The turkey is carved, the guests are full, and the roasting pan is sitting there covered in dark, stuck-on drippings. Put down the steel wool. You don’t have to scrub it tonight.
A simple soak before bed does most of the work for you. In the morning, most of it wipes away.
Before Bed: The Overnight Soak
- Scrape out the loose bits. Use a wooden spoon or a plastic scraper. Save the drippings for gravy if you like.
- Add hot water. Fill the pan with hot tap water to cover the stuck-on spots.
- Add dish soap and baking soda. A good squirt of dish soap and about 1/4 cup of baking soda. Stir with the spoon.
- Leave it. Let it sit overnight on the counter or in the sink.
If your pan is uncoated aluminum, skip the baking soda (see below) and soak in hot soapy water only.
In the Morning
- Pour out the water.
- Wipe the pan with a soft sponge. Most of the food should lift off easily.
- Still stuck? On a stainless steel pan, add fresh water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda, bring it to a simmer on the stove for about 10 minutes, let it cool, then wipe again.
Clean It the Right Way for Your Pan
Every pan material is different. These are general tips. The care guide that came with your pan comes first.
- Stainless steel: The toughest of the bunch. Baking soda and a simmer are fine. For brown stains, many stainless makers suggest a powdered cleanser made for stainless steel, with a soft sponge.
- Enamel (enameled steel or cast iron): Soak in warm soapy water. Use a soft sponge or nylon scrubber. No metal pads, which can scratch the enamel.
- Uncoated aluminum: Hot soapy water only. Alkaline cleaners like baking soda can darken aluminum, and many aluminum pans are not dishwasher-safe.
- Nonstick: Soft sponge only. No steel wool, scouring powder or metal tools.
- Disposable foil pans: Recycle them if your town accepts clean foil.
Next Time: Prevent the Mess
- Add a cup of broth or water to the pan before roasting so drippings don’t burn on.
- Set the turkey on a rack, or on a bed of onions, carrots and celery.
- Pour off the drippings while the turkey rests, before they cool and harden.
Then go to bed. The pan will be easier in the morning.
