It is impossible to imagine a kitchen without such utensils as a frying pan. Modern housewives also have many varieties made of various materials. But they are all subject to one drawback: the accumulation of dirt, which not only spoils the appearance of the dishes, but also poses a health hazard, because old fat can release carcinogens that cause deadly diseases. Therefore, a natural question arises: how to clean a frying pan from old fat?

cast iron frying pan photo
Any housewife sooner or later faces the problem of removing carbon deposits from kitchen utensils.

What causes grease and carbon deposits on the sides of a frying pan?

The reason for the appearance of carbon deposits is simple – sloppiness and unwillingness to wash the dishes immediately after cooking. The layer of fat that settles on the walls and bottom gradually increases, mixes with soot, creating an explosive mixture that is harmful to the body. The appearance of such contaminants in pots occurs in a similar way. Therefore, cleaning kitchen utensils should become a habitual and mandatory procedure for everyone.

How to clean different types of frying pans from old fat and carbon deposits at home

As mentioned earlier, a frying pan can be made of any material, each, however, requires its own approach. You cannot clean a heavy cast iron frying pan the same way as a Teflon one. Knowing simple recommendations, it will be quite easy to clean all frying pans, regardless of what they are made of.

frying pan with carbon deposits
A thick layer of burnt oil not only spoils the appearance of the cookware, but also affects the quality of the food cooked in it.

Cast iron frying pan

One of the most common varieties, possessing a lot of useful qualities, but having a significant drawback: the stuck carbon deposits are so firmly embedded in the porous structure of the cast iron that it is quite problematic to wash them off. But there is a solution to this. Since the cast iron coating is not sensitive to harsh impacts, it can be cleaned using metal sponges, powders or sand. Car service centers have special machines that can clean any dirt with sand and compressed air. An extravagant method for removing carbon deposits: put the frying pan in a fire. After some time, the carbon deposits will begin to come off in pieces. All that remains is to rinse and wipe dry with a towel.

cast iron skillet
Modern chemical cleaning agents "anti-fat" effectively combat burnt fat.

Frying pan with enamel coating

Enamel is a thinner coating that does not tolerate rough handling and caustic agents. You will have to remove soot and plaque using fewer methods. Folk remedies or the use of bleach will be good. It is only important that the dishes are thoroughly rinsed after the procedure, because the ingress of detergents into the body is fraught with serious consequences. It is better not to risk it.

enamel coated frying pan
You can clean such dishes using both grandma’s methods and modern ones, but there are some limitations.

Aluminum frying pan

Aluminum is a light metal, and the cookware made from it is the same. You can't rub the sides with a steel wool sponge: it will leave unsightly scratches. But a combination of soft detergents, such as tooth powder, soda and soap, will work perfectly. They will not spoil the appearance and will rid the pot or frying pan of a greasy layer.

aluminum frying pan with carbon deposits
It is not recommended to wash aluminum utensils in the dishwasher.

How to Clean Burnt Fat from a Stainless Steel Frying Pan

Stainless steel was invented to make corrosion-resistant cookware. But it is not insured against oil and soot accumulation. Such a frying pan does not have any features that would require a unique approach to cleaning. A strong salt solution, a mixture of soda and vinegar, and activated carbon clean off carbon well. It is better to wash with soft sponges, then rinse with running water and dry.

stainless steel frying pan
As a result of aggressive impact, scratches are formed.

Cleaning a ceramic frying pan from old grease

Burnt clay requires careful cleaning. It would be better if after each cooking the housewife wipes the cooled frying pan with a paper napkin, which will absorb all the fat. But if it turns out that the dishes are already heavily soiled, then there is nothing left to do but use “grandmother’s” recipes. For example, boil water with soda. Soda also helps well. Pour a bottle of cola or Pepsi into the dishes and keep it there for several hours. When the dirt has soaked, it is cleaned off with a sponge.

ceramic coated frying pan
You can clean the frying pan and give it a shine using a foam sponge and soapy water.

The nuances of cleaning a frying pan with a Teflon coating

Teflon is a very delicate coating that should never be scratched with forks or knives. Even coarse salt can leave deep marks. What to do?

Dried dirt can be poured with slightly hot water and left to dry. Afterwards, it is loosened with a spatula or sponge. Baking soda will do as a detergent.

