The Best Ways To Clean Grease Off Broiler Pans

Broiler pans are used for baking meat and other foods, and they can get grimy very quickly. The grease and food residue can become incredibly stubborn and difficult to remove, especially when the pan is subjected to high heat. To prevent baked-on grease, it is important to clean the broiler pan thoroughly after each use. There are several methods to clean a broiler pan, including soaking the pan with a dryer sheet, using baking soda, or scrubbing the pan with Bar Keepers Friend cleanser.

Soak the pan with a dryer sheet

Soaking your broiler pan with a dryer sheet is an effective method to clean it. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Fill the Broiler Pan with Hot Water

If your broiler pan has sides, fill it with hot water. If it is flat with no edges, place it in a sink or a large plastic tub and fill that with hot water. Make sure the whole surface of the pan is covered with water.

Step 2: Add Dish Soap

Squirt a bit of basic dishwashing detergent into the water. A dish soap that is specially formulated to fight grease is most helpful. However, this step is optional and can be skipped if you don't have any dish soap.

Step 3: Place a Dryer Sheet in the Water

Lay a dryer sheet flat in the water, ensuring it is completely submerged. For pans with caked-on or burnt food residue, use two dryer sheets. Biodegradable dryer sheets are a good option if you're eco-conscious.

Step 4: Let the Pan Soak

Leave the pan to soak for at least an hour. For more stubborn grease and food residue, you can leave it for longer or even overnight. The dryer sheet will help loosen the residue while it soaks.

Step 5: Rinse and Wipe the Pan

After soaking, dump the water out of the pan. Wipe the pan with a sponge or scrubber to remove any remaining residue. You can also give the pan a quick regular cleaning with dish soap and water.

Using this method, you can effectively remove grease and food residue from your broiler pan without having to buy any special products.

Use baking soda

Using baking soda is a simple and effective way to clean your broiler pan. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Sprinkle Baking Soda Over the Broiler Pan

First, place your broiler pan in the sink or on a countertop. Then, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the entire surface of the pan. Make sure the baking soda forms a thick layer for the most effective cleaning. You don't need to cover every inch of the pan, but give most of it a good coating.

Step 2: Dampen the Baking Soda

Fill a spray bottle with water and spritz it onto the baking soda. Don't be afraid to use too much water, as a lot of it will soak into the baking soda. If you don't have a spray bottle, gently pour or sprinkle water onto the baking soda, mixing it slightly to form a paste.

Step 3: Cover the Pan with Wet Paper Towels

Get some paper towels and cover the surface of the pan with them. Make sure the paper towels are dripping wet. This will keep the baking soda moist for longer, helping to loosen stubborn stains and food residue. If the towels start drying out, simply spritz or drizzle a bit more water on them.

Step 4: Let the Pan Sit

Allow the pan to sit for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you can. The longer you leave it, the more effective the process will be. You can even leave it for a few hours or overnight if the food residue is particularly stubborn.

Step 5: Scrape Off the Baking Soda

Once the water has evaporated, use a spatula to scrape off the dried baking soda. It's best to discard the scraped-off baking soda into a trash can rather than the sink, as it may clog your drain.

Step 6: Rinse and Gently Scrub the Pan

Take the broiler pan to the sink and rinse off any leftover baking soda, as well as any remaining food residue. If necessary, use a washcloth, sponge, or scrubbing sponge to gently wipe away any stubborn bits.

Scour with Bar Keepers Friend

If your broiler pan has stubborn grease and burnt-on food residue that won't budge, Bar Keepers Friend can help. This powerful cleanser is ideal for stainless steel items and can be used on other materials, too.

To use Bar Keepers Friend on your broiler pan, first, place the pan in the sink or on a countertop. If your broiler pan has sides, add enough water to thinly cover the bottom of the pan. If the pan is flat, place it in the sink and cover it with warm water.

