Clean the frying pan with citric acid. How to quickly clean the pan from soot? How to get rid of rust and years of soot

Cast iron pan - time-tested helper! It rightfully occupies an important place in the kitchen. In order for this useful thing served you long years you need to take good care of her. Often, housewives receive kitchen utensils in the form of a dowry from their mother or grandmother, and with it a thick layer of burning, soot or fat. As time goes by, it becomes more and more difficult to clean the pan. However, there are ways to help restore it to its original form.

Types of pollution and means of getting rid of them

Today, despite the variety of non-stick products, cast iron pans are still very popular. They are characterized by high strength and the ability to retain heat. Naturally produced soot acts as a non-stick layer and protects the product from corrosion. Nevertheless, sooner or later there comes a time when it becomes necessary to clean the pan.

Grandma's time-tested methods of cleaning cast iron pans will give them a pristine look.

The method of cleaning cast iron cookware depends on the type and complexity of contamination. These include:

  • excessive layer of soot;
  • rust formation;
  • accumulation of burning;
  • sticky food debris.

You can wash an old frying pan at home with the help of abrasive detergents, household chemicals and rubber gloves. The stores offer a wide range of potent reagents, but not every one of them manages to cope with serious types of pollution.

It is worth noting that getting rid of old dirt is much more difficult than getting rid of fresh stains.

Grandma's time-tested methods of cleaning dishes are no less effective than modern powders, gels and sprays. Moreover, they are safe for health and can save your family budget due to its low cost. Sandpaper, sea or table salt, sand, acetic acid and silicate glue will help you give your cast iron skillet an attractive look.

Methods for cleaning a cast iron skillet

Before cleaning a cast iron skillet, determine what type it is. Dishes can be coated or uncoated. To date, there are the following types of this kitchen utensils.

  1. Classic. They do not differ in beauty and grace, but they are safe for human health, reliable and practical. Suitable for all types of stoves, as well as for cooking in the oven. Not afraid of abrasive detergents in the form of a metal sponge.
  2. Enamelled. They are white or cream in color. To prevent rust, the enamel coating is applied in several layers. Such cast-iron cookware does not need preparation before the first use, it just needs to be washed in warm water. With proper care, it will last a long time. Since enamel is a fragile material, temperature changes and metal blades can lead to its destruction. In this regard, do not place the pan on a hot stove, use a wooden or plastic spatula when cooking, and do not use powders and sponges made of thin steel wire when cleaning.
  3. Non-stick. Since cast iron rusts from moisture, objects made of it are covered with a non-stick layer, which allows you to save dishes from moisture. Such pans have the same advantages as the classic ones, but are much more expensive. In order to avoid damage to the coating during cooking, it is necessary to use appliances made of wood or silicone.

Important: enamel coating should be distinguished from ceramics! Enamel is a heat-resistant paint. Ceramic coating consists of silicone and carbon components, is considered more environmentally friendly.

Types of cast iron pans - gallery

"Grandma's" frying pan will last for decades Enamel coating gives cast iron a more attractive appearance Non-stick coating protects the product from moisture and rust

Wash or clean

There is an opinion that cast iron products cannot be washed using modern detergents. It is based on the fact that there is a thin layer of fat on the surface of the pan. Since household chemicals remove all types of contaminants, the cast-iron pan is also destroyed. However, at the moment of its incandescence and heating of the oil, a new substance is created - a stable polymer that penetrates into the upper layer of the metal. It is due to this that non-stick properties appear in a cast-iron frying pan that does not have a coating.

As for cleaning, the use of a stiff brush is an undeniable plus of this kitchen utensil! You can safely use any means without fear of damaging the surface. As already noted, modern cast iron pans can have various coatings. Each of them needs its own approach when cleaning.

A metal sponge will help you clean a cast iron pan to a shine

What means can be used to clean cast iron pans - table

Type of cast iron pan How to cleancan How to cleanit is forbidden
Teflon coated pan Soda, dishwashing detergent.
They can be used together, for example, as a solution.
abrasives,
with caution with acetic acid
frying pan with ceramic coating Gentle cleaning products are suitable: laundry soap, soda using a soft cloth or sponge. abrasives,
firing on an open fire is prohibited, use acetic acid with caution
Enamel pan Laundry soap, liquid dishwashing detergents, soda, a solution with the addition of silicate glue. It is forbidden to roast on an open fire, use acetic acid with caution
Frying pan without coating Can be cleaned using dishwashing detergents, alkaline products, abrasives. After cleaning, it is recommended to restore the natural non-stick properties with vegetable oil.

How to get rid of rust and years of soot

Rust and carbon deposits are the most common contamination of cast iron cookware, especially after many years of use. But even the most chronic corrosion and multi-layered blackness can be removed at home using simple means.

If your cast iron skillet has lost its appearance Don't worry, you can wash it!

There are several tools for cleaning the pan from soot:

  • silicate glue;
  • washing powder;
  • acetic acid;
  • metal brush;
  • firing on an open fire.

To remove rust, you can use:

Preparing the slurry

Silicate glue included homemade remedy for cleaning cast iron pans. To prepare this cleaning solution, take:

  • a pack of baking soda weighing 500 g (you can also use soda ash);
  • 1 bar of laundry soap 72%;
  • 2 packs of silicate glue.
  1. Put a bucket of water on to heat up. You can use another container, the main thing is that the pan fits in it.
  2. Dip a coarsely grated bar of laundry soap into the bucket.
  3. Add baking soda and glue to the soap solution. Mix everything thoroughly.
  4. Dip the frying pan into the bucket with the solution.
  5. Bring to a boil and “cook” the pan for a quarter of an hour.
  6. Turn off the heat and cover the bucket with a lid. Let the pan stand in the cooling solution for another hour or two.

Cleaning the pan with PVA glue and soap is an effective, but time-consuming method. After using it, wash the pan under running water using dishwashing detergent.

Instead of silicate glue, you can successfully use PVA glue. Of course it's two different types glue. First of all, they differ chemical composition. Silicate glue is a water-alkaline solution of lithium, sodium, potassium silicates. PVA is polyvinyl acetate with water.

A good grandmother's way of cleaning the pan with soap - video

How to clean dishes with washing powder, vinegar and soda

Laundry detergent, acetic acid and soda are in every home, so these tools are the most affordable.

