Mixer      06/14/2019

How to clean old frying pans. How to clean a frying pan from carbon deposits: general tips and specific recommendations. Cleaning pots with salt

Hello, my friends and blog readers! Any housewife who respects herself and her loved ones must know how to clean a frying pan from carbon deposits. It spoils the aesthetics and appearance favorite frying pan, carries great harm health.

We all love to eat delicious food - this is an indisputable truth. The same truth is our dislike of washing dishes after a meal. Especially outside. As a result, we live by the principle “you can’t eat a fish without washing a frying pan” :) But there can be soot main reason development of stomach cancer. Due to the high content of benzspirenes (cancer-causing carcinogens), sticky smoke is quite dangerous. Let's look together at what soot actually is.

Burnt fat plus metal scale looks like a black sponge under a microscope. This “sponge” is a wonderful home for various bacteria and their metabolic products.

This “living dirt” is always present on uncleaned pans between cooking sessions. Carcinogens, bacteria, scale and oxides of various metals are a perfect cocktail for the slow destruction of our health.

Ways to effectively combat carbon deposits

Cleaning methods vary depending on the metal of the pan and how dirty it is. Main methods:

  • mechanical;
  • thermal;
  • chemical.

Mechanical cleaning methods

The oldest one in existence and without chemistry. In ancient times, metal utensils were cleaned with sand and water. Today it can be easily replaced sandblasting.

A frying pan, even with the most terrible long-term carbon deposits, can be easily cleaned in this way. If you don’t know what it is, any auto mechanic will be happy to explain. This installation uses sand and compressed air to clean any layer of rust or paint in a matter of minutes. Almost any tire shop will quickly clean your cast iron frying pan for an inexpensive price.

But this method has a significant disadvantage. Yes, you can sandblast everything. Only in this way will the original surface of the cast iron be damaged.

The fumes can also be easily cleaned using sanders. In this case, ask your husband for help :) Just tell him that the tool requires a flap end circle. In this way, a large frying pan with a thick layer of carbon deposits will be cleaned in 5 minutes. And your husband will be shocked that you know such instrumental terms 😀

Cleaning with metal brushes on a rubber base. Such a brush can be found in a hypermarket, hardware store and building materials. But this is a more labor-intensive procedure.

Thermal method

Also very effective and without chemicals, but not always available and not suitable for cast iron frying pans. For this cleaning method you will need a gas torch or blowtorch. Also needed:

  • well-ventilated area;
  • wire wool;
  • brick;
  • basin with cold water.

It is also better to entrust this procedure to your husband and carry it out on the street. It is necessary to place the brick on a small edge (vertically) and place the frying pan on it, bottom up. Burn the bottom with a torch until it smokes. Here is an example of this method in the video:

This usually takes 15-20 minutes. When the smoke stops, place the pan in a bowl of cold water. Steam should come out. Due to the temperature difference, any fumes will come off the surface and be completely cleaned with a steel wool.

It would be useful to remind you that this cleaning method is not suitable for cast iron pans. There is a high risk that cast iron will burst due to temperature changes

Chemical methods

The most common option. Plus, chemicals are easier to use at home.

How to clean a frying pan from carbon deposits and what chemicals to use depends on the level of contamination of the dishes. Always use rubber gloves, study the method of application and precautions.

Oven cleaners

Old frying pans: best cleaned with Schumanite. The product is quite poisonous, so gloves are required. Even the strongest carbon deposits will succumb to “Shumanite” if the time of its use is extended to 1-2 hours. You can perform several cleaning procedures in a row if the burnt layer is really thick. As practice has shown, "Shumanit" copes with any degree of dirt.

Bagi "Shumanit" grease remover, 750 ml

Ulmart.ru

480 rub.

To the store

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To the store

Relatively new and not very dirty frying pans can be cleaned with Pemolux and Mr. Cleaner. Is there some more good remedy for ovens from Amway. My mother-in-law uses it. It’s almost as good as Schumanite and smells less, but it will be more expensive.

You can also find even more in construction stores strong remedy based on hydrochloric acid. This product is used to clean metal surfaces from rust. Do not use it on a cast iron skillet as the acid will “eat” the cast iron.

Alkali for cleaning sewer pipes

Another option is cleaning with not quite kitchen tool:) In this case it is better to use a cleaning product sewer pipes– alkali (aka, sodium hydroxide).

Fill a large plastic bucket with the solution (as written in the instructions for the product) and dip the pan into it. Just make sure the product you buy is pure lye. 500 g of alkali per 5 liters of water is enough.

Please note: you should add the lye to the water, not pour water over the lye. Otherwise, it may cause a violent chemical reaction.

To work with this product, you need durable rubber gloves. Not our kitchen ones. Take a regular sponge and start washing the pan after it has been soaked in this solution.

A bucket with such a solution is dangerous. Keep children and animals away. And close the bucket with a lid.

This method is good for cleaning from burning, but rust may remain.

Vinegar rust removal

Once you have removed all the old carbon deposits, the next step is to clean off the rust. This is necessary if your frying pan is very old. You don't need anything other than table acetic acid.

Of course, it is better to soak the entire pan in vinegar for several hours. But if there are any microdamages, it is better to limit yourself to simple wiping. Take a sponge, dip it in vinegar and wipe the pan with it. Wear gloves and take care of your hands.

