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How do you get tough stains out of pans? The best kitchen hacks!

Maryal Miller Carter   Paste BN
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So, you've prepped and cooked the meal. Taken the applause for its sheer deliciousness. You're feeling pretty good. But now comes the reality check - you've got to clean up. And that can mean battling tough, stuck-on grease and food residue on your cast iron pans. Ugh!

But hope is not lost. The trick to banishing this stubborn food mess quickly and easily lies in one simple yet ingenious solution that's likely within arm's reach.

The aluminum foil hack is a game-changing cleaning method that turns a balled-up piece of foil into the ultimate cast iron pan cleaning tool. If you've yet to try this clever technique, here’s the lowdown on getting rid of tough stains on pans with minimum effort.

Watch the video above to learn how to get rid of tough stains on pans with one simple trick.

How to clean tough stuck-on messes on pans.

  • This cleaning method is great for cast-iron pans and barbecue grills. It’s not appropriate for nonstick or enamel pans as the abrasiveness of the aluminum foil can damage the nonstick coating.
  • The aluminum foil will help to scrub away any stuck-on food or grease without damaging the coating.
  • First, let the pan cool completely.
  • Next, crumple up a piece of aluminum foil into a ball.
  • Add a few tablespoons of water to the pan.
  • Scrub the pan and the stuck-on food or grease with the ball of aluminum foil.
  • Rinse the pan with hot water and dry it with a towel.
  • After cleaning and drying, be sure to rub the pan with a little oil to protect the coating.
  • Tip: If the pan is really dirty, you can soak it in hot water for a few minutes before scrubbing.

More tips to remove tough stains from pans

While the aluminum foil hack works like a charm on cast iron and certain types of tough stains, different stains and various types of pans may call for different cleaning methods. Here are more tips to remove even the toughest stains from pans.

  • Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge. Baking soda's mild abrasiveness helps lift the stain.
  • For mineral buildup or tough stains, create a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Heat the solution in the pan until it boils, then remove from heat and let it cool. Scrub the stain with a soft brush or cloth.
  • Cut a lemon in half and rub the stained area with the lemon's cut side. The natural acidity of the lemon can help break down stubborn stains.
  • Sprinkle some coarse salt onto the stain and use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub. The salt acts as an abrasive without damaging the pan's surface.
  • Fill the pan with water and bring it to a boil. As the water heats up, use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape off the loosened residue.

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