For the first way:

  • pour a little powder into the pan;
  • pour hot water and leave for half an hour;
  • rub the softened fat with a brush or sponge.

For the second way:

  • fill the pan with acetic acid;
  • leave for several days in a place inaccessible to children;
  • remove carbon deposits under running water using detergent and a stiff brush.

The disadvantages of this method include the presence bad smell vinegar and inefficiency, it is unlikely that it will be possible to completely get rid of fat.

For the third way:

  • pour soda into the pan and pour hot water;
  • boil for 20 minutes. This will help soften dried and burnt fat;
  • after cooling, rub the contaminated surface with a brush.

How to remove old fat with a metal brush

You can attract your beloved man to clean the pan! To do this, he needs to use a grinder or a drill with a brush attachment. You should not use this method in an apartment, since small particles soot will scatter everywhere and you will find them in the most unexpected places for a long time. It is better to do it on the street or on the balcony. You should also protect yourself: wear a respirator and goggles so as not to damage your face and eyes.

To clean the pan in this way, you must:

  • prepare equipment: a drill, a special brush head, a grinder;
  • wear protective equipment (goggles, respirator);
  • fix the pan (for example, by stepping on it with your foot);
  • turn on the equipment and remove carbon deposits;
  • wash dishes under running water and dry.

Ask your spouse for help!

How to remove soot by roasting

Cast iron utensils can be fired on a regular fire. When going on a hike, take a frying pan with you. If the product has a non-cast iron handle, remove it. Place the pan in the fire for 15 minutes, remove from the flame with a stick or other suitable device. Let the dish cool and remove the carbon deposits with a knife.

This method can be classified as highly effective, however, it also has disadvantages:

  • only suitable for frying pans with a removable or cast-iron handle;
  • the coated pan method cannot be applied.

When firing cast iron pans at home, use an oven. Put the dishes in the oven upside down, set the temperature to 200 ° C and do not forget to turn on the hood

Please note that the use of methods such as mechanical brushing, burning on fire, cleaning with soda, vinegar and glue solution are the safest for your health, as they contain negligible amounts of chemicals or do not contain them at all. And, on the contrary, cleaning with a rust converter, oven cleaner and even washing powder will leave their “traces”. Be sure to rinse the pan well after cleaning under running water! This will help get rid of the remnants of household chemicals.

How to remove fat from the outside

To clean the outside of the pan, you can use a soda solution or washing powder. Pour the product into a large container, pour boiling water, immerse the pan. Leave on for 1-2 hours depending on the degree of soiling. In hot water, the burnt fat will soften and it will be easy to remove it with a stiff brush. In some cases, you can use a knife and cut off the soot in much the same way as you peel potatoes. The effectiveness of this method is debatable. It is possible that the procedure will have to be repeated or additional measures applied to completely remove fat.

Cleaning with new household chemicals

Cast iron is valuable for its environmental friendliness, it is common to use "grandmother's" methods. However, we live in the 21st century and it is wrong to avoid discussing this method. Almost all detergents marked “anti-grease” can easily cope with the removal of soot. However, dishwashing detergents are ineffective. It is better to use oven cleaners, such as Shumanit:

  • apply the product to the pan according to the instructions on the package;
  • leave it for 1-2 hours;
  • remove softened soot;
  • repeat the procedure if necessary.

Sandpaper and modern anti-rust stains

To get rid of rust stains, act on them mechanically:

  • take sandpaper of various grain sizes;
  • first use a larger one - rub it on the affected areas of the pan;
  • gradually move to a finer sandpaper, treat the rust stain until it disappears;
  • wash the pan with your usual means, dry it well.

Note that this method will not work with coated pans.

Use different sandpaper for cleaning. Gradually move from coarse grit to finer

Methods for cleaning a frying pan from carbon can be effective in removing rust. For example, cleaning a pan with baking soda. If you add laundry soap dissolved in water to the soda, immerse the pan in a boiling solution - this will save the dishes from rusty spots.

Also, to remove corrosion stains, try using a special rust converter:

Remove rust in 5 minutes - video

How to care for a cast iron skillet at home

Compliance with simple rules of care will help to avoid heavy pollution cast iron cookware and save you time wasting cleaning it. Prior to use, cast iron utensils should be thoroughly ignited. Heat the pan on the stove, then pour coarse table salt into it (layer thickness of at least 1 cm) and leave on fire, stirring the salt, for about 15-20 minutes more.

When the color of the salt changes to brownish, turn off the heat. Grease a clean frying pan with vegetable oil. In principle, this will be enough, but for a better result, you can place the product in the oven and heat it again at a temperature of 180 0 -230 0 for 20-30 minutes. Please note that only an uncoated cast iron pan should be placed in the oven.

When calcining dishes, do not forget to stir the salt

Cast iron pans should only be washed by hand. As a result of using the dishwasher, rust appears on the product, the layer with the “non-stick” coating is washed off.

Important: The above rules apply to all cast iron pans!

If your pan has a coating, then you should take care of it, taking into account its features.

Creating a non-stick coating on a cast iron skillet - video

Of course, knowing how to clean your favorite dishes is good. However, prevention is better than cure! Take good care of your cast iron cookware and it will serve you forever!

To be honest, it is often very difficult to clean a pan of soot and fat, especially if it is old or badly burnt. But there is good news: most persistent pollution can still be dealt with with penny products that you already have at home (or at least make the task much easier). The main thing is to choose the method that is right for your pan. After all, what saves a cast-iron stewpan can hopelessly destroy a Teflon crepe maker.

In this article you can find almost all traditional and non-standard ways cleaning pans of any type: cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum with non-stick coating (teflon, enamel, ceramic, marble) and without it. Just choose the recipe that suits you.

12 Ways to Clean a Frying Pan

Method 1. How to clean the pan with vinegar and soda (universal method)

This method is the fastest and most effective, and besides, it is universal - it is suitable for removing most contaminants (soot, soot and old fat) from any type of frying pan except those that have a non-stick coating. It doesn't require the use of harsh chemicals, so you don't even need rubber gloves. Just relax and follow the instructions!

