Commercial Pan Grease: Effective Removal Techniques

Grease buildup on commercial pans can be a challenge to remove, but there are several effective methods to tackle this issue. One approach is to use a combination of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap. Create a thick paste by mixing these ingredients, apply it to the pan, let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour, and then scrub the pan with a pad or toothbrush. For stubborn grease, pre-soaking the pan in vinegar for 30 minutes can help loosen the buildup. Another method involves using vinegar and baking soda. Fill the pan with vinegar, let it sit for an hour, scrub with a pad, and then wash with soap and water. For deeper grease removal, adding salt to this mixture can provide an extra abrasive effect. Alternatively, oven cleaner can be used to tackle grease buildup. Simply coat the pan bottom with oven cleaner, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, scrub with a pad, and then wash with hot soapy water to remove any residue. These methods can help remove grease buildup and restore your commercial pans to their former glory.

Soak in hot water and washing-up liquid

Soaking your pans in hot water and washing-up liquid is an effective way to remove grease buildup. This method is particularly useful if you are looking for a gentle, non-abrasive way to clean your pans.

Firstly, fill your sink with hot water and add a small amount of washing-up liquid. Next, place your pans in the sink, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave the pans to soak for at least an hour. The hot water and washing-up liquid will help to loosen the grease, making it easier to remove.

After soaking, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away any remaining grease. If necessary, you can also use a non-abrasive scrubbing brush to gently remove any stubborn grease stains. Finally, rinse the pans with clean water and dry them with a clean towel.

This method is simple and effective and can be used on a variety of pan types, including non-stick and stainless steel. It is important to note that you should always check the care instructions for your specific type of pan before cleaning. Some pans may not be suitable for soaking, and others may require specific types of cleaning products.

Additionally, while this method is gentle and effective, it may not be powerful enough to remove heavy grease buildup. In such cases, you may need to try a different cleaning method or a stronger commercial cleaner.

Use a non-abrasive sponge

To remove grease buildup from commercial pans, it's important to use the right tools. Avoid using anything abrasive, such as steel wool or wire scrubbers, as these can scratch the surface of your pans and damage the coating. Instead, opt for a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber. These are gentler on your pans and will effectively remove grease without causing any harm to the surface.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Before you begin scrubbing, make sure the pan has cooled down completely. Rinsing or cleaning a hot pan can cause warping and damage. If there are any large pieces of burnt grease, gently scrape them off with a plastic scraper. Avoid using metal utensils as they can scratch the surface.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

Fill the pan with hot water and a small amount of liquid dish soap. Allow the pan to soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will help loosen the grease and make it easier to remove. If there is caked-on grease, you can also pre-soak the pan in vinegar for 30 minutes before adding the dish soap.

Step 3: Scrub with a Non-Abrasive Sponge

Now, it's time to put your non-abrasive sponge to use! Add a few drops of dish soap to the sponge and begin scrubbing the pan in circular motions. The soap will help break down the grease, and the sponge's texture will lift it away without damaging the pan's surface. Pay extra attention to the burnt areas and scrub until they are clean.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you've removed all the grease and burnt residue, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining soap or food particles. After rinsing, dry the pan with a clean towel or place it on a drying rack to air dry.

Additional Tips:

• It's best to wash your pans by hand. Putting them in the dishwasher can strip away their coating and cause permanent damage.
• Avoid using metal utensils with non-stick pans as they can scrape off the coating. Opt for wooden or silicone utensils instead.
• Regular maintenance is key to keeping your pans in good condition. Wash pans immediately after use, making sure to scrub the bottom and soak them in hot soapy water to loosen any grease.

Apply baking soda and vinegar

Removing grease buildup from commercial pans can be a challenging task, but it is possible with the right techniques and some elbow grease. One effective method is to use baking soda and vinegar. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply this method:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Before applying any cleaning solutions, ensure that the pan is cool and dry. Use a plastic scraper to gently remove any large pieces of burnt grease from the pan's surface. Avoid using metal utensils as they can scratch the pan's surface, making future cleaning more difficult.

Step 2: Apply Baking Soda

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the pan's surface, focusing on the stained areas. Baking soda is alkaline, which helps to neutralise the acid in grease, making it easier to remove. Ensure the pan is completely coated, and gently pat the baking soda down with a dry cloth to ensure it adheres to the grease.

Step 3: Add Vinegar

Once the pan is coated in baking soda, it's time to add the vinegar. Use white vinegar and spritz it onto the baking soda. You will see the vinegar begin to fizz and bubble as it reacts with the baking soda. This reaction helps to break down the grease, making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Allow the baking soda and vinegar mixture to rest on the pan for about 5-10 minutes. During this time, the fizzing will subside, and the mixture will start to dry. This waiting period is crucial as it gives the solution time to work and loosen the grease.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

After the waiting period, it's time to scrub the pan. Use a scouring pad or a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the pan's surface. Work in circular motions, ensuring you cover the entire stained area. The baking soda and vinegar mixture should have loosened the grease, making it easier to remove. Continue scrubbing until you have removed as much grease as possible.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining grease and residue. Ensure that you rinse the pan well to prevent any soap or food residue from remaining. Finally, dry the pan with a clean cloth and allow it to air dry completely before storing it away.

Using baking soda and vinegar is an effective and inexpensive way to remove grease buildup from commercial pans. This method may require some elbow grease, but it is a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. Always test this method on a small area of the pan first to ensure it does not cause any discolouration or damage.

Try oven cleaner

If you're looking to remove grease buildup from your commercial pans, one option is to try an oven cleaner. While this may not be a popular technique, it is effective in removing burnt-on grease from the bottom of pans. You can follow these steps:

First, spread the oven cleaner on the bottom of the pan. It is important to note that this method is best applied to ceramic and non-stick pans. Let the cleaner sit for a few hours, preferably overnight. Then, use a scrubbing pad to scrub the bottom of the pan. Finally, clean the pan with hot soapy water to remove any oven cleaner residue.

This method may be useful if intensive scrubbing has not made a difference. It is a tried-and-tested method to remove burnt-on grease from your pans.

In addition to oven cleaner, there are other commercial cleaners you can use to remove grease buildup. For example, Cif Oven Cleaner creates a foamy lather that is great for eliminating burnt-on food and tough grease. You can also use Bar Keeper's Friend, which can eliminate dirt at a microscopic level and is ideal for stainless steel skillets and frying pan bottoms.

If you are looking for a more natural method, you can try using vinegar, baking soda, or a combination of the two.

Use Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a highly effective product for removing burnt grease from commercial pans. It can eliminate dirt and grime at a microscopic level and is ideal for stainless steel pans.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, start by wetting the surface of the pan. Then, sprinkle a small amount of the cleanser onto the damp surface. Using a soft, wet cloth or sponge, gently rub the cleanser into the pan, adding more product as necessary. Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly within one minute of applying the cleanser.

For tougher stains, create a paste by mixing the cleanser with water and letting it sit on the stain for a minute before washing, rinsing, and drying the pan. This method is particularly effective for removing burnt grease from stainless steel pans.

Bar Keepers Friend is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product. It is ideal for stainless steel items but can also be used on other surfaces like enameled cast iron. The product is abrasive, so it is recommended to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin while scrubbing.

Bar Keepers Friend is a great option for removing grease buildup from commercial pans, leaving them clean and shiny.

Frequently asked questions