How to Clean Fat From Pans, According to Experts

Whether you just cooked a slab of bacon or seared a piece of prime rib, many foods leave behind a layer of fat that can be difficult to remove from cooking pans. When exposed to heat, fat can polymerize and form a sticky residue that is often hard to clean. But to prolong the lifespan of your pans, it’s important to keep them clean. To help, we spoke to experts who shared their tips for how to remove fat from pans with common household ingredients.

How to Remove Fat From Pans With Baking Soda

The abrasive properties of baking soda can remove fat from pans without ruining the integrity of the pan’s surface, says Kathy Cohoon, operations manager of Two Maids.

1. Remove excess fat from the pan.
2. Mix baking soda with water until it forms a paste.
3. Cover the surface of the pan with the paste.
4. Let the paste sit for up to 30 minutes.
5. Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the pan and remove the grease.
6. Wash the pan with warm, soapy water and let dry.

How to Remove Fat From Pans With Vinegar

The acidity of distilled white vinegar can cut through grease and break it down, allowing for easier fat removal, says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

1. Remove excess fat from the pan.
2. Pour distilled white vinegar into the pan, covering it completely.
3. Heat the pan on low for about one to two minutes.
4. Turn the heat off and allow the vinegar to cool down slightly.
5. Scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge or brush.
6. Wash the pan with warm, soapy water and let dry.

How to Remove Fat From Pans With Dish Soap

Many dish soaps are specifically designed to dissolve grease by breaking the bonds between fat molecules, says Sokolowski, adding that this method works especially well if enough soaking time is allotted.

1. Remove excess fat from the pan.
2. Add a generous amount of dish soap to the pan.
3. Fill the pan with hot water to cover the greasy spots.
4. Let the mixture soak in the pan for about 15 to 30 minutes.
5. Scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge or brush.
6. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let dry.

How to Remove Fat From Pans With Lemon Juice

Similar to vinegar, the acidic properties of lemon juice help break down fat, making it easier to remove. “The natural antibacterial properties also help sanitize the pan,” says Sokolowski.

1. Remove excess fat from the pan.
2. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pan.
3. Let the juice sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge or brush.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let dry.

How to Remove Burnt Fat From Pans

The above methods should be effective at removing burnt fat from pans, but there are other techniques you can try. For example, you can fill the pan with lemon juice and water and bring it to a boil for about five minutes. “You should see some of the burnt-on fat particles coming to the surface,” says Cohoon. Let the pan cool, then rinse with warm, soapy water.

You may also try making a paste with baking soda and warm water and scrubbing with a small wad of aluminum foil, which serves as an effective scouring agent. “Again, it’s important not to scratch the surface of your cookware, so always check the manufacturer’s instructions before using this method,” says Cohoon.

How to Prevent Burnt Fat on Pans

There are a few ways to protect your pans from building up with burnt fat.

• Clean pans after use to prevent the grease from building and getting stuck, says Sokolowski.
• Slowly preheat the pan before adding cooking oil, butter, or food.
• Try using non-stick or well-seasoned cookware to minimize sticking, says Sokolowski.
• Continually monitor the heat and check that your food isn’t sticking or burning, says Cohoon.
• Remove excess fat from the pan during cooking using paper towels, says Sokolowski.