Absorb Grease: Paper Towel Or Starch?

There are several ways to soak up grease in a pan, and it's important to do so properly to avoid clogging pipes. One method is to use a paper towel to soak up the grease, which can then be disposed of in the trash. Another option is to pour the grease into a container and allow it to cool and harden before disposing of it. If you're looking to reuse the grease, it can be strained and stored in the fridge or freezer. Additionally, some cities offer recycling programs for used cooking oil, which can be turned into biodiesel.

Use paper towels to soak up grease

Using paper towels to soak up grease is a conventional method. Paper towels are highly absorbent, slightly porous, and strong enough to withstand the weight of fried foods without tearing or sticking to them. They are also disposable, making them a convenient option for grease removal.

To use paper towels to soak up grease in a pan, start by folding a paper towel into a compact size that will fit into the pan. Using tongs or kitchen gloves, carefully place the folded paper towel into the pan, ensuring it absorbs the grease. If there is a large amount of grease, you may need to use multiple paper towels. Once the paper towel has absorbed the grease, use the tongs or gloves to remove it from the pan and dispose of it in a trash bag.

It is important to note that grease-soaked paper towels should not be flushed down the toilet or poured down the sink. These methods may seem convenient, but they can lead to clogged pipes as the grease solidifies. Instead, dispose of the paper towels in the trash to avoid plumbing issues.

Additionally, you can line a bowl with paper towels and pour the grease into it. This method allows you to capture the grease without having to reach into the pan with tongs or gloves. Simply place the paper towel-lined bowl near the pan and carefully pour the grease into it. Once the paper towels have absorbed the grease, dispose of them in the trash.

By following these steps and using paper towels, you can effectively soak up grease in a pan, making cleanup easier and preventing plumbing problems caused by grease buildup.

Pour grease into a jar and allow it to cool

Pouring grease into a jar and allowing it to cool is a safe and easy way to dispose of cooking grease. This method ensures that grease does not end up in the sink or drain, which can cause clogging issues.

First, choose a suitable container to pour the grease into. This can be a jar, but it can also be an aluminium can, yoghurt tub, bowl, mug, or any similar container. It is important to use a container that can be disposed of, or one that you don't mind getting greasy. You can also line the container with a bag, such as a zip-top bag, to make disposal easier.

Next, pour the grease into the container while it is still in liquid form. Be careful not to burn yourself during this step. Once the grease is in the container, set it aside and let it cool and harden. You can speed up this process by placing the container in the fridge.

Once the grease has solidified, it's time to dispose of it. If you are using a disposable container, you can simply throw the entire thing away. If you want to keep the container, use a spoon or spatula to scrape the hardened grease into a bag for the trash.

This method is a simple and effective way to deal with cooking grease without causing any damage to your pipes or the sewer system.

Use baking soda and vinegar to clean the pan

Baking soda is a great all-purpose cleaning solution for removing tarnish from copper, juice and coffee stains from countertops, discolouration on stainless steel, and tough, stuck-on grease. When mixed with vinegar, it reacts to become a foaming cleaner, giving it more power to remove stains and burned-on food.

Step 1: Create a Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution

First, create a baking soda paste by covering the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of baking soda and adding 2-3 tablespoons of water. For non-stick pans, simply add water to the pan and sprinkle baking soda over the top to create a thin paste.

Then, add vinegar. The baking soda and vinegar will fizz for a moment. You can also add lemon juice or salt for more scrubbing power.

Step 2: Let the Solution Sit

Let the solution sit for several hours. For tough stains, you can leave the paste on overnight. During this time, the alkaline in the baking soda will start breaking down the bonds between the grease and the metal surface.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After letting the solution sit, scrub away the caked-on residue with a sponge, scrub brush, or scouring pad. Be careful not to scrub the surface too hard, as baking soda is abrasive and can damage your pan's finish.

Step 4: Rinse and Repeat

Rinse the pan and repeat the process if necessary.

Tips

• Thoroughly dry your pans immediately after cleaning to prevent the development of water spots and dried, white calcium spots.
• Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, oven cleaners, bleach, or strong abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch your cookware.
• Always allow pots and pans to cool before washing them; hot stainless steel cookware can warp if submerged or splashed with cold water.

Use a non-stick cooking spray

Using a non-stick cooking spray may seem like a good idea, but it can actually damage your pan's non-stick finish. Many cooking sprays contain lecithin, which sticks to non-stick coatings, building up over time and degrading the cooking surface. This will cause food to stick to the pan, which defeats the purpose of using a non-stick spray in the first place.

Instead of using a non-stick cooking spray, try a light seasoning of butter or olive oil. You can also use a refillable manual oil mister, which can be filled with your preferred cooking oil. Just be sure to add the oil when you put the pan on the heat, as putting grease in a cold non-stick pan will help it work better and reduce any potentially harmful fumes.

If you do use a non-stick cooking spray, be sure to clean your pan thoroughly afterward. The spray can leave a film that is tough to remove with just soap and water, so you may need to use a specialised cleaner or scrub pad to get rid of the buildup.

Another option for a non-stick alternative is to use shortening, which is made from a combination of vegetable oils and creates a similar effect to cooking sprays. Simply rub a bit of shortening across your baking surface, and you're good to go! You can also put some flour on top of the shortening to create the perfect non-stick surface for cakes.

While non-stick cooking sprays may seem convenient, they can end up causing more harm than good when it comes to your pans. It's best to stick to other methods of greasing your pans, like butter, oil, or shortening, to keep your cookware in good condition and your food from sticking.

Line the pan with foil or parchment paper

Lining your pan with foil or parchment paper is a great way to soak up grease and make cleaning up easier. Here are some detailed tips on how to do it effectively:

First, cut a piece of foil or parchment paper that is slightly larger than the pan you will be using. This will ensure that the entire pan is covered and there is no direct contact between the food and the pan, reducing the chance of sticking. If you are using foil, you can grease it with butter or cooking spray to make it more non-stick.

Next, carefully place the foil or parchment paper into the pan, smoothing it out to remove any air bubbles or creases. Make sure the lining is flat and snug against the pan. If you are using parchment paper, you can grease the pan first to help the paper stick and prevent it from curling up. This will also ensure that no batter seeps between the paper and the pan, causing your food to stick.

Once the pan is lined, you can proceed with your recipe as usual. After cooking, simply remove the foil or parchment paper, and dispose of it along with any grease that has been absorbed. This will save you time and effort in scrubbing the pan.

Remember that lining your pan with foil or parchment paper is especially useful for baked goods such as cakes, brownies, and cookies. It can help ensure that your creations come out of the pan easily and with clean cuts. So, the next time you're preparing a pan for cooking, consider lining it with foil or parchment paper to soak up grease and make cleanup a breeze!

Frequently asked questions