Oil stains usually find their way onto our pans through layers of burnt-on oil or grease on the bottom and up the sides.
These unsightly stains are found on both the inside and the outside of the pan.
A pan gets thoroughly cleaned and ready for use without the stains being removed, thereby easily enabling more oil stain layering, plus possible adverse effects on the taste of whatever it is you’re cooking.
We need to know how to remove oil stains from pans – and it is possible using only a few everyday household items!
Items You’ll Need
In this section, we’ll list and discuss the items you’ll need to remove oil stains from pans.
We’ll provide any alternatives as options for each item, when applicable.
Water
Hot water, warm water and/or cool water are used to wash away soap and other treatments, moisten pastes and make solutions for various remedies.
Long-Handled Dish Brush, Scrubbing Pad, Sponge, Scouring Pad, Soft Cloth, SOS Pads, Dishcloth, Dish Towel, Or Plastic Scrubber
A long-handled dish brush, scrubbing pad, sponge, scouring pad, soft cloth, SOS pads, dishcloth, dish towel, or plastic scrubber is used to apply and rub in the various soaps, solutions, or pastes to the stained area, as well as to scrub the burnt-oil away from the stained area.
I have found that these microfiber cleaning towels work really well.
Paper Towels Or Clean Towel
White paper towels or white cloths are used to blot up excess oil from the stain at various stages of the stain removal process.
A clean towel or paper towel is used to wipe the pan dry.
Liquid Dish Soap
Any mild liquid dish soap, such as Dawn, which has grease-cutting capabilities, is used to clean the stained area.
If you’ve run out of Dawn, order more here.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an absorbent substance used to soak up excess oil and draw oil out of the stain.
Nylon Spatula, Wooden Spoon, Toothpick, Or A Cheap Paring Knife
A nylon spatula, wooden spoon, toothpick, or a cheap paring knife is used to lift the mix and spread any pastes or poultices onto the oil stain before being used to aid in the removal of pastes or poultices from the oil-stained area.
Oven Mitt Or Silicone Oven Mitt, Gloves, Goggles
An oven mitt or silicone oven mitt is used to protect your hand when handling a hot pan.
Gloves and goggles are personal protective gear used to protect yourself when using harsh chemicals and hot pans.
Dishwasher Tablet
A dishwasher tablet, such as Finish Powerball Tablet, is used in one of the treatments to scrape across the burnt-on oil for removal.
Lemons
2-3 lemons, quartered, are used in one of the treatments to remove oil stains from pans.
Aluminum Foil
Crumple up some aluminum foil, creating aluminum foil balls, for use is one of the treatments in removing oil stains from pans.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is used either by itself or along with water to make a solution for stain removal.
- Mix 1- part white vinegar
- with 2-parts water
Commercial Stain Remover Specifically Made For Stainless Steel Pans
Commercial stain remover specifically made for steel pans, such as Bar Keeper’s Friend, Bon Ami, and Greased Lightning, which I found on Amazon.
There are many others out there – look at your pan’s care label before selecting the appropriate stain remover.
Step By Step Instructions For How To Remove Oil Stains From Pans
#1 Dish Soap
Use a spatula or a paper towel to scrape off any oily solids or excess oils from the stained area.
Use one of the brushes or scrubbing pads from the items list to clean at the stained area with dish soap and hot water.
Rinse thoroughly and then dry the pan with a clean absorbent towel.
Squirt a couple of drops of liquid dish soap on the stain and use one of the brushes from the items list to rub the soap into the carpet gently.
Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stains are gone.
Step #2 is an option if more aggressive measures are needed following, or in place of, step #1.
#2 Baking Soda And Water (Optional, If Necessary)
Pour a generous amount of baking soda over the stained areas and add enough water to make a paste the consistency of toothpaste.
Using a brush or scrubbing pad from the items list, work the paste across the stained areas in a circular motion.
Allow the paste to sit overnight, until dry, and wash it away using a soft scrubber, dish soap, and water.
Rinse thoroughly and then dry the pan with a clean absorbent towel.
Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stain is gone.
Step #3 is another option if more aggressive measures are needed following, or in place of, steps #1 and 2.
#3 White Vinegar (Optional, If Necessary)
Fill the pan’s bottom either with white vinegar by itself or with water, as described in the items list.
Let the vinegar or vinegar solution sit overnight before washing it out with a scrubbing pad, dish soap, and water.
Rinse thoroughly and then dry the pan with a clean absorbent towel.
Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stain is gone.
Step #4 is another option if more aggressive measures are needed following, or in place of, steps #1, 2, and 3.
#4 Commercial Stain Remover Specifically Made For Pans (Optional, If Necessary)
If your oil stain is extremely persistent, you may need a commercial stain remover specifically made for pans; finding a few were mentioned in the items list.
Once you’ve selected the appropriate oil stain remover for your pan, follow the instructions on the package, as well as those on your pan’s product care label, to remove the oil stain.
Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stain is gone.
Step #5 is another option if more aggressive measures are needed following, or in place of, steps #1, 2, 3, and 4.
#5 Aluminum Foil (Optional, If Necessary)
Pour a generous amount of baking soda over the stained areas and add enough water to make a paste.
Crumple up some aluminum foil, as described in the items list, to make a scrubbing ball of foil.
Scrub the ball all around until the oil stains, and bits of burnt oil are gone.
Rinse thoroughly and wash pan using a scrubbing pad, dish soap, and warm water.
Rinse thoroughly and then dry the pan with a clean absorbent towel.
Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stain is gone.
Pro Tip:
You may have to repeat this process a few times, as the baking soda paste gets so dirty it is difficult to see which areas are clean.
Step #6 is another option if more aggressive measures are needed following, or in place of, steps #1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
#6 Boiled Lemons (Optional, If Necessary)
Place 2-3 lemons, quartered, in the bottom of the pan, along with a few inches of water, and bring to a boil.
Boil for about 10 minutes, then discard lemons and water.
Rinse the pan and then use a scouring pad to remove any leftover bits before washing with dish soap and water.
Rinse thoroughly and then dry the pan with a clean absorbent towel.
Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stain is gone.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can steel wool or metal pads be used on stainless steel pans?
-No, don’t use steel wool or steel brushes, as they’re abrasive and may also scratch the surface of the pan.
The steel wool and steel brushes also leave little particles on the stainless steel’s surface.
These little particles eventually rust, causing them to stain the surface.
How to clean burnt-on oil from non-stick pans?
-Quickly scrub your pan with dish soap and water, using a non-abrasive scrubbing pad.
Don’t use any abrasive cleaners or scrubbers on non-stick surfaces as their special coating can easily be scratched off.
Always dry the surface immediately, with a soft dish towel or paper towel.
Conclusion
Have you enjoyed learning how to remove oil stains from pans?
It doesn’t take a lot of effort, product, or money to do it yourself – it just takes knowing what to do and what to use!
All of that is better than suffering from unsightly pans and having odd-tasting foods going forwards!
