Caught oil on fire help me save my skillet (saved it)

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

So for the first time ever I let oil catch on fire when I was trying to cook. No harm done to anything but the skillet thankfully.

It is a stainless steal skillet with a very thick bottom and it didnt warp it but the canola oil burnt to it and I was hoping someone out there had a tip on how to get it off without scratching my skillet up.

If I rub it with something hard like a fork it peels off but obviously doing that would really mess up the metal so is there anything I can do to get it off without ruining the skillet? I only have 2 so loosing this one will be a big deal since I cannot afford to replace it.

[elsie]

Stainless steel is pretty tough. I'd first try soaking it overnight in hot soapy water. Then I would try taking steel wool to it.

[Ola_]

Can you try soaking it overnight with some soapy water? Once you do that I'd probably use baking soda on a regular wet dishcloth and see if that gets it off. Baking soda is abrasive, but I think it shouldn't leave marks (at least it doesn't on my stainless pan).

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Thank you for the suggestions I will give them a try. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Chamomile Girl]

The stainless set I just bought recommends Barkeeper's Friend cleanser to get off burnt oil. I would also soak overnight first though.

[onlyzombiecat]

I would make a paste of baking soda and water and rub it until it gets clean.
I've done it to my stainless steel pans and it hasn't scratched them up.

[Ola_]

Oh, and after the baking soda scrub wash it with dishsoap. I find if I don't do that the item I'm cleaning sometimes has a white film left behind by the baking soda (which I can't see until it's dry). I don't know if I'm not rinsing well enough or what, but it's an easy step.

[jeminijad]

Originally Posted by Chamomile Girl

The stainless set I just bought recommends Barkeeper's Friend cleanser to get off burnt oil. I would also soak overnight first though.

I second BKF.

[Denvergirlie]

I soak overnight and if needed use comet (bar keepers friend too) and a bit of scrubbing.
I have had the same SS pans for 15+ years without issue.

[mamadelbosque]

You know, I was just coming to ask nearly the same question :P Except my problem pans are SS cookie sheets... and the biggest problem there is, they are too big to fit in the sink, so I can't soak them!! Anyhow, I'll definetly be buying some BKF the next time i'm in town :P

[cristeen]

For some reason, my response from yesterday didn't post...

Definitely start with the BS, and if that doesn't work, get yourself a copper scrubbie (not a steel one - steel will scratch it up, copper is much softer). The combo of BS and copper scrubbie can tackle even the worst baked on crud IME.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Thank you all for the help my skillet is 99% back to normal now