Safe chemistry

There is also an absolutely harmless way to clean a frying pan from burning. It is suitable for any cookware, especially good for cast iron.

Take hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and mix them until you get a paste consistency. Spread the mixture evenly over the preheated frying pan. Leave to cool for 5-10 minutes. After which, you can safely start cleaning with a rough sponge or brush. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated.

The most inexpensive chemicals

Soda, vinegar, table salt and citric acid are the main fire fighters at home. All of the cleaning methods described below are great for cast iron pans. A steel basin will help us get rid of carbon deposits from the outside. It must be the right diameter for the pan to fit.

Place the frying pan and water in a bowl so that it covers the entire frying pan. Add a glass of acetic acid and half a glass of citric acid to 2 liters of water. When the liquid boils, transfer to low heat. After 15 minutes, the hated plaque will begin to succumb. Remove the pan and clean off the deposits as best you can. Our task at this stage is only to disrupt the integrity of the soot so that the vinegar penetrates deeper. Put the pan back. You can add a couple more tablespoons of soda to the solution. Leave to boil thoroughly for another 15-20 minutes. Wash it all away hot water and use a steel sponge to clean off the softened layer. This is a fairly strong remedy that can be repeated if necessary. Work carefully and wear gloves.

If metal utensils It’s not yet “overgrown” with a burnt layer, salt and soda will help us. Heat the frying pan not too much, lightly wet the surface with water. Sprinkle the cleaning area evenly with table salt or baking soda. Leave for an hour over a cooling burner.

If you are cleaning the outside of the cookware, cover the burner with an inverted frying pan. The soot will soften and be cleaned. With this method you don't have to endure the smell of vinegar.

Only for strong men - we clean the frying pan using electrolysis!

For those who want to get rid of carbon deposits and rust at the same time, you can use an electrolysis unit. It’s unlikely that you have such a device at home 😉 But car enthusiasts always have a charger at hand. Therefore, this method is more suitable for men and lovers of experiments.

Place the pan in a plastic container filled with 4.5 liters of water with 1 tbsp. soda There is also a steel baking tray or a suitable plate.

Attach the red clamp to the steel pan and the negative black clamp to the pan. Turn on 10 amps. In the photo, only part of the pan is immersed in water. It is this part that faces the steel plate that will be cleaned. Therefore, turn the pan with the dirty surface facing it. The closer the pan is to the steel plate, the better the reaction will be. But you can’t touch these surfaces, otherwise it won’t work.

You will know that the process has started when cloudy bubbles appear between the steel plate and the cast iron.

Once the job is done, scrape off all the carbon deposits and rust. All is ready!

  1. A new pan is always easier to clean than an old one. Don't leave dirty dishes for tomorrow. It will take much longer to scrub it off.
  2. Use laundry soap - it removes grease perfectly.
  3. After washing, get into the habit of wiping the dishes with a waffle towel, thereby removing any remaining grease.
  4. Cast iron pans stay clean longer if they are thoroughly seasoned before each cooking. Thus, the food being prepared burns less, and the dishes are easier to clean.
  5. Restaurant cleaning company specialists strongly do not recommend cleaning cast iron cookware in dishwashers.
  6. Teflon pans are resistant to abrasive cleaning agents. Wash them laundry soap and use wooden spatulas in frying and stewing.
  7. Try to change Teflon-coated cookware every six months. A thin Teflon layer is a good marketing ploy, as it quickly deteriorates. It is recommended to use only plastic or wooden spatulas in this pan.
  8. Aluminum cookware cleaned with sandpaper or steel wool is hazardous to health. The aluminum surface becomes highly oxidized after such cleaning. This oxide, entering our body with food, accumulates in the bones. It replaces calcium, making bones brittle.
  9. After cleaning with abrasives, generously lubricate the aluminum cookware with soapy water and leave overnight. By morning, a useful film of aluminum dioxide forms on the surface. It perfectly protects dishes from the formation of harmful substances. Complete the procedure by washing in hot water and wiping dry with a towel.
  10. If you are a neat housewife, then buy yourself ceramic dishes. It is the easiest to clean. But it is the easiest to damage.

Which pans do you prefer to use to prepare your favorite dishes? What metal do you think is best for dishes? Any restaurant chef will tell you that this is a heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet. Such utensils are recognized as professional ones all over the world. It combines a number of remarkable properties:

  • does not release substances harmful to health in food;
  • with proper care, does not lose its original appearance for many years;
  • holds heat for a long time (especially appreciated by professional chefs).

So, if you inherited a good cast-iron nurse from your grandmother, take care of it. It is very good that in the former Soviet Union such dishes were produced in abundance.

In fact, cast iron has 2 big disadvantages:

  • heavy weight - such a frying pan is inconvenient to carry around the kitchen and wash;
  • very demanding in care, which is inconvenient in our fast-paced times.

Therefore, I believe that let those same professionals work with them. And for practical housewives There is good pans made of aluminum with a reinforced thick bottom and a good non-stick coating. This one is lighter and easy to clean, and I often fry it even without oil!

Grease and food particles dry out and can be difficult to clean off. In addition, carbon deposits and old stains are harmful to human health. It must be remembered that a Teflon frying pan should not be exposed to strong acids, alkalis or physical manipulation. Such dishes require a delicate attitude - in order not to damage them, you need to act more carefully. Despite the abundance of expensive means, you can do it yourself at home using traditional methods.

