How to Clean Paraffin From a Pan

Paraffin -- a white wax used in an array of products -- was a common part of the home canning process. The versatile wax is also in a paraffin bath, a heat therapy used to relieve arthritis pain and loosen stiff joints. In addition to these functions, some types of paraffin are edible. All types of paraffin stuck to a pan can be removed in a similar method to removing candle wax.

Things You'll Need

• Butter knife
• Liquid dish soap
• White vinegar
• Cloth towel

Instructions

Hot Technique

1. Let the wax get hard in the pan for hours. Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to low or medium.

2. Allow the paraffin to melt for 5 to 10 minutes. The wax should melt enough along edges that it pops loose from the pan.

3. Remove the pan from the stove. Use a butter knife to push the loose wax off the pan to paper towels.

4. Wash the pan in warm, soapy water, mixed with 1 cup of white vinegar, to remove any residue. Rinse with water and dry with a towel.

Cold Technique

1. Freeze the pan for an hour.

2. Remove the pan from the freezer and carefully break the frozen paraffin into pieces with a butter knife. Discard the frozen pieces.

3. Wash the pan in warm, soapy water, mixed with 1 cup of white vinegar, to remove the waxy residue. Rinse with water and dry with a towel.

References

• Therabath: Cleaning
• Beeswax Candle Company: Wax Removal Tips