Burnt-on grease can be tough to remove from pots and pans, especially if it has been left to accumulate over time.
Besides, this can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if the grease has been left to harden for a long time.
This blog will inform you how to clean burnt on grease from pots and pans in different methods.
Find the BEST Way to Clean a Burnt Pan: 4 Techniques
Generally, people want to clear the stubborn grease for these reasons:
Burnt-on grease accumulated on pots and pans
Created hot spots on the surface of pots and pans, which can cause food to cook unevenly
Accumulated burnt-on grease damaging the surface of pots and pans
A clean and well-maintained kitchen to promote hygiene and cleanliness
We have widely used methods for you here. Since you could be cleaning for any of the above reasons, every technique won’t work the same for all the issues. Hence, we have 5 different solutions for these issues.
We have specified when to apply a certain technique. Also, you’ll find durations of the methods helping you prepare for a specific method.
Here is the first solution:
Solution 1: Water, Vinegar, and Baking Soda
Duration: 30 minutes
Cleaning burnt-on grease from pots and pans with water, vinegar, and baking soda can be a great way to remove stubborn stains and residue without harsh chemicals.
Here are some situations where you may want to use this cleaning method:
Regular Cleaning: You should clean your pots and pans regularly, ideally after each use. If you notice some burnt-on grease or residue, you can use a water, vinegar, and baking soda mixture to clean it off.
After Cooking Greasy Foods: If you've been cooking greasy foods, such as bacon or fried chicken, some burnt-on grease may be left behind. Using water, vinegar, and baking soda can help remove this residue and keep your pots and pans looking clean.
Heavy Buildup: If you've neglected to clean your pots and pans for some time, there may be a heavy buildup of burnt-on grease. In this case, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution. But water, vinegar, and baking soda can be a good first step to loosen the residue and make it easier to remove.
Non-Stick Pans: If you have non-stick pans, you shouldn’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as they can damage the coating. Water, vinegar, and baking soda are gentle to clean non-stick pans without causing damage.
Cautions
When using any cleaning method, take safety precautions to protect yourself from any potential accident.
Wear gloves and eye protection to avoid getting any cleaning solution in your eyes or skin, and ensure that you work in a well-ventilated area. This way, you can avoid inhaling any fumes.
Furthermore, before using this cleaning method on your entire pot or pan, test it in a small, inconspicuous area to confirm it won't damage the surface. This is especially important if you have older or more delicate cookware.
How to Clean
Fill the pots and pans with enough water to cover the burnt-on grease.
Add a cup of vinegar to the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let the pot or pan simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down.
Pour the vinegar and water mixture and sprinkle baking soda on the burnt-on grease.
Use a scrub brush or sponge to scrub the baking soda onto the burnt-on grease gently.
Rinse the pot or pan with water and inspect for any remaining burnt-on grease. If necessary, repeat the process until the pots and pans are clean.
Once the pot or pan is clean, wash it with regular dish soap and water to remove any remaining residue.
Rinse the pot or pan with water and dry it with a clean towel.
Solution 2: Dishwasher Tablet
Duration: 40 minutes
Using a dishwasher tablet to clean awfully stuck grease from pots and pans can be an effective cleaning method for some types of cookware.
However, it's important to use caution and follow the manufacturer's instructions when using dishwasher tablets.
Here are some instances when you might consider using a dishwasher tablet to clean burnt-on grease from pots and pans:
Heavy Buildup: If there is a heavy buildup of burnt-on grease in your pots and pans, a dishwasher tablet can be an effective way to break it down and make cleaning easier.
Tough Stains: If you have stubborn stains or discoloration on your cookware, a dishwasher tablet can help to remove them.
Cast Iron Cookware: Some people recommend using a dishwasher tablet to clean cast iron cookware because it can help to remove stubborn residue without damaging the seasoning.
Cautions
Using a dishwasher tablet to clean burnt-on grease may not be appropriate for all types of cookware.
Therefore, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for both the cookware and the dishwasher tablet.
Additionally, some dishwasher tablets contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful if ingested. So, be careful and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
How to Clean
Fill the pots and pans with hot water.
Drop a dishwasher tablet into the water and let it dissolve.
Leave the pots and pans to soak for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Use a scrub brush or sponge to gently remove any remaining burnt-on grease.
Rinse the pot or pan with water and dry it with a clean towel.
Solution 3: Boiled Lemons
Duration: 30 minutes
Cleaning burnt-on grease from pots and pans with boiled lemons is a natural cleaning method that can also effectively remove stubborn stains and grime.