Since washing such dishes requires gentle cleaning agents, attention should be paid to folk methods. They are more environmentally friendly and safer for Teflon coating.

In order to clean the frying pan from burning, you can use the following products.

Cleaning inside

Because inner part the dishes come into contact with food, it is important to first wash off the smoke from this part of the pan. When using cleaning products, it is important to ensure that they do not pose a health risk.

That is why, for cleaning the inside, it is better to use home remedies consisting of scrap materials that have reduced toxicity. These inexpensive and easy methods will help you effectively clean your nonstick pan.

Laundry soap

In order to remove fat and carbon deposits from a non-stick frying pan, you can use ordinary laundry soap. It is easy to find in everyone’s home, and if necessary, you can buy it in any store.

You need to grate a quarter of a bar of soap, place it in a frying pan, and add water. Heat and, without bringing to a boil, let cool for 2-3 hours. Then pour out the solution, wash the dishes with regular detergent and remove any remaining dirt and stains using a kitchen sponge.

Boiling with soda

Soda - indispensable assistant in the kitchen, capable of fighting plaque, grease and returning dishes to their former shine and cleanliness.

To clean the frying pan, you will need to dissolve 5 teaspoons of soda in 1 liter of water. Pour the solution into a bowl, bring to a boil, then continue to boil for another 20 minutes. Next, you need to cool the mixture, pour it out and gently remove the remaining burnt particles with a sponge.

This method can also be used to restore pots to their former shine.

Baking soda + dishwashing liquid

The next method is a little similar to the previous one. It differs in that dishwashing detergent promotes faster destruction of fats.

Mix weak (1 tbsp), water and dishwashing detergent (a few drops), then pour it into a frying pan and put on fire. After boiling, the solution should be left to cool for 40-50 minutes. At the end of the time, pour out the contents of the dishes and rinse them with a sponge. To avoid worrying about leftover dish soap particles getting into your food, you can boil a pan with plain water.

Soda + stationery glue

Contrary to popular belief, the use of simple silicate glue does not pose any risks to health and the Teflon coating. Together with soda ash, glue can return the dishes to almost their original appearance.

To prepare the solution, you will need 1 tube of office glue and a third of a pack of soda. At the same time, fill the pan halfway with water. Pour the solution into the water and boil it for about 30-45 minutes, then let it cool for 2-3 hours. For the best effect, it is recommended to leave the frying pan with the boiled mixture for a day. If the deposit is too strong and long-standing, then you can first add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to the solution.

Cleaning outside

To clean the outside of the frying pan, it is best to use household chemicals, provided that these products do not come into contact with inside dishes.

The principle of using concentrated products is that they are applied to the outer walls of the dishes, left in this state for 10-15 minutes and easily washed off with water and a sponge. In the case of sprays, the reaction proceeds even faster; the remaining products need to be foamed a little to achieve the desired result.

You can also use traditional methods:

  • Pour 5 liters of water into a metal bucket or deep pan. Dissolve in it 2.5 bars of laundry soap, pre-grated, and 2.5 packs baking soda. Place the frying pan in the container and boil for about 2 hours. After that, wash it with dishwashing liquid.
  • You can do without boiling. Take 150 g of detergent, 200 g of soda and 50 g of office glue for 3 liters of water. Soak the pan in the resulting mixture overnight. After this, wash off the carbon deposits under running hot water.

What to remember about non-stick coating?

In order for the frying pan to serve for a long time, it is necessary not only to clean it in a timely manner, but also to follow simple rules.

The Teflon coating should be protected and washed extremely delicately. To avoid damaging the Teflon, it is advisable to use only plastic, wooden or silicone spatulas when cooking.

To prevent carbon deposits from forming too quickly, the frying pan should be washed immediately after use, otherwise congealed fat will settle on the surface of the pan.

In a good frying pan, everything is cooked perfectly - quickly and tasty, with even frying and an appetizing golden crust. Even the first pancake on it turns out not “lumpy”, but as expected. Every housewife and any professional chef will confirm this. Fans of fried foods know that from time to time there is a need to clean the pan from carbon deposits.

The age of a frying pan can be determined at first glance by the thickness of the soot layer.

A layer of carbon deposits on the inside work surface frying pans are usually washed out after each cooking, but on the outside, which is in direct contact with the fire, it often accumulates for years, turning into a thick black crust.

Dangerous carbon deposits

Why is it so important to clean the frying pan from carbon deposits and why is it dangerous for your health?

A layer of long-term soot is formed from fats, soot, scale and metal oxides. In the photo - carbon deposits on a cast iron frying pan

The fact is that when dishes covered with a layer of soot are heated, harmful substances (peroxides and benzopyrene) are released, which are considered carcinogenic. They, although in very small quantities, get into food (and therefore into the stomach), especially when it burns, and into the air (that is, into the organs of the respiratory system). Agree, the risk here is not justified. It’s better to work a little and clean the pan from carbon deposits.

There are several cleaning methods, the main ones being mechanical, chemical and thermal. Which one will be most suitable for your favorite frying pan must be determined depending on the material from which it is made.

When you are planning to clean a frying pan from carbon deposits at home, be sure to take into account the properties of the metal and coating, and the features of caring for them. The most commonly used utensils in modern kitchens are made of cast iron, aluminum and of stainless steel coated with Teflon, enamel and ceramics. Let's take a closer look at the carbon removal methods for each of them.