You will need:

  • 1 cup water (or more if the pan is large and deep)
  • 1 glass of 9% table vinegar;
  • 2 tablespoons of baking soda.

Instruction:

Step 1. Put the pan on the stove, then pour a glass of water and vinegar into it.

Step 2. Bring the solution to a boil (at this stage, some of the soot should already be removed).

Step 3. Remove the pan from the heat and pour baking soda into it. The mixture should sizzle!

Step 4. Empty the pan and wash in the usual way with a sponge.

  • Places with super stubborn dirt can be additionally treated with soda or soda paste (soda + a couple of drops of water) and left for a while.
  • Sometimes the reaction of soda with vinegar solution turns out to be strong and the contents of the pan can “run away” beyond its walls and stain the stove. To avoid this, you can first drain a little of the solution and only then pour in the baking soda.

Method 2. How to clean the pan with vinegar and soda outside and inside without boiling

  1. Sprinkle baking soda on the stained area.
  2. Pour the 9% vinegar over the baking soda and let the resulting effervescent foam work for 30-60 minutes.
  3. Scrub the pan as usual with a hard sponge.

Method 3. Boiling with soda (for cleaning all types of pans, except aluminum without non-stick coating)

In most cases, you can clean the inside and outside of the pan by boiling it with baking soda. This recipe is very simple and suitable for any type of utensil.

  1. If you want to clean the pan only inside, pour about a liter of water into it and add about 100 g of soda. If you want to clean the dishes both inside and out, then use a large metal basin or bucket and fill it with soda solution from the same calculation - 1 liter. water / 100 g of soda.
  2. Put the pan/basin with the pan on the fire, bring the solution to a boil, and then forget about cleaning for another 20 minutes.

  1. Remove the utensil from the heat and let it cool, then wash in the usual way, using a hard sponge or scraper in difficult places (if there is no non-stick coating). During the frying pan soda solution soften and remove most of the fat, soot, and remnants of burnt food from it.

Tip: Boiling the pan can be increased to one to two hours.

Method 4. Boiling according to the Soviet recipe: laundry soap + soda + silicate glue (to remove carbon deposits from a cast-iron, steel, aluminum or duralumin pan)

This old and proven method works in the most hopeless cases when you need to remove a long-term layer of soot from the outside of a cast-iron or aluminum / duralumin pan.

You will need:

  • A metal bowl or bucket of a suitable size (for example, 10 liters);
  • 1 bar of laundry soap 72% (optional);
  • ½ cup of silicate glue (aka stationery or school glue and liquid glass);
  • ½ cup soda ash (available at home improvement stores) or half a pack of baking soda
  • Scraper (can be a table knife);
  • Grater (medium) and a metal sponge.

Instruction:

  1. Fill a basin/bucket with water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
  2. While the water is heating, grate the laundry soap (optional).
  3. As soon as the water boils, reduce the heat, pour all the soap chips into the basin, stir them, and then add 1/2 cup of glue and 1/2 cup of soda/baking soda ash. At this stage, do not forget to open the window and turn on the hood!

  1. Finally, lower your pan into the resulting solution, after removing the handle from it. If the handle is not plastic / wooden, then lower it into the basin. Now it remains to be patient and cook the pan for 1-4 hours, depending on the degree of contamination. During this time, part of the soot and fat will lag behind the pan, and the rest will soften.

  1. After boiling, rinse the pan, transfer it to a sink or a clean basin (plastic can be used), then proceed to remove carbon deposits with a metal sponge / scraper / knife. Do not overdo it with tools so as not to remove the enamel on the outer walls - if it is removed, the pan will quickly become covered with a new layer of soot.

Tip: you can carry out the boiling procedure in several approaches (cooking time can be reduced to 30 minutes), updating the solution and removing the softened plaque with a scraper and a metal sponge.

Method 5. Boiling with washing powder and oil

According to many users, this method is more effective than others in removing carbon deposits both outside and inside.

  1. Fill a large basin with water, add a few tablespoons of sunflower oil and a little washing powder to it.
  2. Put the basin on medium heat and immerse the dirty utensils in it. Bring the solution to a boil, then wash the pan as usual.

Method 6. How to clean a burnt pan by boiling (except pans with non-stick coating)

  1. Place the skillet on the stove and turn on medium heat.
  2. Once the pan is hot enough (check with a drop of water), pour 1 cup of water into it and cook a little more (add some dishwashing liquid if you like).
  3. Then use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to scrape off the burned areas.
  4. Wash the utensils in the usual way.

Method 7: Soak with a cleaning solution for light to medium stains

  1. Squeeze a few drops of dishwashing liquid into the pan, add hot water and let it sit for a few hours or leave overnight.
  2. Then clean the utensils as usual with a sponge.

Method 8. "Scrub" with baking soda (not suitable for Teflon and aluminum pans!)

  1. Make a paste of equal parts baking soda and warm water.
  2. Treat soot, soot or greasy deposits with paste.
  3. Rinse warm water and repeat the procedure if necessary.

Method 9. Boiling with laundry soap (for all types of pans except aluminum)

This method is well suited for removing grease and soot from pans of any type.

  1. Grate a quarter of a bar of laundry soap (72%) on a medium grater.

  1. Put the soap shavings in a pan and cover with water, then heat the mixture without boiling.
  2. Remove the pan from the heat and let it soak for another couple of hours.
  3. Rinse the skillet, then scrub with a sponge and dish soap.

Method 10. How to clean the pan from rust

Rust is easily removed with dry table salt. Just rub the problem areas, then wash and dry.

Method 11. Clean the pan with powerful chemicals - top 3 super effective remedies

In our opinion, powerful household chemicals are indispensable if you need to quickly and with minimal effort clean the frying pan from carbon deposits and grease. The main thing is to take precautions, use rubber gloves, work with an open window and do not process dishes for too long. They say that if you cover a frying pan with Shumanite and leave it overnight, a hole can form on it.

  1. Amway Oven Cleaner- it is expensive, it is sold only through the Internet or dealers, but even removes old deposits and fat in a few minutes, while it is economically spent, it is washed off more easily than its counterparts and practically does not stink. If you have animals and children, then this tool is indispensable in the household.

