How to Clean an Encrusted Grill Pan: 4 + 1 Easy Home Tricks

What to do:

Cut a lemon in half and dip the cut side in coarse salt.

Use the lemon as a natural scrubber on the pan.

Let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and wipe clean.

Why it works: Lemon’s acid cuts grease, and salt acts as a scrubby agent.

🔥 4. Heat and Dish Soap
What to do:

Place your grill pan on the stove and heat it up.

Once warm, add a splash of water and dish soap directly to the pan.

Let it bubble, then scrape with a wooden spatula or nylon scrubber.

Why it works: Heat helps loosen carbonized food and sticky residue.

➕ Bonus Trick: Aluminum Foil Scrub
What to do:

Crumple up a piece of aluminum foil into a ball.

Use it like a scrubber with some dish soap and water on the pan.

Why it works: It’s abrasive enough to tackle crusted bits but won’t destroy your grill pan (avoid on non-stick surfaces).

🧽 Extra Tips:
Always dry your grill pan thoroughly to prevent rust (especially if it’s cast iron).

For cast iron pans, re-season with oil after cleaning.

Avoid steel wool on non-stick pans.

Want a printable version of these tips or a kitchen-safe cleaner recipe?