Removing grease from aluminium pans can be a challenge, especially if pans are not washed thoroughly after use. Luckily, there are several methods to tackle this issue. One method is to use a motorised wire brush with solid brass, which is fairly aggressive but manageable. Another option is to use a kitchen degreaser and scrub with a nylon scouring pad. For a more natural approach, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied to the pan and scrubbed with a non-abrasive sponge.
What You'll Learn
Using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
To remove grease from your aluminium pans using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, follow these steps:
- Sprinkle baking soda liberally all over the surface of the pan.
- Spray or sprinkle a generous amount of hydrogen peroxide over the baking soda until all the powder is wet.
- Leave the mixture to sit for 2-3 hours. The longer you leave it, the more effective it will be.
- Use a plastic scraper to scrape the mixture into a pile, then dump it into the bin.
- Wash the pan in warm, soapy water with a scrubby sponge.
- If necessary, scrub any remaining sections.
- Clean the pan with regular soap and water to remove any remaining residue.
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Using vinegar or lemon juice and water
Vinegar or lemon juice and water can be used to clean grease off aluminum baking pans. To do this, soak the pans in equal parts vinegar or lemon juice and hot water for an hour or so. The acetic acid in vinegar and the citric acid in lemon juice, combined with hot water, are supposed to break down the grease.
However, one person who tried this method reported that their pan smelled lemony fresh but was no cleaner.
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Using salt
If your aluminum pans have become blackened or accumulated with grime, you can use salt to clean them. The coarseness of salt is effective at removing built-up food debris from aluminum cookware.
Step 1: Fill the stained pan with water and add a few tablespoons of table salt. The amount of salt you add will depend on the size of your pan and the extent of the grease buildup.
Step 2: Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to high. You want to bring the water and salt mixture to a boil. This will help to loosen and dissolve the grease and grime.
Step 3: Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for a few minutes. This will allow the salt to continue working on the grease and grime.
Step 4: Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove. Let the pan cool down. Do not try to clean the pan while it is still hot, as this can be dangerous and less effective.
Step 5: Once the pan is cool enough to handle, use a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristle brush to wipe the pan clean. The salt and water mixture should have loosened the grease and grime, making it easier to remove.
Step 6: Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining salt and grease residue.
Step 7: Dry the pan completely before storing it. You can use a kitchen towel to dry the pan or let it air dry on a dish rack. It is important to make sure the pan is completely dry before storing it to prevent the formation of water spots or mineral deposits.
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Using a non-abrasive sponge
To remove grease from your aluminum pans, you can use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth in conjunction with the following methods:
Hot Water and Dish Soap
Fill your sink with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Mix the solution with your hand until suds form. Once the water is frothy, soak the pan for at least 20 minutes or overnight if possible. The dish soap and hot water will loosen the grease. After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth with water to remove the remaining grease.
Vinegar and Water
If there is still grease remaining, use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to apply a mixture of vinegar and water to the stains. The acid from the vinegar should break the hold the grease has on the pan.
Cream of Tartar and Water
Mix cream of tartar with water and apply the solution to the greasy spots on the pan. Leave the solution on the pan for 15 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge until the grime clears.
Lemon and Vinegar
If the stains are too stubborn, scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge after boiling a solution of lemon and vinegar in the pan for about 10 minutes. If this solution doesn’t work, you can use just lemon juice instead.
Ketchup
Believe it or not, you can remove grease from your pan using ketchup. This condiment contains acid, which can break the bond the grease has with the pan. Just pour some ketchup into the pan and bring it to a boil for 10 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool down, then rinse with a non-abrasive sponge.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Sprinkle baking soda all over the pan, then spray or pour vinegar over it, creating a fizzing reaction that helps break down the grease. Allow the mixture to sit on the pan for 15-20 minutes, then use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to scrub away the grease.
Washing Soda and Cream of Tartar
Sprinkle washing soda and cream of tartar onto the pan. Pour a small amount of hot water on top and mix the ingredients into a paste. Spread the paste evenly across the pan and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, scrub the stains with a non-abrasive sponge. Finally, wash the paste and dirt off the pan with water and soap.
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Using a soft-bristle brush
To remove grease from aluminium pans, you can use a soft-bristle brush. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Firstly, ensure your aluminium cookware has completely cooled down. Cleaning hot cookware can be dangerous and less effective. Then, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any loose food particles or residue.
Next, fill your sink or a basin with warm water and add a few drops of natural dish soap. Place your aluminium pan in the soapy water and let it soak for a while. After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge to clean the interior and exterior of the pan.
Once the pan is clean, thoroughly rinse it with warm water. Then, use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the pan. Make sure to scrub both the interior and exterior of the pan gently.
Finally, rinse the pan again with warm water and dry it with a kitchen towel or let it air dry on a dish rack. Ensure that the pan is completely dry before storing it away.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove grease from your aluminium pans using a soft-bristle brush.
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Frequently asked questions
A paste made from cream of tartar and baking soda, sprinkled on the pan, and sprayed with hydrogen peroxide. After 15 minutes, scrub the pan with your fingers, rinse, and the grease should be gone.
A mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Make a paste and spread it across the pan. Leave for 30 minutes, then scrub any remaining grease with a non-abrasive sponge.
Yes, Bar Keeper's Friend is a commercial cleaner that can be effective. Sprinkle the powder onto the bottom of the pan, add a little water, scrub the paste into the grease, and then rinse.
For a quick clean, simply use very hot water and dish soap. Ensure the water is hot to prevent warping the pan.
To prevent grease build-up, always line your pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Alternatively, use only the amount of oil specified in a recipe to moderate oil use.
Note: Always ensure your aluminum pans are completely cool before cleaning them and avoid using abrasive scouring pads or steel wool.