  1. Shumanit Bugs - it costs less than Amway and is sold in many department stores of hypermarkets. A little less effective than Amway (for example, very old pans may not always be washed), but still very effective. The main disadvantages are a pungent smell, which is felt even when open window, and the difficulty of washing off the agent itself.
  2. Sparkling cauldron- from inexpensive means The sparkling cauldron is the most powerful.

And here are the general instructions:

  1. We treat problem areas with the product, wrap the pan in a bag (so the smell does not spread throughout the room) and leave it for 15-60 minutes, depending on the degree of contamination.
  2. We remove the dirt and thoroughly rinse the dishes two or three times. For fidelity, the pan can be wiped with vinegar to remove the remnants of the product.

Tip: You can also use cling film instead of a bag.

Important! All listed grease removers are not intended for cleaning aluminum and Teflon pans.

Method 12. Mechanical cleaning method

Mechanical cleaning methods are relevant for old steel, aluminum and cast iron pans when folk ways and chemicals do not help to remove a long-term layer of soot and fat. But all mechanical methods have one significant drawback - when removing a layer of dirt from the outer walls of the dishes, the top layer (enamel, anodized layer) is almost always removed, which means that in the future the pan will be covered with fat and soot faster and more. After such a drastic cleaning, the bottom of the cast iron/aluminum pan needs to be calcined with salt and oil.

Here are some traditional mechanical ways to clean pans:

  1. Sandblast cleaning. To upgrade your hopeless assistant, you need to hand it over for a small fee to the nearest tire shop. The auto mechanic will place the utensils in a special chamber, where, due to compressed air and sand, carbon deposits will be removed in a matter of minutes.
  2. Cleaning with a grinder. This method of cleaning can be done in the country on your own using a grinder or a grinder with a petal end circle.

Rules for cleaning pans depending on the material and tips for prevention

Different types of metals and coatings react differently to acids and alkalis, prolonged soaking and heating. When you start washing your frying pan, find out the contraindications (if you look at the table on your smartphone, turn it to a horizontal position - so the whole table will enter the screen).

Cast iron cookware Teflon cookware stainless steel Aluminum cookware without non-stick coating and enamel
Wash in dishwasher Don't (the pan will rust) Can Can It is forbidden
Use of abrasive cleaners, brushes, scrapers and hard sponges Can It is forbidden Can It is forbidden
Using baking soda, laundry soap, and other alkaline cleaners Can Can Can It is forbidden
Use of acids (vinegar, citric acid, etc.) Can Can Not possible (short-term exposure is acceptable)
Long soak It is forbidden Can Can Undesirable
  • Aluminum frying pans (uncoated) can be washed with glassware and chinaware cleaners, soap solutions with the addition of ammonia.
  • Any dishes should be washed only after they have cooled naturally. If you abruptly transfer a hot pan into cool water, it may deform. This is especially true for cast iron, aluminum (coated and uncoated) and ceramic pans.
  • Remember to remove the wooden/plastic handle before soaking or boiling the pan, or just don't submerge it in water.

How to ignite the pan after cleaning or before the first use?

By cleaning the pan of soot and grease, you will also remove its natural non-stick film, which protects food from burning. This applies to all types of pans, except for stainless steel pans (they are not subject to corrosion). Especially calcination is necessary for cast-iron pans and cauldrons. To create a non-stick layer after general cleaning or before the first use, you need to ignite the pan. Here are a few ways to choose from.

For a cast iron skillet or cauldron, as well as a pan made of white or blue steel (except for stainless steel cookware)

Before roasting, make sure that the pan has been washed with a non-aggressive cleaning agent. It is best to wash the pan with laundry soap or dishwashing liquid before this procedure.

Method 1. How to ignite a pan in the oven (for cast iron and steel utensils):

  1. Preheat the oven to 180-200 degrees;
  2. While the oven is heating up, completely (!) Rub a clean and dry frying pan / cauldron with vegetable oil using a paper towel or cloth;
  3. Turn the pan upside down, place it in the oven on the wire rack and leave for 1 hour;
  4. After the set time has elapsed, let the pan cool naturally without removing it from the oven.

Method 2. How to ignite a pan with oil and salt on the stove (professional chefs method):

  1. Fill the bottom of the pan with a layer of vegetable oil 1 cm thick. Next, pour in coarse sea salt - there should be enough of it to absorb almost all the oil.
  2. Place the skillet over medium heat until the salt has darkened (about 20-30 minutes).
  3. Turn off the heat, let the pan cool, then remove the salt, and rub the remaining oil into the bottom and sides of the dish.

For Teflon pan or pan with any other non-stick coating

Heat a Teflon pan over low heat for about 30 seconds, then turn off the heat and grease the bottom and inner walls with a teaspoon of vegetable oil using a paper towel or clean rag.

The frying pan from constant use is covered with a layer of soot. And this is not only not aesthetically pleasing, but also very undesirable for health, because when cooking, a mixture of fat with scale (which is soot) gets into food. But do not let go of your hands, because there are effective ways to clean the pan, the choice of which should be made from the coating material.

What to consider before cleaning?

Before you begin to act, you need to know that the material from which pans are made can be very different. Therefore, what can help one pan will adversely affect the composition of another.

Materials such as cast iron and aluminum can withstand very harsh cleanings with the strongest acids and alkalis. At the same time, modern non-stick pans are delicate and very delicate, both in use and when cleaning.

Cast iron frying pan: how to clean it from soot?

The cast iron pan becomes covered with a thick black layer over time. Sometimes it comes to the point that this layer even begins to fall off in pieces from the bottom. So it's time to clean up. How can this be done? There are many ways, and they are presented below.

Baking soda + salt + vinegar

  • Pour salt (2-3 tablespoons) into the pan that needs to be cleaned, add vinegar (9%). There should be enough vinegar so that the bottom is completely covered.
  • Bring this mixture to a boil and pour half a glass of soda.
  • Let it simmer until the liquid is almost completely evaporated.
  • Turn off the stove, wait for it to cool and clean the pan with a hard washcloth.

Activated carbon

  • Crush a pack of charcoal tablets.
  • Moisten a little the surface of the pan with water and rub the charcoal powder into the surface.
  • Leave for an hour.
  • After that, clean the pan with a sponge.

ammonia + borax

These ingredients can be purchased at the pharmacy:
  • Dilute ammonia(1 tablespoon) in a glass of water, add borax at the tip of a knife.
  • With this solution, use a sponge to clean the contaminated surfaces of the pan.

