Scorched Pans: Removing Stubborn Grease Burns

Burnt grease on your pans? Don't worry, it's a common problem with several simple solutions. Here are some methods to remove burnt grease from your pans:

- Soak the pan in hot water mixed with washing-up liquid, then use a wire brush to scrub away the grease.

- Use baking soda and vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda on the grease, then pour vinegar on top. Scrub the burnt grime off with a sponge and rinse the pan thoroughly.

- For non-stick pans, fill the pan with very hot water and add two or three dryer sheets and a drop of dish soap. Let it sit for an hour, then scrub the pan.

- For stainless steel pans, make a paste with Bar Keepers Friend and water. Apply the paste to the pan and scrub with a non-scratch sponge.

- For light browning, fill the pan with distilled white vinegar and let it soak for an hour. Use a scrubbing pad, toothbrush, dish soap, and water to remove the grease.

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. For caked-on grease, pre-soak the pan in vinegar for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will help soften the grease and make it easier to remove.

Step 2: Apply Vinegar

Pour enough distilled white vinegar into the pan to cover the bottom with at least half an inch of liquid. If you have a large pot or pan, you may need to use more vinegar. Place the pan on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add baking soda. For a standard-sized pan, use one cup of baking soda. You will get a fizzing reaction, so it is best to do this in the sink. The combination of baking soda, which is alkaline, and vinegar, which is acidic, creates a chemical reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop. This should take around 5 minutes. During this time, the baking soda and vinegar will continue to work together to break down the burnt grease.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

Once the reaction has stopped, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring pad. Add more baking soda as needed to create a mild abrasive that will help remove stubborn grease. You can also use a toothbrush to reach any tight spots or crevices.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining grease or residue. Ensure that the pan is completely clean and free of any baking soda or vinegar. Dry the pan with a clean cloth or let it air dry before storing.

Using baking soda and vinegar is an effective and inexpensive way to remove burnt grease from pans. It may require some elbow grease and a bit of time, but it is a safe and natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.

Dishwasher tablets

To use a dishwasher tablet to clean a burnt pan, start by covering the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warming it on low heat. Remove the pan from the heat source and use a dishwasher tablet to scrub the burnt areas in small circles until the tablet starts to dissolve. Rinse the pan and wash it with warm, soapy water.

This method is quick and easy, taking only 3-5 minutes. It is also a relatively mess-free option, as the tablet works as both the detergent and scouring pad. However, it is important to note that the type of dishwasher tablet and pan may impact the effectiveness of this method. For example, one source found that an IKEA pan did not come as clean as a Raco pan. Additionally, it may take a while for the tablet to start breaking down, and warmer water may be needed to facilitate the process.

Overall, using a dishwasher tablet is a simple and inexpensive way to remove burnt grease from pans, but the specific products used may impact the results.

Boiled lemons

To clean your pan with boiled lemons, start by slicing two to three lemons and placing them in the dirty pan. Then, fill the pan with enough water to just barely cover the lemons. Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Bring the lemon water to a boil for five to eight minutes. You'll know the pan is ready for a final scrub when you start to see food particles floating to the surface of the water.

Once the water has boiled for five to eight minutes, remove the pan from the heat and 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 stuck-on bits.

This method is especially useful if you've been cooking with lemons and have some leftovers to use up. It is also a gentle method that can be used to clean burned grease from a properly seasoned cast iron pan, as long as you thoroughly dry the pan immediately after cleaning.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use aluminium foil and baking soda to remove burnt grease from your pan:

Step 1: Rinse the Pan

Start by rinsing your dirty pan with hot water. This will help to loosen any burnt-on grease and food particles, making them easier to remove. Make sure to use hot water as it will be more effective in breaking down the grease.

Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda onto the bottom of the pan. Baking soda is mildly alkaline and will help to break down the grease and food particles. It's also a mild abrasive, which will help to lift the burnt-on debris without scratching your pan.

Step 3: Add a Little Water

Add a few teaspoons of hot water back into the pan. The water will react with the baking soda to form a paste. The paste will help to further loosen the burnt-on grease and food particles, making them easier to remove.

Step 4: Scrub with Aluminium Foil

Take a piece of aluminium foil and crumple it into a ball. Use this ball to scrub the pan in a circular motion. The aluminium foil will act as a gentle abrasive, lifting away the burnt-on grease and food particles without scratching your pan. Continue scrubbing until all the burnt debris is lifted.

Step 5: Rinse and Wash

Once you've removed all the burnt debris, rinse the pan with hot, soapy water to finish cleaning. Wash the pan as you normally would, using dish soap and a sponge or scrubber. Make sure to rinse the pan thoroughly to remove any remaining baking soda and food particles.

Tips for Using Aluminium Foil and Baking Soda:

• You can use this method on all types of pans, including stainless steel, aluminium, and non-stick pans. However, be careful when using aluminium foil on non-stick pans as it may cause scratches.
• For extremely burnt-on grease, you may need to repeat the process or use a stronger cleaning method first to loosen the grease.
• Always test any new cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area of your pan first to ensure it doesn't damage the surface.
• Aluminium foil is a versatile cleaning tool and can be used for more than just covering leftovers! Keep some crumpled foil balls handy for quick and easy pan cleaning.
• For tougher burnt-on grease, you can also try using a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Fill your dirty pan with equal parts water and vinegar, bring it to a boil, then add baking soda. Soak and scrub as needed.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively remove burnt grease from your pans using aluminium foil and baking soda, leaving them clean and ready for your next cooking adventure!

Oven cleaner

Step 1: Spread the Oven Cleaner

Coat the bottom of the pan generously with a store-bought oven cleaner. Make sure the entire surface is covered, paying extra attention to the stained areas.

Step 2: Let it Sit

Allow the oven cleaner to sit for a few hours. For best results, it is recommended to leave it overnight. This gives the cleaner enough time to penetrate and loosen the burnt-on grease.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After the cleaner has had sufficient time to work, use a scrubbing pad to scrub the bottom of the pan vigorously. This will help remove the loosened grease and any remaining residue.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash

Finally, clean the pan in hot soapy water to remove any residual oven cleaner. Ensure that you wash the pan thoroughly to get rid of any chemicals before using it for cooking again.

While oven cleaner is an effective solution, it is important to note that it is not a natural method. If you prefer a natural approach, you can try using baking soda, vinegar, or other household ingredients to remove burnt grease from your pans.

Frequently asked questions