A Pre-Wash Trick for Getting Grease Out of a Pan

Most people reach for dish soap as soon as a pan goes dirty, but a growing number of home cooks are starting one step earlier. The idea is to get as much grease out of the pan as possible before it meets running water. Oil that washes straight down the drain can cling to the sink, the pipes and the sponge, and it often leaves a film on the pan itself.

The tip at the center of this story relies on an unusual everyday item to pull grease out of the cookware before the wash. The source does not make the tool the main subject, so it is best read as one practical habit rather than a product recommendation.

Whatever the tool, the reasoning behind the habit is straightforward. Grease is easiest to move while it is still warm and loose. Once it cools, it thickens and sticks to the surface, which means more scrubbing and more soap. Wiping out a pan soon after cooking, rather than leaving it to sit overnight, usually takes less effort and less water.

For anyone who wants to test the method, the basic steps are simple. Let the pan cool just enough to handle safely, then use a paper towel or a flexible silicone spatula to push the fat toward the center. Dispose of the grease in a sealed container, not down the sink. A final wash with warm water and a small amount of soap should then finish the job.