A cast iron frying pan is considered optimal for quality cooking.

Cast iron is an environmentally friendly, heat-resistant and durable material

Heavy and durable cast iron cookware can withstand scraping with a hard metal sponge, rubbing with sand, grinding with a grinder, and even scorching with an open fire - a gas burner, a blowtorch, or a fire.

These methods can hardly be called suitable for cleaning a frying pan from carbon deposits at home. Some of them are too labor-intensive, others are riskily extreme, fraught with damage to the dishes themselves, manicure and all property in the event of a fire.

If you decide to use the method of firing with an open fire, then arrange this “pyrotechnic show” on outdoors, away from residential buildings. Take gas burner or blowtorch(they run on gasoline, kerosene or alcohol) and point a torch of fire at the smoked sides and bottom of the dish. Maximum temperature The flame can reach 1100 ℃, so you need to burn quickly, without stopping in one place. Depending on its hardness and thickness, it will take only 5-7 minutes to clean off the carbon layer.

For reference: the melting point of cast iron is from 1150 ℃, stainless steel is 1800 ℃, and aluminum is 660 ℃.

Some people prefer to use natural abrasives, e.g. sand. You can use it for a long time and painstakingly to scrub off hardened dirt by hand or pour it directly into a frying pan and let it simmer over low heat for 2-3 hours. Please note that the smell will be very unpleasant, especially if you collect sand from the nearest sandbox, which is regularly visited by all yard dogs and cats. Therefore, sand is needed as clean as possible (river, etc.). After calcination, it will be enough to lightly tap the dishes so that the carbon deposits fall off.

Very fast and effective sand cleaning of all utensils can be organized for you at any tire service station where there is sandblasting machine, used to remove paint and rust from automobile parts.

At home, the easiest way to clean a cast-iron frying pan from carbon deposits is to use available products: vinegar, soda, salt, laundry soap and office silicate glue.

To clean off carbon deposits that have accumulated on the outside, you need a large container in which you can completely immerse the frying pan.

To clean a cast iron frying pan from carbon deposits, prepare vinegar solution in a ratio of 1:3, that is, 1 glass of table vinegar to 3 glasses of water. It is poured into a container of large volume, which allows you to “drown” the frying pan in the solution, if possible, first removing the handle from it. The prepared container with the frying pan inside is placed on low heat and boiled for 3-4 hours. The progress of the process must be constantly monitored, preventing the solution from boiling away. Subsequent boiling with a solution of baking soda (1 tbsp per 500 ml of water) for 20-30 minutes helps eliminate the smell of vinegar that remains on cast iron dishes.

Vinegar vapors have a pungent odor and can cause poisoning in high concentrations. Therefore, all types of cleaning using vinegar must be carried out in a well-ventilated area or with the hood on.

A more caustic solution for boiling cast iron cookware with many years of soot is made from soda ash (pH 11) with laundry soap and silicate glue or washing powder. The recipe is this: for a bucket of water (8-10 l) take 500 g of soda ash, 100 g of brown laundry soap shavings and 100 g of silicate glue. Instead of soap and glue, you can add 100 g of washing powder. All cast iron utensils that require cleaning are placed in this solution, poured into a large boiler, and boiled over low heat for 30-40 minutes. Then let it cool a little and rinse everything under running water, rubbing off the remaining burnt marks with a hard wire brush or a sponge.

To remove a slight layer of carbon deposits, it is recommended to use Activated carbon. The frying pan is slightly heated and moistened with water, the coal tablets are crushed and sprinkled on contaminated surfaces, left for 1 hour, and then washed off with a sponge and dishwashing detergent.

Mechanical and thermal cleaning methods, together with carbon deposits, remove the greasy non-stick layer from cast iron cookware. It is recommended to restore it to avoid further sticking and burning of food.

Aluminum cookware is the lightest and quite practical, but sensitive to aggressive acids and alkalis.

Hard scourers and brushes, coarse abrasive powders leave scratches and burrs on the aluminum surface

A quick way to clean a frying pan old carbon deposits– find a household man “complete” with an angle grinder with a special attachment (petal end circle).

A more realistic and safer method is weak alkali baking soda(pH 8.1). If there is a small layer of soot, heat the pan a little, moisten it with water and evenly cover it with soda. Leave for 30-40 minutes on the cooling burner. If you need to clean the outer sides and bottom, turn the pan over and do the same. Then rub the softened dirt with a soft sponge or rag and rinse well under running water.

A dense layer of soot requires longer exposure. You need to prepare a solution from soda (1 tablespoon per 250 ml of water), immerse the dishes in it and boil for at least 30 minutes.

Baking soda mixed with hydrogen peroxide to the consistency of a liquid slurry will help effectively clean a frying pan from old carbon deposits. This mixture is applied to all surfaces of the heated frying pan and left to cool completely for 5-10 minutes. Mechanical cleaning carried out with a soft sponge. If all accumulated deposits cannot be wiped off immediately, the procedure should be repeated.

Beautiful shiny stainless steel cookware often suffers from food burning. So the carbon deposits on the frying pan have to be removed inside and out.

