foto: Freepik
During Eid, meat dishes such as rendang, opor, and gulai are always favorites on the dining table. However, after enjoying delicious food, a new challenge arises: stubborn fat stains on the pan! Fat from meat can stick very strongly, especially if cooked at high temperatures. Well, for those of you who want your favorite pan to be shiny again without any hassle after cooking a big meal on Eid, check out these five surefire tips.
Why does meat contain a lot of fat and is difficult to clean?The fat in meat naturally occurs due to the oil and fatty tissue content in the meat. When cooked, especially at high temperatures, this fat melts and sticks to the surface of the pan. Once cooled, the fat can harden and become more difficult to remove. This is why cleaning meat grease stains can be a challenge.
In addition, if not cleaned properly, this fat residue can leave an unpleasant odor and make the pan look dull. Therefore, it is important to use the right method to keep the pan clean and durable.
Effective Ways to Remove Meat Grease Stains from Pans
photo: Freepik/rawpixel.com
Hot soapy water is the ultimate weapon for softening grease stuck to pans. Here's how:
- Fill the pot with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap.
- Let stand for 1015 minutes to soften the fat.
- Rub gently with a soft sponge.
- Rinse with clean water and dry.
While abrasive tools like wire sponges can remove stains, the scratches can damage the surface of the pan. It's better to use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to keep the pan durable.
Baking soda is effective in removing stubborn grease stains and eliminating bad odors. Here's how:
- Sprinkle baking soda evenly on the dirty pan.
- Add a little water to form a paste.
- Let stand for 10 minutes, then scrub with a soft sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly.
The citric acid content in limes or lemons is very good for dissolving fat. How to use it:
- Squeeze lime or lemon and mix with a little water.
- Apply to grease stains and leave for 10 minutes.
- Rub with a sponge, then rinse thoroughly.
Use dishwashing soap that contains lime extract or a special formula for grease. Here's how:
- Pour a little soap onto a wet sponge.
- Rub the pan in a circular motion until the fat is removed.
- Rinse until there is no soap residue left.
Prevention is always better than cure, including when it comes to cleaning pans. Here are some tips to prevent fat from sticking easily:
- Use a little oil before cooking: Coat the surface of the pan with a little oil before cooking meat to prevent fat from sticking directly.
- Wash the pan immediately after use: Don't let the fat dry for too long because the longer it is left, the harder it is to clean.
- Use a good quality non-stick pan: Pans with a non-stick coating can help reduce fat accumulation.
Natural Ingredients Alternatives to Cleanse FatBesides baking soda and lemon, there are several other natural ingredients that can be used to clean grease:
1. White Vinegar Contains acetic acid which can dissolve fat and kill bacteria.
2. Coarse Salt Can be used as a natural scrub to remove stubborn fat.
3. Wheat Flour Absorbs oil well, especially for pans that are still warm.
Common Mistakes When Cleaning Greasy PansTo keep your pan durable and not easily damaged, avoid the following mistakes:
- Using cold water immediately after cooking: Drastic temperature changes can damage pans, especially those made of stainless steel or enamel.
- Using a wire sponge on a non-stick pan: Can remove the non-stick coating and make food stick more easily in the future.
- Using too much soap: If soap is not rinsed off properly, it can leave residue that makes subsequent meals taste strange.
7 FAQs Regarding Grease Stains on Pans1. Why is it difficult to remove meat fat from pans?
Because when it is cold, the fat hardens and sticks firmly to the surface of the pan.
2. Is baking soda safe for all types of pans?
Yes, baking soda is safe for stainless steel, aluminum, and Teflon pans, as long as you don't scrub too hard.
3. Is it OK to use vinegar to clean grease in pans?
Yes! Vinegar has acidic properties that can help dissolve fat.
4. Can salt be used to clean greasy pans?
Yes, coarse salt can function as a natural scrub to remove fat.
5. How to prevent fat from sticking to the pan?
Use a little oil before cooking or wash the pan immediately while it is still warm.
6. Can regular soap remove grease effectively?
Yes, but soap with a special fat formula is more effective.
7. Does hot water really help remove fat?
Yes, hot water softens grease so it is easier to clean.
(brl/red)
