Cooking can be a joyous activity, bringing together family and friends over delicious meals made with love. However, the aftermath in the kitchen can sometimes be less than delightful, especially when faced with the dreaded task of cleaning up grease-stained baking pans. But fear not, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, because the internet has once again come to the rescue with many useful hacks to make your pans sparkle like new!


The quest for the cleanest baking pan began with a plea for help on the Reddit 'Cleaning Tips' thread. A frustrated cook shared a photo of their pan covered in stubborn, baked-on oil after roasting vegetables. They had tried Dawn and a scrub daddy to no avail and were seeking the wisdom of the internet for a solution.


The response was overwhelming, with seasoned cooks and cleaning enthusiasts chiming in with their tried-and-tested methods. Some suggested embracing the mess, claiming the residue was simply 'seasoning' for future culinary adventures. However, there were several more traditional approaches for those who prefer their pans on the shinier side.


One of the simplest tips was to soak the pan overnight in very hot water with a bit of dish soap or dishwasher detergent. 'No need for so much extra work and product,' one user advised. Another recommended soaking with a dissolved dishwasher pod. At the same time, a third suggested a combination of Cascade dish detergent with Dawn and hot water, letting it soak until it cools enough to handle or even overnight.

For those tough, baked-in stains, Bar Keeper's Friend cleanser and polish came highly recommended. This product has a reputation for restoring the shine to dull and stained pots and pans. Others swore by the scrubbing power of steel wool or soap Brillo pads, with one user sharing, 'I use a Brillo pad and some elbow grease. My pans always look like this after a baked potato is made on them. Cleans it right up.'

An innovative approach involved making the oil itself easier to remove by heating it up. While some suggested doing this in the oven, a safer option was shared: 'I put a thick coating of dishwasher detergent on the pan, cover the bottom with hot water, and let it sit all night. The next morning, the cooked-on food usually just wipes off with very little scrubbing.'


If you're looking for a non-toxic and metal-friendly option, baking soda paste might be your best bet. It requires a bit of effort, but it's effective. However, some people embrace the patina of use that comes with time, with one person sharing, 'I have baking sheets from my parents/grandparents that were at some point smooth silver but are now straight up black and textured around the edges. They work perfectly for whatever I need.'

To prevent this problem in the future, many suggested using baking paper or foil to catch the grease, making cleanup a breeze.

Remember, dear readers, that while these hacks can be incredibly helpful, it's important to consider the material of your baking pan before choosing your cleaning method. Some materials, like non-stick or coated pans, may require gentler care to avoid damage.


We'd love to hear from you! What are your go-to methods for tackling tough kitchen cleanups? Have you tried any of these hacks, or do you have a secret tip to share with the community? Let us know in the comments below, and let's continue to help each other keep our kitchens gleaming without the elbow grease!
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