How to Clean Frying Pan Grease

To clean grease off a frying pan, wipe out the excess oil with a paper towel while the pan is warm, then wash it with very hot water, a good degreasing dish soap and a scrub pad. For sticky or baked-on grease, cover it with a paste of baking soda and dish soap, leave it for 15 minutes and scrub, or simmer water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda first. Use gentle sponges on non-stick pans, and never pour used oil down the sink.

Why Grease Is So Hard to Remove

Fresh oil washes away easily with hot water and soap. The problem starts when oil is heated again and again. It slowly polymerizes, turning into a sticky, varnish-like layer that water cannot dissolve. On the outside of a pan, the burner bakes it into a brown crust. The longer it stays, the harder it gets, so cleaning soon after cooking is the easiest fix.

Step 1: Remove the Excess Oil

Let the pan cool until it is warm but safe to handle. Pour any leftover oil into a jar or container, or soak it up with paper towels. Do not pour it down the drain, because it solidifies and clogs pipes. Let it cool and throw it away in a sealed container, or recycle it if your area collects cooking oil.

Step 2: Wash With Hot Water and Degreasing Soap

1. Fill the sink or pan with the hottest water you can safely handle.
2. Add a good squirt of a degreasing dish soap.
3. Scrub with a sponge (non-stick pans) or a scrub pad (stainless steel).
4. Rinse in hot water and dry.

Hot water softens fat and soap breaks it into tiny droplets that rinse away, so both matter.

Step 3: Tackle Sticky Grease With Baking Soda

1. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda over the greasy area.
2. Add a few drops of dish soap and a splash of hot water to make a paste.
3. Leave it for 15 minutes.
4. Scrub in circles, then rinse and wash as normal.

Step 4: Remove Baked-On Grease

For brown, hardened grease inside the pan:

1. Cover the area with water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
2. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, scraping with a wooden spatula.
3. Let it cool, then scrub with a baking soda paste.

On stainless steel, Bar Keepers Friend lifts the last brown film quickly. On non-stick pans, stick to baking soda and a soft sponge.

Cleaning Grease Off the Outside and Bottom

Turn the cool pan upside down. Cover the base and sides with a thick baking soda and dish soap paste, leave it for 20 to 30 minutes, then scrub with a scrub pad (or a soft pad on non-stick and colored exteriors). Repeat for thick build-up. For more, see our guide on cleaning the bottom of a frying pan.

By Pan Type

• Non-stick: hot soapy water and a soft sponge; baking soda paste for sticky film. No steel wool.
• Stainless steel: scrub pads, baking soda and Bar Keepers Friend are all fine.
• Cast iron: hot water and a stiff brush, a little soap if needed. Dry on the stove and wipe on a thin layer of oil. Do not soak it.
• Enameled: warm soapy water and baking soda; no metal scourers.
• Aluminum: soapy water and baking soda; avoid long soaks in strong alkaline cleaners, which can darken it.

Natural Degreasers That Work

• Baking soda: a mild abrasive that also helps break down fat.
• White vinegar: cuts greasy films and water spots; wipe it on, then wash.
• Coarse salt: a gentle scrub for cast iron.
• Lemon: helps with smells and light films.

Never mix vinegar or any cleaner with bleach.

How to Prevent Grease Build-Up

• Clean the pan soon after cooking, before the grease sets.
• Wipe out excess oil before washing.
• Use only as much oil as you need.
• Avoid aerosol cooking sprays on non-stick pans.
• Wash the outside of the pan every time, not just the inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my pan still feel greasy after washing?

The water was not hot enough, or there was too little soap. Wash again with very hot water and a degreasing dish soap, or use a baking soda paste.

Can I put a greasy pan in the dishwasher?

Check the label. Stainless steel usually can, but wipe out the oil first. Cast iron should never go in the dishwasher.

How do I get sticky grease off a non-stick pan?

Use a paste of baking soda and dish soap, leave it 15 minutes and scrub gently with a soft sponge.

Is it OK to pour oil down the drain with hot water?

No. It cools and hardens further down the pipes. Bin it in a sealed container instead.

Final Thoughts

Grease comes off easily if you act quickly: wipe out the oil, then wash with very hot water and a strong dish soap. For sticky or baked-on grease, baking soda paste and a simmer do the heavy lifting. Match your scrubber to your pan, and wash the outside every time to stop grease building up.

See also our guides on cleaning a burnt frying pan and cleaning a frying pan with vinegar.