7 Cleaning Hacks That Will Help You Get Clean Burnt Grease Off Your Pans

The burnt grease at the bottom of a frying pan dries and cake if not quickly tended to — which is usually the case because you probably want to get to your delicious meal just as quickly. Over time, this dark gunk becomes hard to clean and may even cause you to discard the pans. Before doing that, consider these 7 cleaning hacks that only require everyday items and are easy to use.

1. Vinegar

Vinegar contains acid which makes it effective cleaner for light browning on the bottom of your frying pan. This hack works on a large number of pan types; all yoh have to do is:

• Fill the bottom of your sink with straight vinegar, enough to submerge the pan bottom fully.
• Let it soak for about an hour.
• Use a scrubbing pad, a toothbrush, a bit of dishwasher soap (Dawn), and water to remove the now-softened grease.

2. Oven Cleaner

Oven cleaner is perfectly safe for use on your pans and it can effectively remove tough stains on your frying pans. This method is best suited for ceramic and non-stick cookware.

Technique:

• Coat the bottom of the pan in the oven cleaner.
• Let it sit for a few hours; overnight is best.
• Use a scrubbing pad to scrub the bottom.
• Clean in hot soapy water to remove any oven cleaner residue.

3. Baking Soda

This hack is very efficient and suited to heavy duty grease removal. It requires a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and Dawn.

Technique:

• Make a thick paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
• Add a few drops of Dawn.
• Use the scrubbing pad to apply the paste to the bottom of the pan using circular motions.
• Let the paste dry on the pan for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Scrub the pan with the scrubbing pad and a toothbrush.
• For longstanding grease, let the pan soak in vinegar for 30 minutes, rinse then apply the baking soda paste.

4. Ketchup

It may look hard to believe but a coating of ketchup at the bottom of your pan can help get rid of burnt grease stains. However, you need to let it soak in for several hours for optimum results.

Technique:

• Cover the bottom of the frying pan in ketchup.
• Allow it to sit for several hours, overnight if possible.
• Use a scouring pan and a pinch of Dawn to scrub.
• Rinse and enjoy.

5. Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend works to break down thick grime at the molecular level. This works effectively well for stainless steel skillets and frying pans.

Technique:

• Mix Bar Keepers Friend with enough water to make a paste.
• Apply this with a scouring pad to the bottom of the pan.
• Use circular motions to scrub the bottom of the pan.
• Rinse and wash in hot soapy water.

6. Salt and Vinegar

If a vinegar soak doesn't work well to remove the burnt grease, follow up with an abrasive like salt. However, keep in mind that the salt could cause scratches on the finish of the pan.

Technique:

• Pour salt on the bottom of the pan.
• Add a dab of Dawn to the scrubby.
• Scrub the bottom vigorously, adding more salt and dish soap as needed.

7. Vinegar, Dawn, and Baking Soda

This mixture is a very potent cleaner for burnt grease on stainless steel cookware. To use:

• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with generous amounts of baking soda and sea salt, especially on the stains.
• Spray the baking soda with straight vinegar.
• Allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
• Use the scouring pad to scrub away the grease.

Handy Tips To Avoid Burnt Grease Stains on Pans

• Wash your pans immediately after use.
• Allow your pans to soak in hot soapy water to loosen the grease.
• Use a scouring pad and scrubber to remove grime from indents and crevices.

Now your frying pans will always be sparkling clean!