How to Clean a Pan With Burned Grease
Once burned grease forms in a pan, you do not have to discard it. Burned grease actually happens often and it removes more easily from the pan if you clean it as soon as possible. Scrubbing on the pans can become time-consuming, and you may feel like giving up. Common items in your home will aid you in removing the burned grease and returning your pans to their original condition. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Dishwashing liquid
- 2 tbsp. baking soda
- Non-abrasive sponge
- 1 cup white vinegar
- Wooden spoon
- Washcloth
Instructions
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Rinse the pan to remove any loose dirt and debris.
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Place the burned pan in the freezer for 1 hour. According to Reader's Digest, the freezer will harden the grease and make it easier to remove. Remove the pan and scrape out the burned grease.
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3
Soak the pan in the sink with warm water to loosen the burned grease. Allow the pan to soak overnight for heavy grease stains. Otherwise, soak the pan for one to two hours.
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Drain the water from the sink. Add 2 to 3 drops of dishwashing liquid and 2 tbsp. of baking soda to the pan. Scrub on the pan with a non-abrasive sponge to remove the grease.
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Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the pan. Fill the pan with enough water to cover the grease stain. Boil the solution for 10 to 15 minutes. Scrape the pan with a wooden spoon to remove the grease. Pour out the boiling water, wipe the pan with a washcloth and rinse it thoroughly.
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Tips & Warnings
Remove burned-on grease from cast-iron pans with salt. Cover the grease with salt and scrub on the pan with a washcloth. The salt acts as an abrasive and removes the grease.
Never use abrasive cleaners on polished pans or nonstick pans because it will scratch them.
Never clean cast iron-pans with soap or detergents because it removes the protective coating.
References
- Reader's Digest: 20 Plus Ways to Easily Clean Pots and Pans
- Slash Food; Tip of the Day: How to Clean a Burned Pan; Emily Matchar; April 2008
- The Kitchn; Kitchen Nightmares: Cleaning Scorched and Burnt Food Off Pots and Pans; Emma Christensen; July 2008
- The Kitchn; How to Clean Tough Burnt Stains Off Stainless Steel Cookware; Regina Yunghans; February 2010
