7 Tips to Get Stubborn Grease Out of Your Stainless Steel Utensils

Stainless steel utensils are an integral part of your kitchen. From deep, frying, pan-sears, to hearty casseroles— stainless steel utensils are used every day in a household. However, the same utensils become your arch nemesis when you have to scrub off those grease stains.

We are talking about the greasy residue after cooking that seems to have a vendetta against your pristine pans that makes you follow an entire arm workout to scrub it off. Grease stains can dull that sparkling pan and also test your patience. Fear not, with this guide, we will give you the best tips to get all that stubborn grease out of your stainless steel utensils. 

Why Does Grease Stick to Stainless Steel Utensils

Stainless steel looks beautiful… until you throw in a sizzling batch of fries and suddenly the grease has taken over the pan like an apocalypse and it is quite impossible to wash it off. Wonder why grease seems to cling on to the pan like a child. Let’s get into the science of it all.

Grease is primarily made up of fats and oils. Due to this unique composition, it clings onto surfaces. Stainless steel pans are smooth and non-porous. When stainless steel heats up, the fat molecules bind tightly to the pan leaving behind a sticky, stubborn, and greasy residue. This works as a double-edged sword as water-based cleaning solutions cannot seep beneath the grease layer. 

Grease buildup can happen with any of your favorite recipes. Frying bacon? That sizzling fat is splattering all across the platform. Over time, grease can build up and eventually dull your sparkly utensils.

Ignoring grease buildup and poorly cleaning the utensils can take away the shine and polish of your utensils. Besides, grease on your pans can also be a sign of poor hygiene and can affect the longevity of stainless steel. With the right methods, you can easily remove and tackle even the most persistent stains and restore your utensils to their showroom shine. Let’s discuss how.

Use Hot Water and Dish Soap for a Simple Start

When it comes to stubborn stain removals, starting simple is the key. Hot water and a mild dish soap like the Seventh Generation Dish Liquid Soap are the perfect start to breaking down the grease. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fill up a sink with an ample amount of hot water — enough to submerge the dishes.
2. Add a generous amount of dish soap to the hot water and stir it in.
3. Dip your utensils and let them soak in the soapy water for 5-10 minutes.
4. Scrub off any stubborn grease lightly.
5. Rinse with clean warm water to remove any soapy residue and grease.
6. Dry thoroughly to avoid any water stains.

This approach works wonders as the first line of defense in getting those grease stains out of those stainless steel pans and maintaining the shiny finish of your utensils. Think of it as using the reserves before deploying the heavy artilleries. 

Baking Soda Paste For Gentle Scrubbing

Hot water and dish soap sometimes just don’t cut through and you might have to get something more effective. Baking soda is a tried and tested method to gently scrub off grease. It acts like a natural abrasive that scrubs off the grease without leaving behind any scratches on the utensil. 

Baking soda is gritty and dissolves slightly when combined with water. The fine particles get beneath the grease and lift it to clean the utensil. Unlike other cleaners, baking soda is eco-friendly and non-toxic and can be used to clean with no worries. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a tiny amount of water to form a thick paste.
2. Use a soft sponge — like the soft side of Spone Daddy — to apply the paste evenly on the utensil. Apply extra on the particularly stubborn spots.
3. Scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive scrubber in circular motions.
4. Rinse with warm water and dry with a microfiber cloth. 

This method is ideal for more persistent grease stains that simply do not budge with soap and hot water.

Using Vinegar for Tough, Oily Residue

You know you have to get out the big guns when baking soda fails — vinegar. A kitchen staple that is used in salads, marination, and in many Asian cuisines; its natural grease-cutting properties tear through oily residue easily.

Vinegar has an acidic nature that cuts through the grease molecules. It helps in detaching the grease from the surface of the utensil. Vinegar is non-toxic and food-safe and can be used to clean off grease easily. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare a solution of equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Spray it generously on the greasy pan. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes as it breaks down the stubborn particles.
3. Wipe using a soft sponge or gently scrub it to get any stubborn parts out. 
4. Rinse thoroughly and you will have a shiny steel utensil back in your kitchen.
5. Dry the utensil immediately to avoid any water spots.

Harness Lemon Juice for Easy Degreasing

You know how the old saying goes: “When life gives you lemons, clear the kitchen grease!”, right? Lemon juice can be used for more than just squeezing it on a salad or making lemonade. Who knew it could be used to cut down the grease on your stainless steel pans? Well, we did and now you know!

Why Lemons Work?

Lemon is also acidic in nature and breaks down grease molecules, cutting through tough stains like a swordmaster. On a bonus note, it can leave your stainless steel pans smelling fresh and citrusy!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the lemon cleaner solution by squeezing lemon juice into a bowl and adding a pinch of salt. The salt adds a mild abrasive quality which can clean the surface efficiently.
2. Apply the mixture on to the utensil with a clean sponge and gently rub on the surface to push the grease out.
3. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes and let it penetrate through the grease — let the acid work its magic. Scrub firmly to remove any stubborn grease spots. 
4. Rinse the utensil thoroughly and wipe it immediately to avoid any water stains. 

Pro tip: Save the lemon halves from when you cook and after you are done cooking, scrub the lemon half gently on the greasy pan.

Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaners for Persistent Grease

If all DIY methods fail, it is simply a sign to get a commercial stainless steel cleaner to get the job done. These products are designed to through grease like a champion and restore the shine of your utensils. 

Choosing the right cleaner is key when it comes to maintaining your stainless steelware and prolonging its life. Opting for a non-abrasive cleaner is a wise choice as it efficiently cleans the grease off of the utensil and, does not damage it by any means. Brownie points, if the product is eco-friendly and sustainable. 

How to Use Commercial Cleaners

1. Start by reading the instructions on the packaging for optimal usage.
2. Apply a small amount of cleaner directly onto the greasy area and scrub gently to cut through the grease.
3. Wipe away the product with a soft cloth. 
4. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue or product from the utensil.
5. Dry immediately with a soft cloth to avoid water stains.

If you want your stainless steel utensils to shine like new, we recommend Bon Ami. This cleanser made up of non-toxic cleaning chemicals has been scrubbing without harmful chemicals since 1886. It’s great to remove scuff marks, dried-on food, moldy spots on grout and anything else that requires a little extra abrasion.

Vella’s Expertise in Kitchen Cleaning Solutions

We at Vella believe that a healthy, hygienic kitchen is the heart of a home. Our professional cleaning services are designed to tackle the toughest of stains and messiest of messes in your home. From countertops to cookware, our professional helpers ensure that every corner of your kitchen is gleaming brightly. We also are committed to using eco-friendly solutions and sustainable products to ensure deep cleaning. 

Keeping your stainless steel utensils clean does not have to feel like a hassle. If the DIY methods don’t work out for you, try bringing out the big guns with commercial stainless steel cleaners or book a kitchen deep cleaning session with Vella.