High-quality stainless steel frying pans are made with a multi-layer (sandwich) bottom, in which the inner layer consists of aluminum, copper or other metals, and the outer layer is made of steel

The easiest way to clean a steel surface from carbon deposits is to use salt, soda or activated carbon. Remains of burnt food should be covered with an even layer of salt or soda, left for 2-3 hours, and then the softened dirt should be wiped off with a sponge. You can also use crushed activated carbon tablets. They are scattered on burnt surfaces, lightly moistened with water and left for 15-20 minutes. Powdered dishwashing detergents are better at removing carbon deposits.

To clean the frying pan from the outside, you will need to boil it in an acidic solution. Prepare a large container, pour water into it and add vinegar (100 ml per 1 l) and citric acid (50 g per 1 l). Immerse dirty dishes in the solution and bring to a boil. After simmering for 15-20 minutes over low heat, remove the pan and rub off the carbon deposits with a hard sponge. You shouldn’t try to clean it all at once, just loosen the density so that the acids can penetrate deeper. Place the pan back and simmer for another 15-20 minutes. To completely remove many years of carbon deposits, 2-3 boiling cycles with intermediate mechanical cleaning may be required.

When using household acids and alkalis, do not neglect your own safety. Wear gloves and ensure the room is ventilated.

Features of cleaning coated cookware from carbon deposits

To summarize, all non-stick coatings are very capricious and do not tolerate rough measures. They should not be rubbed with metal or hard sponges, exposed to sudden temperature changes, or treated with aggressive chemicals.

Teflon

Teflon-coated pans quickly become unusable even with very careful handling. If you use them constantly, then just buy a new frying pan every six months, as, in principle, is recommended.

When cooking food in Teflon-coated containers, you need to mix food with wooden or silicone spatulas.

By definition, carbon deposits should not form on non-stick Teflon. But anything can happen, so take the following recipe into account. Prepare a solution of 3 liters of water with 200 g of dishwashing detergent and 3 tbsp. l. soda ash. In a large container where the frying pan fits, set the container filled with the resulting solution to boil for 30 minutes. Then let it cool slightly and rinse the cleaned pan well with hot running water. After removing the deposits, be sure to wipe the Teflon-coated dishes dry with a soft cloth.

Using the same technology, you can boil a frying pan with regular soda. Thoroughly dissolve the baking soda in water (1 tbsp per 500 ml), dip the burnt dishes into the solution and boil for 20-30 minutes. Remaining dirt is wiped off with a soft sponge and liquid dishwashing detergent.

If you often need to clean the outside of the frying pan from carbon deposits, buy special anti-carbon foam, which is sold in household chemical stores. According to the instructions, it is stirred in a certain amount of water, whipped into foam and applied to the outer surfaces of Teflon dishes. After 15-20 minutes, wash it off under hot water, lightly scrubbing the burnt residue with a soft sponge.

Ceramics

Cookware with ceramic coating in last years is rapidly gaining popularity.

Ceramics are suitable for all types hobs– gas, electric, induction

It is recommended to care for ceramic coating using special detergents and a soft sponge. If you need to clean the frying pan from carbon deposits, then if there is dishwasher entrust this to her by turning on the recommended mode. Those who do not have a dishwasher will have to do boiling. For ceramics, the same solution with detergent and soda is suitable as for Teflon dishes (3 liters of water, 200 g of dishwashing detergent, 3 tablespoons of soda ash or 200 g of baking soda). You need to boil for 20-30 minutes, watching how the soot lags behind. Then rinse the pan well under hot running water, avoiding a sudden temperature change.

Enamel

Enameled cookware is used primarily not for frying, but for other methods of cooking - stewing, boiling, simmering.

Enamel is very sensitive to mechanical stress - shocks, falls, scraping with hard brushes and sponges.

The main cleaning agents for enamel cookware are salt and soda. It is recommended to soak burnt-on food residues with them overnight, and then clean them with a soft sponge and detergent.

It is better to keep the dishes clean regularly than to waste time later cleaning the frying pan from soot that has formed a thick black crust over many years

Follow the care instructions various types coatings, wash thoroughly after each use all remaining grease, inside and out, and wipe the frying pan dry. If you're interested in using oven or drain cleaner to remove carbon deposits from a frying pan, watch some of the many videos online.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

Expert in the field household and a master of culinary masterpieces (according to relatives and friends). I’m used to relying on common sense, everyday experience and women’s intuition.

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Housewives have long been faced with the problem of carbon deposits forming on dishes, and frying pans are especially often subject to this process. No matter what materials manufacturers use to create them, sooner or later even non-stick samples turn out to be “carbonated”. This happens due to frequent cooking, as well as due to improper use.

Is it worth fighting carbon deposits? Of course! You should at least try to scrub the dishes, because it is, to say the least, unsightly. When there are black spots on the outside of the frying pan, and multi-layered traces of soot are visible inside, it is unlikely that the cook will be called neat or knows how to cook. Clean dishes are the calling card of every housewife!

But in addition, carbon deposits are a mixture of old fat and soot; this composition, when heated, forms harmful substances, carcinogens. Eating food with such an additive leads to the destruction of the immune system, the formation of cancer and the exacerbation of chronic pathologies. In a word, scorched frying pans are not only unsightly, but also extremely dangerous for humans! Although this does not mean that you need to immediately throw away the dishes, because you can clean the frying pan from carbon deposits at home, and there are many proven methods for this.

There are a lot of tips on how to clean a frying pan from carbon deposits, most of which have been tested in practice over several generations. But conditionally they can be divided into three types - mechanical, thermal and chemical. Let's look at each one, finding out their features.

