Copper Pan Grease: Effective Removal Techniques

Copper pans are elegant, but they can lose their shine over time and develop an unsightly layer of tarnish. Burnt grease marks are not only unsightly, but they can also affect the efficiency of your copper pan and, if left unattended, can permanently damage your cookware. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove burnt grease from copper pans, from using household products like lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar to commercial cleaning products like Bar Keepers Friend.

Removing Grease from a Copper Pan

Soak in apple cider vinegar and hot water

So, you've got burnt-on grease on your copper pan? Don't worry, you can get it off without too much elbow grease! Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to remove that grease using apple cider vinegar and hot water:

First, pour some apple cider vinegar into the bottom of your copper pan. You don't need to fill it to the brim, just enough to cover the burnt grease. Next, add hot water from the tap. The hot water will help to loosen the grease, making it easier to remove. You don't want to use boiling water, as this could potentially damage the copper. Let the pan sit for a few hours. The longer you leave it, the more effective it will be. The vinegar and hot water will work together to cut through the grease.

After a few hours, the grease should be noticeably softer. Now it's time to scrub. Use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or sponge and gently scrub the burnt food from the pan. If there are any stubborn spots, add a little baking soda to your scrubbing pad and gently work it into the affected area. You can also try using a soft cloth to buff away the grease. Once you've removed as much grease as possible, rinse the pan with lukewarm water.

Finally, dry the pan with a soft fabric. And that's it! Your copper pan should now be free of burnt-on grease and ready to use again. This method is a great, natural way to clean your copper pans without resorting to harsh chemicals. It may take a little longer, but it's worth it to keep your copper cookware in top condition.

Use a non-abrasive scrubber

To remove grease from a copper pan, it is important to use a non-abrasive scrubber to avoid scratching the copper and damaging the finish.

One method is to use a combination of salt and vinegar. First, coat the pan in salt and then pour white wine vinegar over the salt, adding more salt on top. Leave this mixture for 15 seconds and then take your non-abrasive scrubber, pour vinegar on it, and start to scrub. Add more salt to the sides of the pan and scrub with the sponge. Finally, rinse the pan with water.

Another method is to use a combination of lemon and table salt. Cut a lemon in half and dip it into a dish of salt. Scrub the lemon on the affected surface of the pan. The salt will work to remove stains and marks, while the lemon juice has a mild acidic content that helps to clean the copper. After scrubbing, rinse the pan with lukewarm water and then again with clean water. Ensure the pan is scorched before using it again.

A third method is to use a combination of vinegar and flour. Take 1/4 cup of vinegar and heat it in a microwave-safe bowl for about one minute at medium temperature. In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of table salt with 1/2 cup of white flour. Add the vinegar to this dry mixture and form a thick paste. Apply this paste to the affected parts of the pan using a soft fabric. Let the paste dry and then remove the excess and rinse the pan with hot water.

It is important to note that copper is a sensitive material and should be treated with care. While some sources recommend using a non-abrasive scrubber, others suggest avoiding abrasive scrubbers altogether to prevent damage to the copper.

Try a copper cleaner

Copper pans are a beautiful addition to any kitchen, but they can be a little high-maintenance. To keep your copper cookware in good condition, it's important to care for it properly. This means regular cleaning and polishing to prevent tarnish and discolouration.

Natural Copper Cleaners

There are several natural, homemade copper cleaning solutions you can try. These are a great option if you don't want to use store-bought chemicals or if you prefer to use natural ingredients.

Lemon and Salt

This is a simple and effective method for removing tarnish and grease from copper. Cut a lemon in half and dip it into a dish of salt. Then, rub the lemon on the affected surface of your copper pan. The salt acts as a natural abrasive, removing stubborn marks and stains, while the lemon juice has a mild acidic content that helps clean the copper. After scrubbing, rinse your copper pan with lukewarm water and then again with clean water.

Lemon and Baking Soda

This method is great for dissolving grime. Take a few teaspoons of lemon juice and mix it with two tablespoons of baking soda to form a mixture. Apply this paste to the affected parts of your copper pan using a dry cloth and scrub. You should see the grease and grime start to dissolve.

Vinegar and Salt

Vinegar is a common ingredient in many copper cleaning products, so it's an effective natural alternative. Mix three tablespoons of salt with vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on your copper pan and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, use a sponge to gently scrub the surface. Finally, rinse and dry the pan.

