How to Remove Stuck-On Grease from Baking Pans

Dirty skillet
Photo by Rayia Soderberg on Unsplash

Whether you’re a professional pastry chef or a casual home baker, taking proper care of your kitchenware is essential for creating the best dishes possible. Worn, cracked, and dirty pans can seriously affect the flavor and texture of baked goods.

While some stains are inevitable, with a few simple ingredients you can remove baked-on grease and restore your pans to like-new in no time. Here’s how.

Dish Soap

Dish soap is specially formulated to break oil into small drops so that it’s easier to remove. Mix one tablespoon of dish soap with one gallon of hot water to create a sudsy solution. Place the pan in a stopped sink or other large container and pour in the soap and water mixture, making sure the pan is completely submerged. Soak for at least one hour, wipe away grease residue with a soft sponge or cloth, and rinse clean.

Baking Soda & Vinegar

Place your sheet in the sink and sprinkle with ½ cup of baking soda. Mix ½ cup of white vinegar with ½ cup of hot water and pour onto the tray. The mixture will bubble and begin to break down the grease. Allow it to sit for one hour before wiping away the residue. Wash with dish soap before putting the tray away.

Coconut Oil

This one may sound counterintuitive, but if you’ve ever tried to combine water and oil, you’ll understand how it works. Oil attracts oil, so to break down seriously-stuck on grease, take one tablespoon of coconut oil and gently rub it around the pan using a soft sponge. The coconut oil will attract tough, sticky stains. Then, wash as normal using dish soap and warm water.