Cleaning Circulon Pans: Removing Old Grease

Circulon pans are known for their non-stick options, but even these can get old grease build-up. To remove this, you can use a mixture of warm soapy water, vinegar, and baking soda. You can also use a magic eraser, or a paste made of baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide. It is recommended to wash Circulon pans by hand, as dishwashers can cause the non-stick coating to deteriorate faster.

Soak in warm soapy water

Soaking your Circulon pans in warm soapy water is an effective way to remove old grease and food debris. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Soaking Solution

Fill your sink halfway with warm water and add a mild dishwashing soap. You can also do this directly in the pan if you don't have major food residue to deal with. Squirt in about 1–3 US tablespoons (15–44 mL) of the soap. The warm water and soap solution will help cut through the grease and lift food residues. Remember to use a mild dishwashing liquid to protect the non-stick coating of your Circulon pans.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

Place your pan in the sink and let it soak for 3-10 minutes. This will give the soap time to work on breaking down the grease and loosening any stubborn residue.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After soaking, use a soft nylon brush or nylon scrub pad to gently scrub the inside, edges, and sides of the pan. Move the brush in small, circular motions, applying pressure as needed to lift off any remaining residue. Focus on areas with stubborn grease or stains. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the non-stick surface.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you've finished scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. Finally, dry your pan completely before putting it away. You can use a clean kitchen towel to wipe it down or place it on a drying rack. Ensure your pan is completely dry before storing it to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria.

Tips:

• Always wash your Circulon pans by hand to prolong their lifespan. While they are dishwasher-safe, handwashing with mild soap and warm water is gentler and helps maintain the non-stick coating.
• Degreasers can also be used to remove oil residue. Look for specific brands like Simple Green, LA's Totally Awesome Orange All-Purpose Degreasers, Oil Eater, and Easy Off. Remember to wash and rinse properly before using your pan again.

Use a soft nylon brush

To remove old grease from Circulon pans, it is recommended to use a soft nylon brush. This is because other utensils, such as steel wool, can damage the non-stick surface, causing food to stick to the pan.

To begin, fill your sink halfway with warm water and add a mild dishwashing soap. The soap will cut through the grease and food debris. Place the pan in the sink and ensure it is covered with water and soap. Then, take your soft nylon brush and scrub the inside of the pan in small, circular movements, applying pressure to lift off stubborn residue. Once you have cleaned the inside, move on to the edges and sides of the pan for a thorough clean.

After scrubbing the pan, rinse it with warm water to remove any soap residue. Finally, dry the pan completely before putting it away. Place it on a drying rack or wipe it down with a clean kitchen towel.

Boil a mixture of water and vinegar

To remove old grease from Circulon pans, a mixture of water and vinegar can be used. This method is particularly effective for removing tough build-ups of food and grease from the hi-low grooves in Circulon pans.

Firstly, pour three parts water and one part vinegar into the pan. Bring this mixture to a boil on medium heat and let it boil for 5-10 minutes. Then, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down.

Once the pan has cooled, scrub the grooves with a soft nylon brush and warm soapy water. Move the brush in small, circular motions to remove any remaining food or grease. If your pan is very dirty, you can pour out the water and reapply the soap.

Finally, rinse and dry your pan thoroughly. Wash off any remaining soap residue with warm water, then dry your pan with a clean kitchen towel or place it on a drying rack.

Use a paste of baking soda, dish soap and hydrogen peroxide

To remove old grease from Circulon pans, you can use a paste made from baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide. This method is particularly effective on aluminized steel pans. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Paste

Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a container until they form a paste. The exact measurements are not crucial, but aim for a consistency that is thick enough to spread and stick to the pan.

Step 2: Apply the Paste

Spread the paste across the surface of the pan, focusing on areas with stubborn grease or burnt-on food. You can use a sponge or a brush to apply the paste evenly.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Let the paste sit on the pan for 2-3 hours. During this time, the paste will work to break down the grease and lift it from the pan's surface.

Step 4: Wipe Away the Paste

After the paste has had sufficient time to work, use a paper towel dampened with water to wipe away the paste from the pan. You may need to apply a bit of pressure and scrub gently to remove all of it.

Step 5: Rinse and Wash the Pan

Once the paste is removed, rinse the pan with regular soap and water to get rid of any remaining residue. Wash the pan as you normally would, either by hand or in the dishwasher, if it is dishwasher-safe.

Tips and Precautions:

• Always wear protective gloves when cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, and avoid ingesting it.
• Do not mix and store baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a closed container. Mix them right before cleaning for the best results.
• If there are any remaining burnt-on bits after following the above steps, you can try using a non-abrasive scrubbing pad to gently scrub them away.
• For extremely burnt-on food or tough stains, you may need to repeat the process or try a different method, such as using vinegar and baking soda.

Rinse and dry

Rinsing and drying your Circulon pans is an essential step in keeping them well-maintained and long-lasting. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it effectively:

Rinsing:

• After scrubbing your pan with a soft nylon brush and warm soapy water, it's time to rinse. Remove any soap residue or remaining grease by rinsing your pan with warm water from your faucet. Ensure you direct the water flow into the sink to avoid creating a mess.
• If you have boiled a mixture of water and vinegar to dislodge stubborn food particles, be sure to rinse your pan thoroughly after scrubbing. This step is crucial to ensure no vinegar taste or smell lingers in your pan.
• Rinsing also helps to remove any loose food particles that may have been loosened during the scrubbing process.

Drying:

• Once your pan is rinsed, it's time to dry it completely before putting it away. Place the pan on a drying rack, which will allow excess water to drip off and evaporate.
• If you're in a hurry, you can also use a clean kitchen towel to wipe down the pan. Ensure the towel is made of absorbent material to speed up the drying process.
• Make sure your pan is entirely dry before storing it. Look for any remaining water droplets as an indicator. Storing a damp pan can lead to the growth of mould and bacteria, which you want to avoid.
• If possible, allow your pan to air dry for a while, especially if it's been thoroughly used and cleaned. This will ensure that all parts of the pan, including the handles, are completely dry.

Remember, proper rinsing and drying of your Circulon pans are crucial steps in maintaining their non-stick properties and ensuring their longevity.

Frequently asked questions