Store-Bought Copper Cleaners

If you don't want to make your own copper cleaner, there are several effective store-bought options available.

Bar Keepers Friend and Wright's Copper Cream

These copper-friendly cleaning products can be found on Amazon and are recommended by cleaning expert Carol Mehas. When using these products, be sure to spot-test them first and follow the directions carefully to avoid damaging your copper by rubbing too hard or leaving the paste on for too long.

Ketchup

Ketchup can also be used to clean copper! The tomatoes in ketchup contain an acid that helps remove tarnish and grease. Apply a layer of ketchup to your copper pan and rub it all over the surface. Rinse and dry when finished.

Tips for Cleaning Copper

• Always use a soft cloth or sponge when cleaning copper to avoid scratching the surface.
• Be gentle when scrubbing to avoid damaging the finish.
• To keep your copper pans in optimal condition, clean them regularly and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight.
• To prevent tarnish, apply a clear lacquer or coating to your copper pans.
• For very tarnished copper, try using a gentle dish soap and warm water before attempting other cleaning methods.

Apply a paste of vinegar and salt

To remove grease from a copper pan, you can use a paste made of vinegar and salt. This method is effective, affordable, and practical. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply the vinegar and salt paste:

Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar and Salt Paste

Start by preparing the paste. Mix equal parts of vinegar and salt in a small bowl. For the vinegar, it is recommended to use white vinegar as it has stronger acidic properties. Stir the mixture until you achieve a thick paste-like consistency. You may adjust the amounts of vinegar and salt as needed to create the desired paste.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Copper Pan

Once you have prepared the paste, it is time to apply it to the copper pan. Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently rub the paste onto the surface of the pan. Ensure that you cover all the greasy areas that need to be cleaned. If the grease is burnt-on or stubborn, you may need to apply a thicker layer of the paste to those areas.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

After applying the paste, let it sit on the surface of the pan for a few minutes. This will allow the acidic properties of the vinegar to break down the grease and grime. The exact amount of time may vary depending on the condition of your pan. For heavily soiled pans, it is recommended to let the paste sit for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After letting the paste sit, it's time to scrub the pan. Using a soft sponge or cloth, gently scrub the paste in circular motions. This will help remove the grease and any remaining paste from the pan. Be careful not to scrub too aggressively, as copper is a soft metal and can be easily scratched. If necessary, add a small amount of vinegar or water to your sponge to help with the scrubbing process.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Finally, once you have finished scrubbing the pan, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining paste, grease, or vinegar residue. After rinsing, dry the pan completely with a soft, lint-free cloth or towel. Ensure that you dry the pan immediately after rinsing to prevent water stains or further tarnishing.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove grease from your copper pan using a vinegar and salt paste. This method is a natural and affordable way to clean your copper cookware, restoring its shine and elegance.

Soak in Coke

Coca-Cola is an effective cleaner for a variety of household items, thanks to its citric acid content. It can be used to clean everything from toilets to car battery terminals. So, if you're wondering how to remove grease from a copper pan, Coca-Cola can help with that too. Here's how you can use Coke to remove burnt-on grease from your copper pan:

First, get rid of any burnt food and residue from the pan. Then, pour two to three drops of liquid dish soap into the pan and fill it with lukewarm water until all the affected parts are covered. Add two tablespoons of baking soda and let the pan soak for about an hour. If the pan is in extremely bad condition, you can let it soak overnight.

After soaking, take a non-abrasive scrubbing pad and gently scrub the burnt food from the pan. Remove all the residue, then wash the pan in lukewarm water and dry it with a soft fabric.

Alternative Method:

Another way to use Coke to clean your copper pan is to add a can of Coke to the pan and place it on a burner on low heat. Leave it for 30 minutes to an hour, then remove it from the heat. Use a scouring pad to scrub away the grime. This method can also be used to remove foods that have stuck to the pan during cooking, such as rice, pasta, or eggs. However, it will still require some elbow grease and a scouring pad to lift the worst of the stains.

It's important to note that Coca-Cola is acidic and can eat away at certain finishes if left too long. Always rinse the pan thoroughly with water after cleaning and dry it completely before the next use.

Frequently asked questions