Vinegar essence + dishwashing detergent

If you need to carry out a more serious "cleansing", try this recipe:
  • Pour half a glass of vinegar (70%) and about the same amount of dishwashing detergent into a deep basin. Add water to this as well.
  • Mix all this mixture, and immerse the pan in it.

    It’s worth saying right away that the smell of all this mixture and soot from the dishes will not be very pleasant, so it’s better to place this composition somewhere on the loggia or even do it on the street (in the country).

  • Keep the pan in this solution for a day or even two - it depends on the degree of their smokyness.
  • Take out the dishes and use a metal dish brush to clean off all carbon deposits.
  • After cleaning, grease the pan with vegetable oil and bake in the oven for about an hour.

Soap + soda + glue

This method of dealing with complex pollution:
  • Grate a piece of black laundry soap on a coarse grater, add a glass (200 g) of silicate glue and 100 g of soda ash, pour it into a bucket (10 l) or a basin in which you will cook your pans.
  • When it boils, put the dishes there and cook in this mixture for about 2 hours (or more), preferably with the lid closed and always with the window open and the hood turned on.
  • The water will boil away, so you need to add it as it evaporates.
  • You should constantly check how the soot has softened. When it becomes loose enough, turn off the stove, and when it cools down a little, take out the pan.
As a rule, all soot falls behind itself, but if necessary, you can work a little with a brush or iron washcloth.

Ignite a frying pan on fire

Well suited in country conditions - if you have a stove or the ability to make a fire under open sky. The essence of the method is that you just need to throw the pan into the fire. In the process of heating, the fire anneals the hardened fat, and it simply falls off in pieces. The remaining soot can be easily removed with a knife.

At home (apartment) conditions, you will have to use a blowtorch or gas burner. Place the pan on a metal (or other non-combustible) support and fire from all sides. This method requires accuracy and accuracy, otherwise you can set a fire in the house and burn yourself. In addition, the smell that is released during such manipulation can be easily poisoned. Therefore, it is better to hold the whole event somewhere on the street. And do not forget to unscrew the wooden and plastic parts. And if they do not unscrew, it is better not to use this method at all.

grinding

It is necessary to take a drill or grinder and a nozzle in the form of a wire brush for metal. Gently and carefully sand the pan from the outside. Pieces of soot fall off literally before our eyes. Of course, this method requires precautions in the form of goggles, a respirator and gloves.

How to clean an old frying pan?

For such pans, there is one very strong recipe:
  • Prepare an oven cleaner or the like, where there is not just a detergent, but also an acid.
  • Wash the old frying pan with ordinary dishwashing detergent and wipe dry.
  • Grease the pan liberally with oven cleaner. This must be done, of course, with gloves and with open windows.
  • Place the pan in a plastic bag that needs to be tied.
  • Keep the tied frying pan in the bag for 10-12 hours. After that, you should take out the vessel and see how the soot has softened.
  • Rinse the skillet under running water.
As a rule, such a harsh chemical treatment is enough even for the most severe soot. If necessary, you can repeat this procedure several times.

How to clean a cast iron skillet from rust?

Rust in a cast iron pan is not uncommon, but unlike soot, it is more easily eliminated. Rust control methods will be as follows:
  • Soda. Ordinary food is suitable, although calcined is suitable. Rinse the pan with warm water, pour soda on the rusty places, rub it a little. After 10-15 minutes, rub again with soda desired areas(You can do this with an old toothbrush). As a rule, weak rust is perfectly cleaned in this way.
  • coarse salt. The method is similar to the previous one. Remember to pour some water into the bottom of the pan before you add the salt.
  • Carbonated drinks. You can use Pepsi-Cola, Fanta or something similar. Pour a drink into the pan (jars or bottles are enough), leave overnight. Rinse in the morning under running water.


If the rust is very old, then, of course, simple recipes won't help. You will need chemicals based on hydrochloric acid. Hardware stores always have a wide selection, so you can pick up something.

How to clean aluminum frying pans from soot

Aluminum lends itself well to cleaning with acid, for example, citric acid:
  • Pour water into a basin (or tank) for boiling, add acid - a pack of 10 liters, bring to a boil.
  • We lower the pan into this solution for 20-30 minutes, then turn off the stove and leave until the water cools.
  • Take out and clean with a sponge.
For aluminum, this procedure is sufficient. The other way is not inferior in efficiency:
  • We take laundry soap - approximately? piece.
  • We rub the soap on a grater and dissolve in 2-3 tablespoons of ammonia.
  • Dilute these ingredients in water (about three liters) and boil.
  • Put the pan in boiling water for an hour.
  • We take out and clean with a washcloth.

Restoring the non-stick layer after cleaning

Often, after all the manipulations, the pans not only lose a thick layer of soot, on the contrary, the food in them begins to burn so intensely that you begin to regret the acquired cleanliness. In order not to later regret the efforts expended, the non-stick layer should be restored:
  • Pour regular table salt into the bottom of the pan.
  • Pierce the salt until crackling and remove by rinsing the pan.
  • Spread the pan with vegetable (sunflower) oil inside and out and send it to the oven heated to 100 degrees for about an hour.
  • Take out the pan, wipe off excess oil with a paper towel and you can start using it.

The oil will create a protective layer that will prevent food from sticking to the bottom.

How to clean a non-stick pan? (video)

A layer of Teflon or other similar coating does not allow carbon deposits to form - neither from the outside, nor from the inside. Nevertheless, you can manage to bring such a frying pan to a smoked state. In this case, the most reliable purge looks like this:
  • Soak the pan in the dishwashing detergent solution for 30-60 minutes. You can also add a few tablespoons of baking soda. This solution should be enough to wash the dish.
  • Clean it with a soft sponge.

It is impossible to rub such pans with hard washcloths and clean with abrasive powders, so as not to damage the delicate non-stick layer.


In the following video, a housewife will tell you step by step how she washes non-stick pans:


Of course, it's best not to let your favorite pan get to the point where it needs serious cleaning help. But if this happens, remember that for every problem there is a solution. Use these tips, and your dishes will serve you for many years to come.

