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Some of the most delicious dishes require heating oil to fry ingredients. While the outcome is usually tasty, the process can be a bit chaotic.
Oil can be unpredictable. But what if there was a way to avoid the dreaded splashes every time? One TikTok user, @brunchwithbabs, has the answer. Her tip is simple: before heating your pan, sprinkle a bit of salt to coat the bottom.
This easy trick could spare you, your clothes, and your kitchen from the nuisance of hot oil splattering. Like many cooking hacks, its effectiveness lies in science. The main cause of splattering isn’t the oil, but the steam produced when hot oil contacts the water evaporating from the food.
Frying essentially serves as a method of dehydration. The moisture needs to escape, and unfortunately, that escape often happens right onto your favorite shirt. Salt can absorb some of this moisture. With less water interacting with the oil in the pan, the oil-water reaction is minimized.
How to Remove Oil Splashes
There’s no foolproof solution to prevent those inevitable human mistakes. Accidents happen. Perhaps you missed adding salt, or there was simply too much moisture for the salt to absorb effectively. Here’s what to do when oil splatters do occur.
When trying to prevent cooking oil from staining your clothes, the key is swift action. Grab a paper towel and gently blot the affected area (don't rub). Afterward, apply a small amount of dish soap (and baking soda if available) before tossing the item into the laundry.
If cooking oil spills on your granite countertops, act quickly. Blot the area with a paper towel—be cautious if the surface is still hot. Then, use a microfiber cloth to gently clean the spill with a solution of dish soap and warm water. Cornstarch might help if you’re dealing with stubborn grease stains.
When hot oil splashes onto the skin, it can quickly turn into an unpleasant and painful experience, potentially causing serious burns. The moment the burn occurs, immediately run cool (not cold) water over the affected area. Keep it under the water for a few minutes, then gently pat it dry. If available, apply aloe vera or antibiotic ointment. If not, cover the burn with sterile gauze and monitor it for any signs of infection. For severe burns, seek medical help without delay.