Mechanical

This method cannot be called universal, because, for example, it is impossible to clean a Teflon-coated frying pan from carbon deposits in this way. But aluminum and cast iron (afterwards you need to restore the protective layer) can be easily rubbed using not only abrasive substances, but also hard brushes.

It will be difficult to remove a thick layer of carbon deposits manually; in this case, you will need to use special tools and devices:

  • grinder or grinder;
  • special petal end circle;
  • eye protection goggles or mask;

The procedure is not complicated, but it is better to carry it out in the garage or by going to the country. When performing work, it is necessary to observe safety measures and accuracy.

You can remove traces of heavy carbon deposits using sandblasting, but to do this you need to contact any service station. Sand fed under high pressure air, instantly cleans even old fat.

Thermal

The method helps to get rid of many years of carbon deposits only from aluminum and duralumin frying pans. The remaining types will invariably lose their protective coating and, accordingly, will become unusable. For cleaning you will need:

  • a bucket or basin with cold water;
  • blowtorch;
  • metal scraper;
  • brick.

To implement the method, be sure to open all windows for ventilation or perform the procedure outside.

Place the frying pan on a brick, and then, using blowtorch, start heating the carbon from the outside. Be prepared for a lot of acrid smoke. Carry out this procedure for about 15-20 minutes, and then lower the dishes into cold water. As a result, the temperature difference will cause cracking of the carbon layer; it will be easy to remove it with a metal scraper, as it will begin to “move away” from the base of the cookware.

Chemical

Choosing store product, pay attention to which material it is suitable for, and for which it is unacceptable to use it. When using the composition, strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label.

Folk remedies should also be changed, paying attention to the recommendations. It is also important to consider the material of the pan so as not to cause damage. At the same time, do not forget to ventilate the room and wear gloves, especially if you use caustic household chemicals, vinegar, etc.


Ways to remove carbon deposits from a specific type of frying pan

Having looked at what types of methods there are to remove carbon deposits from a frying pan, let's look at the methods for specific materials of the utensils being made.

Cast iron

Despite today's trendy lightweight non-stick frying pans, cast iron cookware can be found in almost every kitchen. It is not difficult to wash such a frying pan from the deposits that have formed at home; use one of the methods.

  1. Pour salt or soda into a frying pan and place on the stove (the heat level should be medium). The calcination process takes at least 3 hours, and after its completion you will see how the carbon begins to fall off. If there are areas where the marks remain, rub with sand or another abrasive.
  2. Pour half a pack of soda into a cast iron frying pan, add water and put on fire. Boil the soda solution, then clean the surface with a brush.
  3. Pour soda ash or baking soda and office glue into a basin or wide pan, add water. Boil the frying pan in the resulting mixture for half an hour. After this, the carbon deposits can be easily cleaned off with a regular brush.
  4. Firing is a method that allows you to clean a cast iron frying pan from the outside and inside. You can either put it in the oven or heat it over an open fire. During the process, the fat will burn out under the influence of temperature, and after an hour all that remains is to wipe the surfaces with a brush, removing the residue.


Aluminum

You can quickly and easily remove carbon deposits from an aluminum frying pan if you apply thermal method(a blowtorch is especially effective). Stainless steel can also be burned using a blowtorch. When the bottom or inner surface gets very hot, the carbon deposits will quickly “fall off”.

Another option is calcination with sand for several hours. But if you are afraid of such methods that require the use of open fire, use another proven remedy - soda and laundry soap. Mix both components in water (one part baking soda and soap to two parts water). Next, you need to boil the dishes for at least half an hour. As a result, the carbon deposits will be easily washed off when washing the pan after the procedure.

You can also make a solution of soda and glue, as in the description of cleaning a cast-iron frying pan, and boil aluminum cookware in the same way. The main thing is to wash it afterwards and wipe it dry.

Ceramic

The peculiarity of such cookware is that it is essentially made of aluminum. Only the outer and inner coatings are ceramic, so such samples do not tolerate mechanical cleaning. If carbon deposits appear on such a frying pan, it must be removed correctly, otherwise old fat will be removed along with the non-stick coating.

Depending on the degree of contamination, select one of the following options.

  1. Minor or fresh deposits can be removed by wiping the surface with a olive oil with a cloth.
  2. Try soaking a ceramic frying pan in a solution of water and liquid dishwashing detergent, then lightly rub the dirty areas with a soft cloth. Do not forget to thoroughly wash the pan after this procedure to remove any remaining detergent.
  3. Alcohol also easily removes fresh carbon stains: just rub the carbon deposits soft cloth, soaked in it.

Despite numerous tips on boiling or soaking in a soda solution, remember that ceramic frying pans should never be cleaned in this way. But new melamine sponges are ideal for cleaning; it is customary to take care of tiles with their help, but, as practice has shown, with ceramic frying pans They also do an excellent job of removing carbon deposits without damaging the coating.

Of the purchased products, only soft, creamy formulations are suitable, for example, “Sanita Antifat”, “Sif Cream” and others.


Steel

Steel samples do not tolerate the use of coarse abrasives, as well as metal brushes and all kinds of scrapers. Rock salt will help get rid of carbon deposits: pour half a glass of salt into a frying pan, heat it by putting it on the fire for 15-20 minutes, and then leave it to cool. After a few hours, you can easily wash off the remaining burnt fat along with the salt. Old carbon deposits are removed in the same way.