For the following situation, you can consider using boiled lemons to clean your cookware:
Stubborn Grease: If a pot or pan with burnt-on grease is difficult to remove with regular dish soap, boiled lemons can be an effective natural alternative.
Stains or Discoloration: If your cookware has stains or discoloration from years of use, boiled lemons can help to brighten and restore the surface.
Rust: If you have rust on your cookware, boiled lemons can help to remove it and prevent further rusting.
Cautions
Boiled lemons are a natural cleaning method that can be safe and effective for most types of cookware.
However, if your pots and pans have a non-stick coating or are made of a delicate material, such as copper, it's best to use a more gentle cleaning method to avoid damaging the surface.
On top of that, some people have allergies or sensitivities to citrus fruits. If you have the same problem, wear gloves and avoid inhaling the steam from the boiling lemons.
How to Clean
Fill the pot or pan with water and add several slices of fresh lemon.
Boil the mixture and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down.
Use a scrub brush or sponge to scrub the cookware's surface gently.
Rinse the pot or pan with water and dry it with a clean towel.
Solution 4: Aluminum Foil
Duration: 20 minutes
Aluminum foil can be useful for cleaning burnt-on grease from pots and pans in certain situations.
You can use aluminum foil for cleaning in these situations:
Mild to Moderate Burnt-On Grease: Aluminum foil is most effective for cleaning pots and pans with mild to moderate burnt-on grease.
Stains or Discoloration: Aluminum foil can remove discoloration and stains on the surface of your pots and pans caused by burnt-on grease. If you've tried other cleaning methods and the stains or discoloration persist, aluminum foil may be a good option.
Cautions
Aluminum foil is an abrasive material, so it's important to use it carefully and only when appropriate.
Avoid using it on non-stick coatings, delicate materials like copper or enamel, and stainless steel with mirror finishes, as it can scratch or damage these surfaces.
If you are unsure whether to use aluminum foil, it's always a good idea to test it in a small or unnoticeable area before using it on the entire pot or pan.
How to Clean
Take a piece of aluminum foil and scrunch it into a ball.
Wet the ball with water and add a few drops of dish soap.
Gently rub the aluminum foil ball over the surface of the cookware, focusing on the areas with burnt-on grease.
Rinse the pot or pan with water and dry it with a clean towel.
If remnants of burnt-on grease remain, repeat the process until the cookware is clean.
Final Notes: How to Clean Burnt on Grease from Pots and Pans
It's important to note that the effectiveness of this method may vary depending on the severity of the burnt-on grease, the type of cookware you have, and other factors.
If you need help cleaning your pots and pans, it's always a good idea to consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek advice from a professional cleaner.
FAQs
Need further clarification? See the queries below.
How to Remove Burnt Grease from Pan?
You can remove grease from pans using a variety of different methods. Here are a few options:
Baking Soda and Water: Using baking soda and water, make a paste and apply it to the burnt portions of the pan. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then cleanse with a soft brush or sponge.
Vinegar and Water: Bring the pan's mixture to a boil by combining an equal amount of white vinegar and water. Before using a non-abrasive sponge or brush to clean the pan, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool.
Dish Soap and Water: Fill the pan with boiling water and add dish soap. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes before scrubbing the pan with a soft brush.
Lemon Juice and Salt: Cut a lemon into 2 pieces and sprinkle salt on the revealed side. Use the lemon to scrub the burnt areas of the pan, then rinse with water.
Commercial Degreasers: Many commercial degreasers are available specifically for cleaning burnt-on grease from pans. Follow the instructions on the product label for the best results.
How to Get Burnt on Grease off Pan?
Here is how to get burnt-on grease off a pan:
Fill the pan with hot water: Pour hot water into the pan and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen any burnt-on grease.
Add dish soap: Add some dish soap to the water.
Let it soak: Let the pan soak in the soapy water for at least 15-20 minutes to loosen the burnt-on grease further.
Scrub the pan: After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to scrub the burnt-on grease from the pan. If necessary, apply a bit of pressure to work the grease loose.
Rinse the pan: Rinse the pan thoroughly with hot water to remove any remaining grease and soap.
Try a stronger solution: If the above method doesn't work, try a stronger solution, such as a mixture of baking soda and water, vinegar, and water, or a commercial degreaser. Apply the solution to the affected areas, and let the solution sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or brush.
Repeat if necessary: If the burnt-on grease is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat the above steps multiple times until the pan is clean.
Dry the pan: Once the pan is clean, dry it thoroughly with a clean towel to prevent rust or water spots.
It's important to note that different methods may work better on different types of pans, and some methods may damage certain cookware. Always check the manufacturer's instructions and use caution when trying new cleaning methods to avoid damaging your pan.