How To Remove Burnt Oil From A Non-stick Pan (Explained)

Baking soda is effective in removing a variety of stains and burnt oil is inclusive. If properly done, will leave the stained pan absolutely clean and stain-free again.

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A non-stick pan, because of its feature makes it one of the most popular sought-after types of cookware. 

There is nothing as satisfying as frying that egg or pancake with just a little or no oil and nothing is left stuck to the pan.

Most times the pan gets stained with burnt oil.

remove burnt oil from a non-stick pan

Burnt oil stain on a non-stick pan

It is very exciting to have clean sets of cookware in your kitchen.

When a frying pan or pot is stained with burnt oil, it leaves the pan in discoloration and sticky. 

The oil stain could be seen in the handle, interior, and exterior in most cases.  The stain can be removed.

Can a pan stained with burnt oil be cleaned?

I know the feeling when that favorite non-stick pan becomes all stained with burnt oil and smoking. 

It can be frustrating to see that elegant cookware turn into an eye soar. it is not a pleasing sight.

The brownish-black stain leaves the pan in discoloration and sticky.   

Worry no more, below are essential steps to get rid of the stain of burnt oil for good. 

Some require more effort than the others, but with patience, the best result will be gotten; a Clean and stain-free non-stick pan will be the reward.

How to get rid of the burnt oil stain on a non-stick pan

If you have a burnt oil-stained pot or frying pan, as hard as it may seem to clean below are proven ways burnt oil stain can be removed in no time and perfectly resulting in a clean stain-free non-stick pan.

Below are proven and effective ways of getting rid of burnt oil stains:

Use of liquid or detergent dishwasher and hot water

This method can be used by anyone at home. Adults are advised to do this because of the hot water involved.

  • Mix hot water with your liquid dishwasher or detergent
  • Pour into the burnt oil-stained pan
  • The mixture can be poured into a clogged sink bowl if the exterior is stained as well.
  • Leave in for 30-45minutes
  • Bring out the pan and let cool.
  • Wash with a soft sponge
  • Rinse and dry.

Use of vinegar and water

The mixture of white vinegar and warm water is a very effective method as well.

  • Add vinegar to water
  • Pour into the oil-burnt pan
  • Allow boiling for some time, like 15-20 minutes
  • After boiling, remove from stove and allow  to cool.
  • Wash with a soft sponge to remove the stains and black residue.
  • Rinse and dry.

Use of hot water and baking soda (Bicarbonate)

Baking soda is effective in removing a variety of stains and burnt oil is inclusive. If properly done, will leave the stained pan absolutely clean and stain-free again.

  • Mix hot water and baking soda thoroughly and set aside
  • Pour into the stained pot or pan
  • Ensure the mixture gets to all the stained parts of the pan
  • Let cool and wash with a soft sponge
  • Rinse and dry.

Use of salt and warm water solution

If you do not have white vinegar or baking soda in your kitchen you will sure have the ultimate ingredient; salt. 

Salt can also be used in removing burnt oil stain in a non-stick pan,  It is easy and direct.

  • Warm water and pour on the stained surface of the pan
  • Add a little salt to the surface you just poured hot water
  • Use dishwashing liquid or detergent and a soft sponge to wash the stained surface
  • Go all over the process above if there is still stain on the pan.
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry.

Before using any of the solutions above to wash your pans, ensure to read the package manual and instructions on best method of washing  the non-stick pan.

How to clean the burnt oil stain on the bottom of a non-stick pan

When it comes to burnt oil stain the bottom of a pan is not free, the stain usually gets to the bottom making it sticky as well.  It can be cleaned using the following mixtures:

  1. Hot water and baking soda
  2. Warm water and salt
  3. Warm water and vinegar.
  • After rubbing with any of the above solutions, allow to sit for some minutes and begin to scour with a scouring pad to remove the grease.
  • Baking powder and salt can be added directly to the pan after pouring hot water on the pan melting the sticky oil stain and scour.
  • After scouring for some time rinse to be able to see the remaining stain, if there is still stain,  repeat the process above.
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry

How to prevent burnt oil stain on your  non-stick pan

Below are some of the ways to use a non-stick pan to avoid burnt oil stains

  • Use little or no oil when using a non-stick pan .
  • Use  very little or no cooking sprays when cooking in a non-stick pan
  • Avoid the use of harsh soap and abrasive sponge for washing a non-stick pan
  • Avoid cooking on very high heat, especially when using oil.
  • Don’t put oil when the pan is hot, put oil when the pan is cold before heating.
  • After use wash immediately with hot or warm soapy water.

Further advice on how to maintain a non-stick pan

A non-stick pan is very easy to use, and can easily be damaged if not managed properly. 

  • Read the instruction manual in the package of the non-stick pan to get acquainted with how to maintain the pan or pot.
  • Always use plastic or wooden utensil, not metal utensils
  • Avoid over-heating; high temperatures can damage the non-stick coat on the pan.
  • Do not stack the non-stick pan.
  • Do not store food or other items in a non-stick pan.

Final Thought

Non-stick pan stained with burnt oil  is  sticky,  and unpleasant to the eyes. You may feel like throwing it into the trash.

Fret no more, with this article on how to remove burnt oil stain from a non-stick pan. 

If followed, the stained pan will become shiny in no time.

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