The soda ash method is no less effective: wet the pan with hot water, sprinkle it thoroughly with soda, then rub with a porous sponge. Leave the dishes in this state for half an hour, and at the end of the procedure, rinse with hot water. If traces of soot remain, perform the manipulations again.

Table vinegar and citric acid also work: pour a couple of glasses of vinegar into a frying pan and put on fire. As soon as it warms up, add 100 grams. citric acid and bring the solution to a boil. Turn off the heat and let the pan and the solution in it cool. Next, rinse everything off under water, rubbing the burnt areas with a brush.


Teflon

This type of material does not tolerate harsh influences, so only gentle methods are suitable. Among them, for example, laundry soap: grate a quarter of a piece, put it in a frying pan and fill it with water. Boil the mixture and leave to cool; finally, wash the bottom and walls of the product with detergent.

Boiling with soda also helps: for 1 liter of water, take 5 tbsp. spoons of soda and mix the ingredients. Pour the mixture into the frying pan and boil for 20 minutes. Next, pour out the solution and wipe the surface of the dishes with a soft sponge.

The use of silicate glue is relevant specifically for Teflon frying pans: mix two tubes of 100 ml with 100 ml of Fairy, Myth or other cleaning composition, add 50 g. soda ash and 2 liters of water. Pour the resulting mixture into the container you are going to clean and boil for at least an hour. During this time, the remaining fat is guaranteed to disappear.


Restoring the oily coating on a frying pan

Helps protect the pan protective covering, which can be formed thanks to sunflower oil. To do this, heat the frying pan in the oven preheated to 120 degrees. Then take it out and lubricate it with oil, not with your hands, otherwise you can get burned, but with a kitchen silicone brush or napkin, then put it in the oven again. Raise the temperature to 230 degrees and keep the frying pan inside for about half an hour. When it cools down, oil it again. inner surface- the oily coating will serve as protection against sooting.

A cast iron frying pan is a time-tested assistant! It rightfully occupies an important place in the kitchen. In order for this useful thing has served you for many years, you need to take proper care of it. Housewives often receive kitchen utensils as a dowry from their mother or grandmother, and along with it a thick layer of soot, soot or fat. Over time, it becomes more and more difficult to clean the pan. Nevertheless, there are ways that will help restore it to its original appearance.

Types of contaminants and means to get rid of them

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

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

  • excessive layer of soot;
  • rust formation;
  • accumulation of burning;
  • stuck food residues.

Wash old frying pan at home you can use abrasive detergents, household chemicals and rubber gloves. The stores offer a large assortment of potent reagents, but not all of them can cope with serious types of pollution.

It is worth noting that getting rid of old stains 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 their low cost. Sandpaper, sea or table salt, sand, acetic acid and silicate glue will help you give your cast iron frying pan an attractive look.

Ways to Clean a Cast Iron Frying Pan

Before you clean your cast iron pan, determine what type it is. Dishes can be coated or uncoated. Today there are the following types of these kitchen utensils.

  1. Classic. They are not distinguished by 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. They are not afraid of abrasive detergents in the form of a metal sponge.
  2. Enameled. They come in white or cream color. To prevent rust, the enamel coating is applied in several layers. Such cast iron cookware does not require preparation before first use; it just needs to be washed in warm water. At proper care she will serve 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 frying pan on a hot stove, use a wooden or plastic spatula when cooking, and do not use powders or sponges made of thin steel wire when cleaning.
  3. Non-stick. Since cast iron rusts from moisture, objects made from it are coated with a non-stick layer, which helps protect the cookware from moisture. Such frying pans have the same advantages as classic ones, but are much more expensive. To avoid damage to the coating when cooking, you must use utensils made of wood or silicone.

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

Types of cast iron frying 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. Because household chemicals removes all types of contaminants, the cast iron frying 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 upper layer metal It is due to this that a cast iron frying pan that does not have a coating has non-stick properties.

As for cleaning, using a stiff brush is an undeniable advantage of this kitchen utensil! You can safely use any means without fear of damaging the surface. As noted, modern cast iron pans come in a variety of finishes. Each of them requires a different approach when cleaning.

What products can be used to clean cast iron frying pans - table

Type of cast iron frying pan How to cleanCan How to cleanit is forbidden
Teflon coated frying panSoda, dishwashing detergent.
They can be used together, for example, in the form of a solution.
With abrasives,
with caution with acetic acid
Frying pan with ceramic coatingGentle cleaning products are suitable: laundry soap, baking soda using a soft cloth or sponge.With abrasives,
Firing over an open fire is prohibited; use acetic acid with caution.
Enamel coated frying panLaundry soap, liquid dishwashing detergent, soda, solution with the addition of silicate glue.Firing over an open fire is prohibited; use acetic acid with caution.
Frying pan without coverCan be cleaned using dishwashing detergents, alkaline detergents, and abrasives. After cleaning, it is recommended to restore the natural non-stick properties using vegetable oil.

How to get rid of rust and long-term carbon deposits

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

There are several tools for cleaning a frying pan from carbon deposits:

  • silicate glue;
  • washing powder;
  • acetic acid;
  • metal brush;
  • roasting over an open fire.

