The Struggle is Real: How to Remove Burned Oil from a Pan
Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a cooking session, only to accidentally burn the oil in your pan? It’s a frustrating and common occurrence, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Removing burned oil from a pan can be a challenge, but with the right techniques and cleaning solutions, you can restore your pan to its former glory.
Why Is Burned Oil So Hard to Remove?
Burned oil forms a sticky, caramelized residue that can bond to the surface of your pan, making it difficult to remove. This is because the high heat involved in burning the oil causes the oil molecules to polymerize, creating a hard, stubborn layer that refuses to budge.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Burned Oil
- Act Quickly: The sooner you clean the pan, the better. Burned oil can harden over time, making it even more difficult to remove.
- Scrape Off Excess: Use a stiff brush or a metal scraper to remove as much of the excess burned oil as possible. Be gentle to avoid scratching the pan’s surface.
- Soak the Pan: Fill the pan with enough water to cover the burned area, and add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes to an hour. The baking soda will help break down the burned oil.
- Use a Cleaning Solution: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in the pan, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 30 minutes to an hour. The acid in the vinegar will help break down the burned oil.
- Scrub the Pan: Use a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive scrubber to gently scrub the pan. Work in a circular motion, focusing on the burned area.
- Repeat if Necessary: If the burned oil is still stubborn, repeat the soaking and scrubbing process until the pan is clean.
- Dry the Pan: Once the pan is clean, dry it thoroughly with a towel to prevent water spots.
Additional Tips and Tricks
- For particularly stubborn burned oil, try using a deglazing liquid like wine or stock to help break down the residue.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the pan’s surface.
- To prevent burned oil from forming in the future, make sure to heat your pan slowly and carefully, and always monitor the temperature of the oil.
- If the burned oil has damaged the non-stick coating of your pan, you may need to replace it.
Conclusion
Removing burned oil from a pan can be a challenge, but with the right techniques and cleaning solutions, it’s a task that can be accomplished. By acting quickly, soaking the pan, and using a cleaning solution, you can restore your pan to its former glory. Remember to always handle burned oil with care, and don’t hesitate to seek help if the task proves too difficult. Happy cooking!
It’s a stainless steel pan and it was avocado oil that was burned on. Have tried running through the dishwasher multiple times, hand scrubbing, soaking in baking soda but nothing seems to work. Thanks for the help
They make a barkeeper’s friend specifically for stainless steel pans, but I have used the normal stuff too. Just let it sit on the pan for a little while and then scrub it away.
A few things I would try.
Pour some white vinegar in and let it soak / put on the stove and boil the vinegar in the pot for a few minutes and then try to scrub it out.
If that fails, scrub with steel wool
Update: I boiled vinegar and got most of it off. However I ran out so I will go to the store and get more plus a more abrasive scrubber. Thank you for the help, comfortable enough now to call this solved
Excess heat works too. That polymer will burn off.
In my experience you can get almost anything off a stainless steel pan by just boiling water in it.
Baking soda!
I invested in some pans like this earlier year. I then invested in some Bar Keepers Friend. It just works and at least near me it’s relatively cheap.
Hot soapy water & a dryer sheet. Let it soak for several hours and scrub afterwards, hopefully this releases the oil
Tomato paste and have It sit.
bkf
Baking soda. Soak it in soapy water for 30mins and then dump it and pour some baking soda in there with enough water to make it into a paste. Then scrub with the rough side of a sponge. It’ll sand it off the pan. You don’t need anything fancy.
I use food grade sodium (or potassium) hydroxide (lye). Fill the pan with cold water and add a couple tablespoons of sodium hydroxide, swirl it around a bit and let it sit for a few hours. Dump the liquid into the sink (with cold water running). Scrub with a mild sponge or brush. Your pan will be cleaner than it’s ever been after using this method.
NOTE: sodium (and potassium) hydroxide are extremely dangerous if used incorrectly. You must wear proper PPE (nitrile gloves or equivalent). Don’t breathe powdered hydroxide fumes (don’t pour the powder out! Scoop gently to minimize dust). Don’t get it on your bare skin or in eyes. I buy food-grade hydroxide on Amazon (used for soap making, pretzel making, etc.).
Angle grinder.
If fire put it there, fire will take it away.
Dissolve PBW in hot water then let it soak overnight. In the morning it’ll wipe right off. Wonderful product.
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Is this pan from IKEA ?
If it’s just stainless steel with no nonstick coating, you can put the pan in your oven and set it to clean. It will burn off whatever food is sticking to it. To ease clean up, I’d lay a baking pan or some foil under it for the stuff to fall on as it flakes off. Unrelated but you can also prep a cast iron skillet for re-seasoning this way.
Oven cleaner
Dishwasher tablet and boil it for 10 minutes.
0000# steel wool
Bar keeps friend is not needed. Boil some water or vinegar (enough to cover the pan ) then scrape with steel wool
scotch pad will do it. no need to soak, though warming it or using disgustingly hot water could help a bit
I usually put some dawn on it and let it soak. The dish fairy takes care of the rest… don’t tell my wife I said that.