Stubborn fat is an inevitable companion of cooking on the stove. If you do not wash kitchen utensils thoroughly, it becomes covered with new layers of soot, which is difficult to clean.

The question arises especially sharply, how to get rid of soot that has eaten into the pan when kitchen utensils are “inherited”. So how to deal with such soot? Let's figure it out.

Many housewives perceive a black layer covering the pan
outside, something natural and do not try to remove it, continuing to cook food in it. To act in this way is reckless.

After all, soot is a layer of fat accumulated and compacted over a long time, often also mixed with metal oxide.

This poisonous mixture, when heated, exudes harmful fumes, and if a piece of it gets into food, the consequences can be unpleasant.

Therefore, it is necessary to remove old soot, even if it does not interfere with cooking.

Household chemicals: how to remove carbon deposits at home

Chemical formulas are widely used today to create tools that can make life easier for the hostess. On the shelves of stores selling household chemicals, a wide range of universal cleaners and special products for the quick removal of fat, including old ones, are presented.

Most all-in-one products, such as Comet Gel, Mr. Muskul, "Pemolux" in the form of a cream, Sorti, Biolan, Cif Cream, Cillit BENG "Anti-fat + Radiance" are suitable for almost all surfaces, at least those that are available in the form of a cream or gel and do not contain abrasive substances.

However, all of them are able to cope only with fresh fat and soft soot - they are absolutely powerless against the old one.

To get rid of the latter fit special means marked "anti-fat". In particular, the grease removers Sanita Express, Unicum, Shumanit, Cif "Antifat" have proven themselves well. Cillit BENG "Anti-fat" and Blitz cope with the removal of hard carbon deposits a little worse.

The economy-class products Sanitol, Help proved to be ineffective. We can say that in the case of these funds, the difference in price most often justifies itself.

Grease removers cannot be used on aluminum surfaces, nor are they suitable for Teflon-coated pans, especially if the coating is damaged.

If the ceramic coating is intact, the products can be used, but only if the outside of the pan is not painted. These products are ideal for cleaning cast iron pans and stainless steel utensils from soot.

It is important to remember that grease removers contain caustic substances, so you need to work with them with rubber gloves. In this case, it is better to protect the respiratory organs with a respirator.

Old soot: mechanical removal methods

Highly effective chemical agents for soot are not cheap, so many try to cope with it using only mechanical efforts.

  • Scraping.

Produced with a metal brush, scraper, knife. This method is not for women's hands. If inside with the help of metal brushes it is still possible to scrape off carbon deposits, then outside its layer may turn out to be less pliable. Even male power in this case may not be enough.

This method is only suitable for cleaning cast iron utensils, ugly scratches will remain on aluminum or stainless steel utensils, and the ceramic or Teflon coating will be destroyed.

  • glowing.

With the help of fire, you can clean a pan made of cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum. For example, a frying pan can be ignited. To do this, it is heated on a fire or even on a stove (in the latter case, be sure to open the windows).

Before heating the pan, you can pour sand, salt or a mixture of them into it - then it will burn even better.

After half an hour, the pan should be removed from the heat with a special grip and tapped. Already at this time, the soot should come off. Remains of it can be cleaned off with the hard side of the sponge. Instead of heating on the stove, you can use a blowtorch. First, it warms up, then it is used to process parts of the pan until the soot comes off them.

This operation may only be performed outdoors.

  • Grinding.

Suitable only for a cast-iron pan, and it will be possible to process it with this method, most likely, only from the outside. Carbon deposits are removed using a grinder or drill, on which a nozzle in the form of a metal brush is put on.

When working, you must protect yourself from flying hard crumbs by wearing gloves, a protective suit, a mask or helmet to cover your eyes and face.

  • Erase.

Carbon deposits from the pan can be wiped off using a melamine sponge instead of an eraser. This method is suitable for any pan. The sponge is moistened in water, squeezed out, squeezing between the palms, and dirt is rubbed with its corner.

However, in order to remove old soot from a cast-iron pan in this way, it will take too much time, and it will take a lot of sponges themselves.

This method can be recommended for impacting soot only from Teflon and ceramic pans. In this case, after the pan should be washed well, as there is an opinion that melanin is not entirely safe and can contribute to the occurrence of urolithiasis.

  • Washing in the dishwasher.

The method is good, but only suitable for dishes that the manufacturer has allowed to wash in this way. If the pan is not intended for washing in the dishwasher, you will have to find another way.

It is worth saying that if there is only slight contamination, you can wash the pan with your hands. To do this, it should be filled with warm water, adding dishwashing detergent to it, after a while, wash it with a sponge. If necessary, the composition in the pan can be boiled, then it will work even better.

This method is good for any pan and is the easiest and safest, however, stubborn deposits cannot be removed this way.

Soviet chemists once pleased their compatriots by offering them recipes for useful household products that could be prepared at home from the most affordable ingredients.

In one of the issues of the journal "Chemistry and Life" a recipe for a universal cleaning solution was published. Many housewives still use this old method, preferring it to all newfangled chemical products.

To prepare the Soviet universal solution, you will need:

  • 0.5 kg of soda;
  • a bar of laundry soap with a high alkali content;
  • 2 tubes of silicate glue.

You will also need a large container, in which the pan, which needs to be cleaned of soot, is placed completely - the method involves the digestion of soot. The process itself looks like this:

  1. Open the window or window, as the solution does not have a very pleasant and healthy smell.
  2. Fill the tank with water and put on fire.
  3. When the water is hot, rub the soap and put the soap shavings into the water tank. While stirring, wait until the soap dissolves.
  4. Squeeze the glue into the soapy solution, pour in the soda. Stir.
  5. Dip the pan into the solution. Wait until it boils, “cook” a frying pan in it for a quarter of an hour.
  6. Close the tank with a lid and wait 2-3 hours.
  7. Remove the pan and clean it with a foam sponge.

The Soviet universal solution is effective, but not aggressive, therefore, with its help, carbon deposits can be “boiled” from a frying pan made of any material, except for the one that has a ceramic coating. The only thing is that it is better to remove the wooden handle so that it does not swell.

