be.

While the pan is soaking, you can prepare a chain mail scrubber or a fresh scouring pad to tackle any remaining residue. For the scrubber, you can use a store-bought option like Bar Keeper's Friend, or you can opt for a more abrasive, coarse sponge. If you have a chain mail scrubber, you can also use a scouring powder to enhance its effectiveness.

After the pan has soaked, drain the sink and rinse the pan with warm water. If there is still burned-on olive oil remaining, use your chosen scrubber to gently work on the affected areas. The hot, soapy water should have loosened the residue, making it easier to remove. Work in a circular motion, applying light pressure to avoid scratching the pan's finish. Rinse the pan again and dry it with a clean, absorbent towel.

Soaking your burnt stainless steel pan in hot, soapy water is a simple and effective method for removing burned olive oil. With some time and light scrubbing, you can restore your pan to its original condition without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Use a combination of vinegar and baking soda

To remove burned olive oil from a stainless steel pan using vinegar and baking soda, follow these steps:

Firstly, rinse the pan with hot water to remove any loose gunk or grime and expose the burnt layer underneath.

Next, apply a paste made from baking soda and vinegar, or warm water, directly to the burnt areas. This method is best for small stains. For heavily-stained pans, fill a large container with vinegar and water and dissolve baking soda in the solution. Submerge the pan, ensuring it is entirely covered by the liquid. Leave the mixture to sit and allow it to dissolve and lift away the burnt olive oil, food particles, and other stains. The vinegar will also help to degrease the pan and soften hardened food bits.

Once the mixture has done its work, use a soft brush or scouring pad to scrub away the softened stains. For the vinegar method, adding more baking soda can help to remove the gunk, as it is a gentle yet abrasive scrubber.

Finally, wash the pan with dish soap and dry it before storing.

This method is an effective, inexpensive, and eco-friendly way to remove burned olive oil from stainless steel pans without resorting to harsh chemical cleaners.

Try oven cleaner

If you're looking for an easy solution to remove burned olive oil from your stainless steel pan, oven cleaner is a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get your pan looking like new again:

Step 1: Prepare your work area

Spread out some newspaper on your kitchen counter to protect the surface from any potential stains or damage. Place your pan face down on the newspaper. This will ensure that the oven cleaner doesn't damage your countertop.

Step 2: Apply the oven cleaner

Generously spray the oven cleaner onto the bottom and sides of the pan. Make sure that you cover the entire surface area, especially the areas with burned olive oil. The thick layer of oven cleaner will help to degrease the pan.

Step 3: Let it sit

Leave the oven cleaner on the pan for a good 6-8 hours or even overnight. This will give the oven cleaner enough time to work its magic and break down the burned olive oil. The longer you let it sit, the easier it will be to remove the burned residue.

Step 4: Scrub the pan

After the oven cleaner has had enough time to work, it's now time to scrub the pan. Use a damp, non-abrasive scouring pad to scrub the bottom and sides of the pan. This will help to remove the loosened burnt grime without scratching your pan. Rinse your scrubbing pad at intervals to prevent the spread of residue.

Step 5: Rinse and repeat if necessary

Once you've removed as much of the burned olive oil as possible, rinse the pan with water. If there are still some stubborn stains, you can repeat steps 1 to 4. Re-spray the pan with oven cleaner and let it sit for a few hours. Then, dampen your scouring pad and add some liquid dish soap for extra cleaning power. Scrub the pan again with a little more elbow grease, and you should be able to remove even the most stubborn burned olive oil.

Step 6: Rinse and dry

Finally, give your pan a good rinse to remove all the grime and reveal the shiny, stainless steel surface. If you want to dry the pan immediately, use a lint-free towel. Otherwise, you can let it air dry.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove burned olive oil from your stainless steel pan using oven cleaner. It's important to be patient and let the oven cleaner work, and with a little elbow grease, your pan will be looking like new again!

Use Bar Keeper's Friend

To remove burned olive oil from a stainless steel pan, Bar Keepers Friend is a great option. It is a multi-purpose cleaning powder that can be used to remove tough, burnt-on oil stains from your stainless steel pans without causing damage. The powder contains oxalic acid, which helps to dissolve rust and calcium deposits, and mild abrasives to scrub away burnt food and oil.

• Dampen the pan with warm water.
• Make a paste by mixing Bar Keepers Friend powder with a small amount of water.
• Using a soft cloth or sponge, apply the paste to the pan in a circular motion, starting from the centre and working outwards.
• Let the paste sit for one minute. Do not exceed this time, as it is important not to let the product sit for too long.
• Wash the pan in hot soapy water.
• Rinse the pan and repeat the process if necessary.

For very burnt or greasy pans, you may need to put in a little extra effort. Start by scrubbing the pan with steel wool to remove the majority of the burnt-on oil. Then, switch to a soft sponge or cloth and follow the steps outlined above.

Bar Keepers Friend is a great, cost-effective way to remove burned olive oil from your stainless steel pans, so you can get them looking like new again!

Frequently asked questions