Teflon coated frying pan
It is better not to put off washing such a frying pan until later, but to do it immediately after use.

How to clean pans and pots

There are a great many ways to clean a frying pan from fat and carbon deposits at home. They all have both advantages and disadvantages. The most famous ones will be listed here.

Mechanical cleaning methods

The name of the method speaks for itself: carbon deposits are removed using brushes, brushes, and sometimes sandpaper, driven by a rotating mechanism. The advantage is that it is cheap and quick to clean. The disadvantage is the risk of cracks, scratches, and destruction of the material of the dishes.

Thermal method

The thermal method means the effect of a gas burner on dirty areas. This type of cleaning can only be done outside the home. The frying pan is placed on some base, the burner is turned on and the fat accumulation areas are treated. Then it is placed in a container with water. The temperature difference will cause the dirt to peel off, which is removed with a scraper.

thermal cleaning method
It is important to be careful because the material of the pan may crack due to heat.

We clean with household chemicals

Using chemicals can effectively clean dishes both inside and outside.

  • "Shumanit"

This is quite a serious product, when using which you need to wear gloves. Cleans old carbon deposits in no time.

Shumanite
Shumanite for cleaning frying pans from carbon deposits.
  • Plaque removers

There are many types of products: Pemolux, Mr. Proper, Zepter, etc. All these substances wash away grease from dishes well, but they are not suitable for removing stubborn carbon deposits.

Cleansy Cepter
Special products can easily remove carbon deposits from dishes.
  • Chemicals for cleaning sewers

The use of such products is sometimes justified when it comes to serious contamination. The liquid is poured into a separate container, into which the frying pan or saucepan is placed. After waiting a little time, the dishes are taken out and washed well.

cleaning a teflon frying pan
When cleaning with chemicals, you don't have to put in much effort.
  • Cleaning with Mister Muscle Anti-Fat

This wonderful substance penetrates into the most remote corners, corroding dirt. And if anyone is still thinking about how to clean a frying pan from carbon deposits and fat at home, let them buy this product and say goodbye to dirty frying pans forever.

mr muscle for the kitchen
"Mr. Muscle" for removing burnt fat.

Folk methods of cleaning

Chemical reagents will clean dishes much better and faster, but they can also harm a person if they get into food from a poorly washed surface. Using the usual means that every home cupboard stores is safe.

  • With glue

Silicate glue mixed with soda and water creates a unique composition that removes any carbon deposits in a couple of hours. The solution is prepared in a separate container, into which the frying pan is placed, boiled for an hour, and then simply kept for the same amount of time.

soda with glue
The length of time it takes to simmer will depend on how thick and old the layer is that covers the sides of the pan.
  • With vinegar and salt

Vinegar is an excellent dirt remover, and when combined with salt it gives a stunning result. Pour 50-100 ml of vinegar into water, dissolve three tablespoons of salt, and pour the resulting solution into a frying pan.

soda salt vinegar
You can remove old grease with a paste made from 9% vinegar and salt.
  • With peroxide and soda

The combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda produces a fizzing, cleansing mixture. The only downside is that you need a lot of bottles of peroxide.

soda and peroxide
Softened fat can be easily removed with a scraper or metal sponge.
  • Acetic acid

Any acid is a powerful weapon against carbon deposits. If porridge has once burnt, then acid will help remove the traces, which can be heated on the stove for better action.

table vinegar
After boiling, let the solution sit for a couple of hours. Then rinse the pan thoroughly.
  • Activated carbon

An inexpensive remedy against grease and plaque. Tablets are finely crushed and rubbed into the dirt, which is absorbed into the pores of the coal like a sponge. Suitable for medium and small carbon deposits, it will not be able to overcome a multi-year layer.

activated carbon
Many people use activated carbon to clean cast iron products.

Safety rules for cleaning dishes from carbon deposits and grease

Cleaning dishes requires compliance with safety precautions:

  • When working with chemicals, wear gloves and maybe a face mask;
  • During the procedure, it is worth opening the window;
  • There should be no animals or children in the kitchen;
  • After cleaning, all work surfaces must be washed with soap.
cleaning a cast iron skillet
The most obvious and effective means of prevention is the timely removal of greasy stains.

VIDEO: An effective method for cleaning a frying pan.