Folk recipes: soda, vinegar and sand

Not all housewives have a degree in chemistry, but this did not stop them from inventing through trial and error. own recipes remedies for removing soot at home.

There are several simple and most effective cleaning methods:

  • Vinegar.

A few tablespoons of table vinegar are poured into the pan, which must be diluted in a ratio of 1: 3 with water. With this solution, the pan is put on fire and brought to a boil. After a few minutes, the pan is removed from the heat, allowed to cool slightly and washed with a sponge. The method is not suitable for aluminum and Teflon cookware.

  • Laundry soap.

It is rubbed, poured into a pan, poured with water and boiled with soapy water for 15 minutes. Then it remains to wash the dishes. The method is acceptable for pans made of any material.

  • Sand.

It is poured into a pan and calcined over a fire for 30-120 minutes. After the dishes you just need to knock. This method is unacceptable to use for cleaning ceramic and Teflon pans from carbon deposits, it is suitable for others.

  • Vinegar, soda and salt.

Coarse salt in the amount of two tablespoons, pour into the pan and spread over the bottom. Pour salt with vinegar so that it covers the bottom completely. Bring to a boil and add 70 g of soda, mix. After 10 minutes, remove the pan from the heat, remove the mixture from it, wash the pan. Cast iron and stainless steel are the only two materials that can withstand this procedure.

  • Salt.

It is used in the same way as sand, but it will help even if it is simply poured into the bottom of the pan and left for a couple of hours. For frying pans with Teflon or ceramic coating, these methods are not suitable.

  • Activated carbon.

Tablets need to be crushed and pour the powder onto a wet bottom. How many tablets are needed depends on the size of the dish. After an hour, the bottom should be rubbed with the hard side of the sponge, then washed.

The method is completely safe for cast iron utensils, scratches may remain on aluminum or stainless steel, and the product is not suitable for more fragile coatings.

  • Washing powder with vegetable oil.

Mix a spoonful of powder with two or three tablespoons of vegetable oil, pour this mixture into a frying pan, spread over the bottom. Put the pan on the fire and bring the oil to a boil. Let cool, wash. The method is suitable for any dish.

  • Ammonia and borax.

In a glass of warm water, dissolve 2 drops of ammonia and 10 g of borax, pour the solution into the pan. After half an hour, clean with a regular sponge. The recipe is suitable for cast iron and stainless steel cookware.

  • Lemon acid.

In a large container, prepare a solution of citric acid and water, adding a tablespoon of lemon per liter of water. Dip the pan into the bowl. Boil for 10-15 minutes, let cool. Take out the pan and wash it. Do not use on aluminum utensils or on frying pans with damaged ceramic or Teflon coatings.

  • Coca Cola.

Fill a frying pan with carbonated drink, bring Coke to a boil, let it simmer for 10 minutes, then turn off the stove and wait for the contents of the pan to cool.

To a greater extent, the method is suitable for steel utensils, but it is permissible to use Coca-Cola in cases where it is required to clean dishes with a non-stick coating from old soot.

Without exception, all folk remedies can be safely used to clean cast iron and stainless steel pans from soot. But dishes made of aluminum, as well as with a ceramic or Teflon coating, require more careful handling.

A quick way to clean carbon deposits from an aluminum pan and stainless steel utensils

An aluminum pan and a stainless steel product must not be cleaned with products containing abrasives. Caustic alkalis and acids can also harm such dishes. Even mechanical cleaning methods are not suitable for all, but only those after which scratches cannot remain.

Of the above methods, calcination and digestion are suitable for aluminum. From folk remedies washing powder with oil and laundry soap, as well as soda, are suitable.

A tablespoon of soda should be diluted in a glass of water, a little dishwashing detergent can be added to this solution. Then the prepared product is poured into the pan, boil for 5-10 minutes. Then the pan should be left to soak for an hour. Finally, it remains to wash with a sponge.

How to clean a Teflon non-stick pan

A Teflon-coated pan is even more brittle than an aluminum one, but almost all cleaning methods other than baking are suitable for cleaning aluminum cookware, and are also acceptable for non-stick cookware.

In addition, it can be cleaned with an apple. To do this, you need to cut off a large piece from the fruit (but without a core), on the juicy side, make frequent notches with a knife and rub the pan with a piece of apple. After a while, the dishes should be washed.

All-purpose cleaners without abrasives can also be used to remove carbon deposits from non-stick coatings.

How to clean a ceramic pan

Modern ceramic-coated cookware also requires special handling. It can be cleaned:

  • a solution of washing powder and oil;
  • soda and laundry soap;
  • citric acid or Coca-Cola;
  • melamine sponge;
  • store-bought, universal or specially designed to remove fat.

It is important that the product has a gel-like consistency and does not contain abrasive particles.

Ethyl alcohol is a good cleaning agent for ceramic frying pans - just soak a cotton pad in it and rub the dirt with it.

How to restore the oil coating of a cast iron skillet

After cleaning cast iron cookware, it is not enough to wipe and dry it. It is necessary to restore the oily coating, otherwise the food will burn to the pan.

It's easy to do this:

  1. After washing and cleaning, place the pan upside down on the oven rack. Place a baking sheet lined with foil underneath. Turn on the oven and keep the pan in it for 40 minutes at a minimum temperature.
  2. Take out the pan, grease it with oil inside and out, return to the oven. Ignite it for an hour, adding the temperature to 220-240 degrees.
  3. Remove the pan, let it cool and brush with another thin layer of oil.

If the pan has a plastic or wooden handle, then the coating should be restored in a different way.

  1. Pour salt into the pan, put on fire for 15-20 minutes. When the salt starts to crackle, stir it.
  2. Pour salt, grease the pan inside with oil, put on a slow fire. When the oil begins to burn with a characteristic odor, wipe the pan with a cloth and apply another coat of oil. Repeat the procedure several times.

After that, the pan can be used again.

How to prevent the appearance of soot

Proper care behind kitchen utensils will help prevent the appearance of persistent soot in the future. Compliance with simple rules will save you from big problems:

  1. Don't leave food in the pan.
  2. Wash the pan after cooking.
  3. Be sure to wipe and dry the dishes after washing, do not store them wet.