Next, sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend cleaning powder over the entire surface of the pan, making sure to cover the worst spots. You don't need to use a large amount, but ensure the pan is totally covered in powder. You can also use Bar Keepers Friend spray, which works just as well.

Let the pan sit for a couple of minutes to allow the cleaner to break up the grease and food residue. For pans with a lot of burnt-on grime, you can leave the powder on for up to ten minutes.

Now it's time to scrub. Use a sponge or scrubbing pad to gently scour the entire surface of the pan. As Bar Keepers Friend is stronger than most dishwashing detergents, it's best to use a sponge that you don't use for your other dishes. Give the pan a final rinse to ensure all the cleaner is removed, and wipe the pan with a clean, wet rag if needed.

Bar Keepers Friend is a great solution for removing tough grease and food residue from your broiler pan. Just be sure to wear gloves when using this product, as it can be harsh on your skin.

Use a Magic Eraser

Using a Magic Eraser is an effective way to clean your broiler pan. It can be used to remove even the most stubborn grease and grime from your broiler pan, leaving it looking as good as new. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a Magic Eraser to clean your broiler pan:

Step 1: Rinse the Broiler Pan

First, rinse your broiler pan with water to remove any loose food particles or grease. This will help the Magic Eraser work more effectively and prevent any build-up of dirt during the cleaning process.

Step 2: Wet the Magic Eraser

Before you start scrubbing, it is important to wet the Magic Eraser. Hold it under running water and squeeze it a few times to ensure that it is thoroughly soaked. This will help the Magic Eraser retain its shape and make it easier to glide over the surface of the broiler pan.

Step 3: Scrub the Broiler Pan

Now, it's time to start scrubbing! Use the Magic Eraser to gently scrub the surface of the broiler pan. Pay extra attention to areas with stubborn grease and caked-on food residue. You may need to apply a bit of pressure and scrub back and forth to remove the most stubborn stains.

Step 4: Rinse and Repeat

Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the broiler pan with water to remove any residue from the Magic Eraser and to check your progress. If there are still some stubborn stains, repeat the process by wetting the Magic Eraser again and giving the pan another scrub.

Step 5: Dry the Broiler Pan

After you have finished scrubbing and are satisfied with the results, dry the broiler pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. Ensure that all excess water is removed, especially from any crevices or corners, to prevent water spots and promote the longevity of your broiler pan.

Tips for Using a Magic Eraser:

• Test the Magic Eraser on a small area of the broiler pan first to ensure it does not cause any discolouration or damage to the surface.
• For extremely stubborn stains, you can let the Magic Eraser sit on the stain for a few minutes before scrubbing. This will allow the built-in cleaning agents to penetrate and loosen the grease or grime.
• Rinse the Magic Eraser frequently during use to remove any dirt or debris that may be transferred back onto the broiler pan.
• Always follow the instructions on the packaging of the Magic Eraser for safe and effective use.

Soak in hot, soapy water and ammonia

If your broiler pan is greasy and covered in baked-on food, a heavy soak in hot, soapy water and ammonia may be all you need to clean it. Firstly, fill your sink with hot water. If your sink is not big enough to fully submerge your broiler pan, use a large plastic tub or even the bathtub. Next, add some dish soap—a zigzag squirt across the surface of the water should be enough. Finally, add a capful or two of ammonia. Do not mix bleach or other cleaning products with the ammonia, as this will produce a harmful gas.

Leave the broiler pan to soak for at least 30 minutes or until the food comes off easily with light scrubbing. Avoid heavy scrubbing with an abrasive brush or cleaner, as this can damage the finish of the broiler pan. If the food is not coming off, leave the pan to soak for longer or overnight.

After removing most of the mess, wash the broiler pan in a sink full of hot, soapy water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and steel wool, as these may damage the surface of the pan. Use a mildly abrasive sponge or plastic scraper to remove any remaining debris. Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly in clear water and dry it before storing it.

Frequently asked questions