To remove rust you can use:

Preparation of adhesive solution

Silicate glue is included in the composition homemade remedy for washing a cast iron frying pan. To cook 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. Place a bucket of water to heat up. You can use another container, the main thing is that the frying pan fits into it.
  2. Place a coarsely grated piece of laundry soap into a bucket.
  3. Add to soap solution soda and glue. Mix everything thoroughly.
  4. Place the frying pan in the bucket of 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 sit in the cooling solution for another hour or two.

Cleaning a frying pan using PVA glue and soap is an effective but labor-intensive method. After using it, wash the frying 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 an aqueous-alkaline solution of lithium, sodium, and potassium silicates. PVA is polyvinyl acetate with water.

Grandma's good way to clean a frying pan using soap - video

How to clean dishes with washing powder, vinegar and soda

Washing powder, acetic acid and soda are found in every home, so these tools are the most accessible.

For the first method:

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

For the second method:

  • fill the frying pan with acetic acid;
  • leave for several days out of the reach of children;
  • Remove carbon deposits under running water using detergent and a stiff brush.

The disadvantages of this method include the presence unpleasant odor vinegar and ineffectiveness, it is unlikely that you will be able to completely get rid of fat.

For the third method:

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

How to remove old grease with a wire brush

You can involve your beloved man in cleaning the frying pan! To do this he needs to use grinding machine or a drill with a brush attachment. You should not use this method in an apartment, as small particles of soot will scatter everywhere and you will find them for a long time in the most unexpected places. It's better to do this outside or on the balcony. You should also protect yourself: wear a respirator and goggles to avoid damaging your face and eyes.

To clean a frying pan using this method, you need to:

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

How to remove carbon deposits by firing

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

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

  • Suitable only for frying pans with a removable or cast iron handle;
  • The method cannot be used for coated pans.

When baking cast iron pans at home, use the oven. Place 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 cleaning with a brush, firing on fire, cleaning with soda, vinegar and a solution with glue are the safest for your health, since they contain a negligible amount chemical substances or do not contain them at all. On the contrary, cleaning with a rust converter, oven cleaner, or even washing powder will leave its “traces.” Be sure to rinse the pan thoroughly after cleaning under running water! This will help get rid of residual household chemicals.

How to remove fat from outside

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

Cleaning with new household chemicals

Cast iron is valuable for its environmental friendliness; it is characterized by the use of “grandmother’s” methods. However, we live in the 21st century and it is wrong to avoid discussing this method. Almost all detergents labeled “anti-grease” can easily remove carbon deposits. However, dishwashing detergents are not very effective. It is better to use oven cleaning products, for example “Shumanit”:

  • Apply the product to the pan according to the instructions on the package;
  • leave it for 1–2 hours;
  • remove softened carbon deposits;
  • repeat the procedure if necessary.

Sandpaper and modern remedies for rust stains

To get rid of rust stains, treat 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 finer sandpaper, treat the rust stain until it disappears;
  • Wash the pan with your usual detergent and dry it well.

Please note that this method will not work on coated pans.

Methods for removing carbon deposits from a frying pan can be effective in removing rust. For example, cleaning a frying pan with soda. If you add laundry soap dissolved in water to the soda and immerse the frying pan in the boiling solution, this will remove rust stains from the dishes.

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

  • Apply the liquid to the dishes for a few minutes;
  • Rust will be removed with ordinary water after exposure to the product.

The effectiveness of the method directly depends on the quality of the product. It is possible that you will need to try more than one. If the rust spots are large, then it is recommended to combine 2 methods: first treat the rust with sandpaper, then use a converter.

Removing rust in 5 minutes - video

How to properly care for a cast iron frying pan at home

Following simple care rules will allow you to avoid severe contamination of cast iron cookware and save you from wasting time cleaning it. Cast iron utensils should be thoroughly calcined before use. Heat the frying pan on the stove, then pour coarse table salt into it (layer thickness at least 1 cm) and leave on the fire, stirring the salt, for about 15–20 minutes.

When the color of the salt changes to brownish, turn off the heat. Grease a clean frying pan vegetable oil. In principle, this will be enough, but for best 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 skillet should be placed in the oven.

You only need to wash a cast iron frying pan with your hands. As a result of using a dishwasher, rust appears on the product, and the layer with the “non-stick” coating is washed off.

Important: the listed rules apply to all-cast iron frying pans!

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

For example, the enamel coating is afraid high temperatures, which means your frying pan should not be overheated. And if you own cast iron cookware with Teflon coating, do not use abrasive products. This frying pan does not need to be greased with oil, just dry it thoroughly.

look after cast iron frying pan you need a grill in the same way as a regular one kitchen utensils made of cast iron. The only note: pay more attention to drying the areas around the grooves, as uneven surface may retain water. Lubricate these areas more thoroughly with vegetable oil, otherwise corrosion stains may form on them.

How to restore non-stick properties after mechanical cleaning

With mechanical impact, there is a possibility that the frying pan will lose its non-stick properties. However, they are quite easy to restore:

  • take a frying pan cleaned of soot and rust;
  • thoroughly rub it with vegetable oil on all sides: both inside and outside;
  • place the pan in the oven on the top tier upside down;
  • heat it for an hour at a temperature of 180 0 C.

When heated, the pores of cast iron expand, which allows the metal to absorb oil, which is stored inside as it cools. This restores the non-stick properties.

Creating a non-stick coating on a cast iron frying pan - video

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