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There’s no need to scrub endlessly or use harsh chemicals to get rid of stubborn grease. Here’s an easy trick that requires just a few household items and a little bit of elbow grease.
**You will need:**
– **Baking soda**: Known for its gentle abrasive properties, baking soda works wonders to lift grease without damaging your pots and pans.
– **Vinegar**: The acidity of vinegar breaks down grease and helps dissolve residue.
– **Dish soap**: A good dish soap is essential for cutting through any remaining oil or grime.
– **Hot water**: Hot water helps loosen stuck grease and makes it easier to clean.
– **A sponge or scrub brush**: For scrubbing away the grease once it’s loosened.
### Step-by-Step Guide: Removing Old Grease from Pots
#### Step 1: Prepare the Pot
Start by removing any food scraps from the pot and giving it a quick rinse under hot water. This will help loosen some of the grease and make the next steps more effective.
#### Step 2: Apply Baking Soda
Generously sprinkle **baking soda** over the greasy areas of the pot. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive and helps lift stuck-on grease without scratching the surface of your cookware. If the grease is really stubborn, don’t be shy — layer it on thick.
#### Step 3: Add Vinegar
Pour a small amount of **white vinegar** over the baking soda. The combination of baking soda and vinegar will create a fizzing reaction that helps break down the grease. Allow the mixture to bubble and sit for a few minutes. This will help dissolve the stubborn residue and lift the grease away from the surface.
#### Step 4: Add Dish Soap and Hot Water
Once the baking soda and vinegar have had time to work, add a squirt of **dish soap** to the pot. Fill the pot with **hot water** (but not boiling) to cover the greasy areas. The heat from the water helps to break down the grease, while the dish soap helps cut through any leftover oils and grime. Let the pot soak for at least 15 minutes. If your pot is extra greasy, you may want to let it sit for up to an hour.
#### Step 5: Scrub Away the Grease
After the pot has soaked, grab a **sponge** or **scrub brush** and gently scrub away the loosened grease. Focus on any stubborn spots, using a little extra baking soda if necessary. The combination of the abrasiveness of baking soda and the power of vinegar and dish soap should have lifted most of the grease, leaving you with a shiny, clean surface.
#### Step 6: Rinse and Dry
Once you’ve scrubbed away all the grease, rinse the pot thoroughly with hot water to remove any remaining residue. Dry it with a clean towel or allow it to air dry. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to get your pots looking like new again!
### Tips for Preventing Future Grease Buildup
Now that you know how to remove that stubborn grease, let’s talk about preventing it from accumulating in the future. Here are some simple tips to keep your pots looking fresh:
1. **Clean Immediately**: The longer grease sits on your pots and pans, the harder it is to clean. Try to wash your cookware soon after using it to prevent grease from hardening.
2. **Use Less Oil**: Try to reduce the amount of cooking oil or fat you use. If you can, use non-stick pans to reduce grease buildup.
3. **Clean After Every Use**: Wipe down your pots with a soft cloth or sponge after each use to keep them from collecting grease in the first place.
4. **Avoid Cooking at High Heat**: Cooking at very high heat can cause oil to splatter and stick to your cookware. Lowering the heat can reduce the amount of grease that ends up on your pots.
### Other Household Items You Can Use to Clean Greasy Pots
While the baking soda and vinegar trick is one of the most effective ways to remove grease, there are other common household items that can help clean your pots:
– **Lemon**: The acidity in lemon juice is a great grease cutter. Rub a lemon wedge on the greasy surface, or mix lemon juice with baking soda for a deeper clean.
– **Salt**: For more stubborn grease, sprinkle some **coarse salt** over the grease, and use it with vinegar or dish soap to scrub away the grime.
– **Club Soda**: The fizz in club soda can help lift grease from your pots. Simply pour some onto the grease and scrub gently.
### Final Thoughts
Grease buildup in pots and pans can be a real headache, but with this simple trick using **baking soda**, **vinegar**, and a little patience, you can get your cookware sparkling clean without harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing. Plus, the best part is that these ingredients are gentle and safe for most types of cookware.
So, the next time you find your pots covered in stubborn grease, give this method a try. You’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily your pots return to their former glory — ready for your next delicious meal!
