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#### 4. **Create a Baking Soda Paste**
– Once you’ve scrubbed off the loose grease, it’s time to address the tougher, baked-on stains. **Baking soda** is a natural abrasive that can help lift grease and grime without scratching the pan’s surface.
– Sprinkle a generous amount of **baking soda** onto the greasy areas of the pan.
– Add a small amount of **white vinegar** over the baking soda. You should see some fizzing as the two ingredients react, helping to break down the grease and grime.
– Let the paste sit on the stained areas for about 5-10 minutes. This will allow the mixture to penetrate the grease and make it easier to scrub away.
#### 5. **Scrub the Grease Stains**
– After letting the baking soda and vinegar sit, take your sponge or scrubbing brush and gently scrub the stained areas. The combination of **baking soda’s abrasiveness** and the **vinegar’s acidity** will work together to loosen even the most stubborn grease stains.
– If needed, add more baking soda or vinegar and repeat the process until the grease is completely removed.
#### 6. **Rinse and Dry**
– Once the grease stains are gone, rinse the pan thoroughly with hot water to remove any residual cleaning solution.
– Dry the pan with a clean towel or cloth to prevent water spots.
#### 7. **Optional: Polish and Protect**
– If your pan looks clean but you want to bring back its shine, you can **polish it** by wiping it down with a small amount of **vegetable oil** or **cooking spray**. This is especially useful for stainless steel pans.
– For cast iron pans, after cleaning, it’s important to **re-season** the pan to protect the surface from rusting. Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the pan and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for an hour to restore its non-stick coating.
### Additional Tips for Preventing Grease Buildup:
– **Clean Immediately After Use:** To prevent grease from hardening on your pans, clean them right after cooking. Let the pan cool slightly, then wash it with warm, soapy water.
– **Use a Paper Towel:** After cooking, wipe the pan with a paper towel to remove excess grease before washing. This makes the cleaning process easier.
– **Regular Deep Cleaning:** Once a month, do a deeper clean using baking soda and vinegar to maintain your pans in good condition.
– **Avoid Cooking on High Heat:** Excessive high heat can cause grease to splatter and build up more quickly, so try cooking on medium heat when possible to reduce splattering.
### Conclusion
With this **effective method for cleaning grease stains on pans**, you can easily restore your cookware to its original state without any hassle. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn layer of grease on a frying pan or a baking dish covered in baked-on oils, this simple combination of **baking soda** and **vinegar** will make your pans look like new.
By using this technique regularly, you’ll keep your pans in tip-top shape, ensuring they last longer and perform better. Plus, with a little preventative maintenance, you can avoid those tough grease stains in the future and enjoy a kitchen that’s both clean and functional! Happy cooking!
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