How To Remove Stubborn, Baked-On Grease From Your Pans

Cleaning baked-on grease from pans can be a challenging task. The good news is that there are several effective methods to tackle this problem. One popular approach is to create a cleaning paste by mixing baking soda and vinegar, which can be applied to the affected areas and left to sit before being scrubbed away. Another suggested method is to use a combination of dish soap and water, either by hand or with the help of a dishwasher. For more stubborn stains, some people recommend using a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide, or even specialised products like oven cleaners or acetone. With a bit of effort and the right technique, those pesky grease stains can be a thing of the past!

Using a cleaning paste

To make the cleaning paste, you will need baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide. Some variations of this paste also include vinegar and lemon juice.

Step 1: Create the Cleaning Paste

Combine a 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of dish soap, and 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl. Mix these ingredients well until they form a paste with a spreadable consistency. You may need to adjust the amounts of each ingredient to achieve the desired thickness. The paste should be thin enough to stay moist but thick enough to adhere to surfaces.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Cookware

Using a brush, sponge, or cloth, apply the paste to the areas of your cookware with baked-on grease. Ensure that you completely cover the grease with the paste.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Allow the paste to sit on the cookware for at least 15 minutes. For heavily stained pans, you may need to let it sit for a more extended period. If the grease is still not coming off, reapply the paste and wait for another 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Wipe Away the Paste and Grease

After the paste has had sufficient time to work, use a sponge, cloth, or magic eraser to wipe away the paste and the grease. The baking soda in the paste will lift the burnt grease stains, while the other ingredients soften the baked-on grease, making it easier to remove.

Step 5: Wash and Dry as Usual

Once you have removed the paste and grease, wash the cookware as you normally would, then use a kitchen towel to dry it thoroughly. Remember always to store your pans dry, never wet.

Additional Tips:

• If you are dealing with extremely stubborn grease, you can try adding a few tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to the paste before applying it. The acidity of vinegar also helps break down baked-on grease.
• For heavily stained pans, you can try using steel wool after applying the paste to help remove the grease. However, be cautious when using steel wool, as it can scratch some surfaces.
• Always ensure your cookware is completely cool before applying the paste.
• To prevent baked-on grease from forming, consider soaking your cookware before washing, using parchment paper or a non-stick baking sheet when cooking, and cleaning your pans promptly after each use.

Boiling the gunk away

Firstly, fill the pan or pot with water from the tap. It is important to note that the water should not be too hot as this can emulsify the grease, causing it to solidify and coat the pipes as it cools. This can lead to stoppages and expensive plumbing bills. Instead, use boiling or simmering water, and add a few drops of dish soap to the pan. Place the pan on the burner and let the water heat up.

Once the water is simmering, the grease will begin to soften and lift from the pan, while the dish soap dissolves the oils. Set the heat to low and let the process continue. This method can also be used for baking sheets, cookie sheets, and baking trays in an oven.

After removing the pan from the heat, let it cool until it is just warm. The grease should now be softened and easier to remove. It is important to note that this method may not completely remove all the baked-on grease, and further steps may be required for heavily-stained pans.

While boiling water is an effective way to soften and lift grease, it is not the only method. Other alternatives include using natural copper cleaners for copper pans, or creating a cleaning paste with baking soda and vinegar, or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. For really stubborn grease, a mixture of baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide can be applied to the pan and left to sit for several hours.

By using boiling water to remove baked-on grease, you can effectively soften and lift the grease away, making it easier to clean your pans and pots without resorting to harsh scrubbing.

Soaking in ammonia

This method is also suitable for stove grates and drip pans. It is important to note that ammonia should not be used on Teflon pans as it can damage the coating. For non-stick pans, it is recommended to use a gentle scrubbing pad or sponge and avoid steel wool or other abrasive materials that can scratch the surface.

When using ammonia, it is advisable to work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid inhaling the fumes. Additionally, always wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear when handling ammonia and other cleaning chemicals.

While soaking in ammonia is an effective method, there are also other alternatives to remove baked-on grease, such as using baking soda, lemon juice or vinegar, oven cleaner, or dryer sheets. However, for a cost-effective and hassle-free solution, ammonia is a popular choice.

Using a razor blade

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Before using the razor blade, it is important to prepare the pan by softening the baked-on grease. This can be done by filling the pan with hot water and a few drops of dish soap. Place the pan on a burner and let the water simmer for a while. This will help to loosen the grease and make it easier to remove. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool down until it is just warm to the touch.

Step 2: Use a Razor Blade

Once the pan is cool enough to handle, use a razor blade to carefully scrape away the baked-on grease. Hold the blade at a low angle to the surface of the pan and apply gentle pressure as you scrape. Be careful not to scratch or damage the surface of the pan. Work your way across the pan, covering all the areas with baked-on grease. For hard-to-reach spots, you can use a razor blade with a smaller size or a curved blade.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

After removing the majority of the grease with the razor blade, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining residue. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or kitchen towel. Ensure that all moisture is removed before storing the pan to prevent rusting.

Step 4: Repeat if Necessary

If there are still some stubborn grease spots left, you may need to repeat the process. Fill the pan with hot water and dish soap again, and use the razor blade to scrape away the remaining grease. You can also try using a mild oven cleaner or a paste made from baking soda and vinegar to help loosen the grease before scraping it away.

Important Considerations:

• Always exercise caution when handling a razor blade to avoid injury.
• Be gentle when scraping the pan to prevent scratching or damaging the surface.
• For non-stick pans, test the razor blade on a small area first to ensure it won't damage the coating.
• Keep the pan maintained by cleaning it regularly and preventing grease build-up.

Soaking in hot water

Step 1: Boil the Gunk Away

Fill your pan with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Place the pan on a burner and bring the water to a simmer. This will soften and lift the burnt-on grease, while the dish soap dissolves the oils. Make sure to use a low heat setting.

Step 2: Soak in Hot, Soapy Water

Let the pan cool until it is just warm. Then, if necessary, add more hot water and dish soap to the pan and let it soak. The sudsy solution will loosen any remaining grease. You can be the judge of how long you let it soak, but the longer it soaks, the easier it will be to remove the grease.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After soaking, use a wire brush or scrubbing pad to scrub the pan, focusing on the greasy areas. The hot water and soap solution should take care of most grease stains.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan with clean water and dry it with a kitchen towel. Your pan should now be shiny and grease-free!

Tips for Preventing Baked-On Grease:

• Soak cookware before washing to soften dried food bits and make them easier to remove.
• Use parchment paper or a non-stick baking sheet when cooking, even on non-stick cookware, to prevent food from staining your pans.
• Clean your pans immediately after use and don't wait for food stains to stick.
• Season your cast iron and stainless steel pans to create a glassy, non-stick surface that prevents baked-on grease.

Frequently asked questions