Also, do not allow the pan, especially if it is ceramic or Teflon coated, to experience temperature changes - this will destroy the coating.

Proper handling of dishes will not only get rid of soot, but also extend its service life. Old soot in the pan is dangerous to health, so the dishes must be cleaned of it. This can be done with the help of modern household chemicals and folk remedies, there are also methods for mechanical removal of soot.

It is important to choose a method suitable for the material from which the kitchen utensils are made. After cleaning the cast iron pan, you need to restore its oily coating, this can be done at home. Proper care of the dishes will extend their life and insure against the appearance of such a problem as soot in the future.

Want to know how to clean a pan of old grease or clean a pot, kettle, oven grate and other kitchen utensils? To do this, you will need salt, soda, citric acid, etc. I use them successfully and am ready to tell you how to do it correctly.


Methods for cleaning grease from dishes

To launder old fat dishes, there is not always enough detergent, and aggressive powders and liquids can damage the surface. Cleaning dishes at home with folk methods not only effective, but also safe, because home remedies will not cause allergies and will not harm your health. So I'll tell you about best practices cleaning dishes with your own hands using home remedies.


Method 1: Soda and citric acid

Take 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda and citric acid and mix them in a container. Moisten the dishes to be cleaned with water, and pour the mixture into it. Soda and acid will react with water and, after a while, the fat will be taken in lumps. It will only be wiped off.


Method 2: Salt and Vinegar

To remove old fat, pour 2 tablespoons of soda into the bottom of the pan and add 2 tablespoons of 9% vinegar. The mixture should cover the bottom, so if the resulting solution is not enough, increase the amount of ingredients proportionally.


A soda-vinegar solution is suitable for dishes with thick walls and a resistant coating. To wash more fragile kitchen utensils, such as glass or plastic dishes, it is better not to use this method.


Method 3: Vinegar Baking Soda

You can wash dishes from old fat in a more gentle way - use a paste of soda with vinegar. These two drugs must be mixed with each other in equal proportions. The resulting mixture - treat oily areas and leave for 15-20 minutes.

A paste of baking soda and vinegar will soften the grease.

Method 4: Mustard Powder

Mustard is an excellent remedy for fat and soot, which was used decades ago. It is safe even for children and is suitable for cleaning stains of any complexity. In order to clean the pan of old fat, heat it on the stove.


Allow the utensil to cool slightly before cleaning so that it is easy to clean. Pour a little mustard powder on top (on average, 1-2 tablespoons are enough). Then wipe the surface with a slightly damp sponge and leave the mustard mixture in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Grease stains will soften and will be easier to move away from the surface when cleaning.

The resulting paste will play the role of a cleanser. Using a brush or sponge, carefully clean the surface of the dish, then rinse it cold water. This method will help clean pans and pots, as well as wash glassware for the oven.


There is another way to wash greasy dishes using mustard powder. To do this, we need a large basin to fit the dishes. Take water in a basin and dissolve 1-3 tablespoons of mustard there, dip the dishes in the solution and leave for 30-40 minutes. Then the dishes should be washed in the usual way.

Before soaking dishes in a mustard solution, they should be thoroughly washed. You can even use a metal sponge if the surface allows. So the fat will dissolve faster.

Cleaning grease from cast iron cookware

How to wash the pan from old fat, if it is made of cast iron? I offer you a simple recipe using cheap ingredients, their price is affordable for everyone.


For cast iron products, I offer you a simple recipe, which includes the following ingredients:

  • a piece of laundry soap;
  • packaging of PVA glue;
  • a glass of soda;
  • a heat-resistant container in which soiled utensils will fit.

Instruction:

Image Procedure

Step 1

Grate laundry soap.

Step 2

Pour water into a basin and bring it to a boil.

Step 3

Pour soap shavings into the water. Soda and glue for cleaning dishes are also sent there. Fire should be kept to a minimum.

Step 4

Stir the mixture until the soap is completely dissolved.

Step 5

Dip the pan into the solution, boil it for at least 2 hours. Top up with water if necessary.

When the fat becomes soft, it can be cleaned with a metal or ordinary sponge.

Cleaning the barbecue grill

If you don't know how to clean a barbecue grill without using household chemicals, try a few simple home methods:

  1. Coca Cola. Feel free to pour this carbonated drink onto the grate. After a few minutes, the surface must be thoroughly wiped. Grease will be washed off easily and quickly.

  1. Liquid soap. Grease the grate liquid soap, wrap in a bag or cling film and leave in this form overnight. The next day, wash the product with a washcloth or brush. A brilliant result is guaranteed to you.

  1. Soaking in hot water. If the layer of fat is not very old, you can simply soak the grate overnight in a bowl or sink filled with hot water. After that, the fat from the dishes is rubbed off with the hard side of the washcloth.

Getting rid of fat on the kettle

Grease often gets on the kettle when cooking on the stove. It is not always possible to wash stains with ordinary detergent. I know several folk methods. So, how to wash the kettle from fat:

  1. Baking soda. Wet the kettle, and pour a little baking soda on a damp sponge. Walk the hard side over the surface of the dish, and grease stains can be easily removed.

  1. Toothpaste. If the spots are not very dry, you can use a milder product. Toothpaste will help clean the surface to a shine.

  1. A mixture of baking soda, salt and vinegar. If the stains, on the contrary, are very old, you can try a more powerful solution. In equal proportions, mix salt, soda and vinegar 9%. Use this mixture and a sponge to clean the entire surface of the teapot.

Safety regulations

Despite the fact that all recipes are homemade from safe ingredients, there are some rules to be aware of. Take note of these tips:

  1. Airing. If you heat dishes with a prepared cleaning mixture on the stove, it is better to open the windows in the kitchen.

  1. Hand protection. Any procedures should be carried out with rubber gloves. Even safe home remedies such as mustard powder, salt, and citric acid can harm the skin of the hands, and concentrated vinegar solution often leaves redness and flaking on the hands.

  1. New sponge. For best results, I recommend using a new sponge. And after cleaning the dishes, it is better to throw them away.

Conclusion

I talked about the most effective ways cleaning kitchen utensils that I personally used - the result exceeded expectations. You will have to try one of them. You can write your secrets on how to wash dishes from fat in the comments. And additional instructions are posted in the video in this article.