Easy Ways To Remove Stickiness From Your Pans

Cooking spray residue is a sticky, gummy substance that can be a pain to remove from pans. It is caused by the chemical reaction between the heat and the cooking spray, which contains lubricants, emulsifiers, and propellants. This residue can be removed from non-stick pans by first allowing the pan to cool, then rinsing with soap and warm water, scrubbing with a sponge or washcloth, and drying with a clean towel. For burnt non-stick pans, a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and water can be boiled in the pan, then rinsed with warm water and washed with dish soap. For sticky residue, a mixture of vinegar and water can be simmered in the pan, then rinsed, washed, and dried. Other methods for removing stickiness from pans include using oil, peanut butter, vinegar, vodka, baking soda, salt, or lemon juice.

Use vinegar and water to remove stickiness from pans

To remove stickiness from your pans, you can use vinegar and water. This method is particularly effective for glass or stone pans, which can be the hardest utensils to clean. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Mix Vinegar and Water

Mix equal parts vinegar and water. White vinegar and apple cider vinegar work best to cut through grease. You can either add this mixture to your pan or use it to soak a soft dish brush or sponge.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

If you are adding the vinegar and water mixture to your pan, fill the pan so that the solution covers the bottom. Then, put the pan on the stove and bring it to a simmer.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

If you are using the vinegar and water mixture to soak a sponge or brush, thoroughly scrub the pan's surface with it.

Step 4: Rinse the Pan

Once the residue appears to be gone, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool down. Then, pour out the mixture of water and vinegar, and rinse the pan with warm water.

Step 5: Wash the Pan

Wash the pan using soap and warm water.

Step 6: Dry the Pan

Place the pan on a drying rack or towel to dry.

This method can also be used to clean a burnt non-stick pan. Simply create a mixture of two tablespoons of white vinegar, baking soda, and a small amount of water in the pan. Place the pan on the stove and heat it until the mixture boils, stirring occasionally. Then, follow the same steps as above.

Use hot water and dish soap

To remove stickiness from your pans, you can use hot water and dish soap. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Fill the pan with hot water: Start by filling your sticky pan with hot water. The water should be hot but not boiling, as you don't want to burn yourself. Make sure the water covers any sticky areas.
• Add dish soap: Squirt a generous amount of mild dish soap into the pan. You can also add a few drops of dish soap directly onto a soft sponge or cloth. Look for a gentle, grease-cutting dish soap designed to combat oil and grease.
• Soak the pan: Let the pan soak in the hot, soapy water for a few minutes. This will help to loosen the sticky residue and make it easier to remove. If the stickiness is particularly stubborn, you may need to soak the pan for longer, up to a few hours.
• Scrub the pan: After soaking, use a soft sponge, cloth, or paper towel to gently scrub the sticky areas. Avoid using anything abrasive, like steel wool or scouring pads, as these can damage the pan's surface. Gently scrub until the stickiness is removed.
• Rinse and dry: Once the stickiness is gone, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. Then, dry the pan with a soft towel or cloth. Ensure that the pan is completely dry before storing it away.

Using hot water and dish soap is a simple and effective way to remove stickiness from your pans. Remember to always read the manufacturer's care instructions before cleaning your pans, as different materials may have specific care requirements.

Use baking soda

To remove stickiness from pans using baking soda, follow these steps:

The Baking Soda & Water Method

First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. You can also try covering the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then adding enough baking soda to create a paste. Let the mixture sit for several hours or overnight, then scrub with a nylon brush or scour sponge. If you want to speed up the process, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then put the pan on the stove and let it come to a boil. Remove it from the heat quickly so it doesn't burn again, then let the pan cool and wipe or scrub to remove the scorched bits.

The Baking Soda & Vinegar Method

For heavier-duty cleaning, add white vinegar to the baking soda and let the chemical reaction help break down the burnt food on your scorched pan. First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Add enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch of liquid. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda, which will create a fizzing reaction. It might be best to do this in the sink. Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling has stopped. Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary. Rinse and dry the pan.

The Baking Soda & Lemon Method

Lemons are a great way to clean and shine stainless steel or copper cookware. Combined with baking soda, you can remove black, yellow, or rainbow oxidation stains and help restore a burnt pan. First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Keep a thin layer of water in the pan, then sprinkle the bottom liberally with baking soda. Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan with the baking soda slurry. The combination of the acidic lemon juice and the alkaline baking soda may fizz slightly, which is a good sign! If your pan has a copper bottom that has gotten blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to help remove the stains and restore the shine.

Removing Stubborn Stains

To remove stubborn stains on non-stick pans, boil a solution of 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup of water in the pan. Let the pan cool, then rinse the stain with straight baking soda and a non-stick-safe nylon scrubbing brush.

Use salt to scrub away sticky residue

If you have a cast-iron pan, salt is a great option for scrubbing away sticky residue. Salt is an effective cleaning agent because it is hard enough to scrub away residue, but still soft enough that it won't scratch the surface of your cast-iron pan.

To clean your cast-iron pan with salt, start by pouring 2 to 3 tablespoons of coarse kosher salt into the pan. If you have a smaller pan, 1 tablespoon will be enough. It is important to use a coarse-grained salt as this will provide the traction you need to remove food particles.

Next, use a clean kitchen rag or a folded paper towel to gently move the salt around the pan, scouring the surface. Once you have cleaned off all the unwanted food and residue, discard the salt and rinse your pan with a little warm water.

Dry your pan with a rag or paper towel, and then place it on the stovetop. Heat your pan over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, or until you see the first wisp of smoke coming off the surface. Let your pan cool until it is safe to touch, then wipe it down with a thin layer of seasoning oil. You are looking to coat the skillet evenly, but there should not be a thick layer of oil—the pan should still have a matte appearance.

This method is also effective for removing stubborn cooking spray residue from cast iron. Simply wipe the pan with paper towels to remove as much grease as possible, then add a hefty amount of salt and scrub the surface with a non-corrosive sponge or brush. Rinse the pan, dry it on a lit stove, and finish by greasing it all over.

Use lemon juice to degrease and clean pans

Lemon juice is an excellent natural degreaser and cleaner for your pans. It is high in citric acid and has antibacterial properties, making it an effective, affordable, and eco-friendly way to clean your cookware. Lemon juice can be used to clean stainless steel, copper, and solid brass pans. Here are some detailed steps on how to use lemon juice to degrease and clean your pans:

For Stainless Steel Pans:

• Cut a lemon in half and rub the lemon pulp across all surfaces of the pan.
• Leave the lemon juice on the pan for about 30 minutes.
• Use a damp cloth to wipe away any grease and grime from the pan.
• For extra shine, rub half a lemon around the bottom and sides of the pan, then rinse and air dry.

For Copper and Solid Brass Pans:

• Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle it with table salt.
• Rub the lemon on the pan in a scrubbing motion while squeezing the juice onto the surface.
• Continue scrubbing until all the tarnish is removed, adding more salt to the lemon as needed.
• Rinse the pan with hot water and pat dry.

General Tips:

• Always keep the bottom of your copper or brass pans clean to ensure even heat distribution.
• Lemon juice can also be used to remove food stains from Tupperware and food storage containers.
• For tough, caked-on food, try the boiling water method first, then use lemon juice for extra shine and to remove any residual odors.
• Be cautious when using lemon juice on natural stone, tile, counters, floors, or countertops, as it can cause corrosion.
• Always rinse items cleaned with lemon juice afterward with warm water and gentle soap, then dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Frequently asked questions