
Stainless steel cookware is notorious for being difficult to clean. While some people use Comet to clean their stainless steel pans, others worry that it might not be safe. Comet is a cleanser that comes in a can, similar to other cleansers such as Bon Ami powder and Barkeeper's Friend. Bleach, which is present in Comet, can cause pitting on stainless steel, so it is not recommended to soak stainless steel pans in Comet or to use it continuously for washing. However, if thoroughly rinsed, it should not leave any residue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Comet be used to clean stainless steel pans? | Yes, but it should be rinsed clean. Bleach can cause pitting on stainless steel, so it is not recommended to soak or continue to wash with Comet. |
| Alternative products | Suggested alternatives include Barkeeper's Friend, Bon Ami powder, and Easy Off Oven Cleaner. |
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What You'll Learn
- Bleach in Comet can cause pitting on stainless steel, so it should not be used for soaking
- After using Comet, thoroughly rinse the pan to avoid residue
- Alternatives to Comet include Bon Ami powder, Barkeeper's Friend, and Easy Off Oven Cleaner
- Degrease the pan before cleaning
- Bleach residue in a stainless steel pan can be removed with a bicarbonate paste

Bleach in Comet can cause pitting on stainless steel, so it should not be used for soaking
While Comet can be used to clean stainless steel pans, it is important to note that the bleach in Comet can potentially cause pitting on stainless steel. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using Comet to soak stainless steel pans or as a regular washing agent.
Comet is a cleanser that contains bleach, and while it can be effective at removing stubborn stains from various surfaces, including stainless steel, it is important to use it with caution. The bleach in Comet can react with the stainless steel, leading to pitting or corrosion.
Pitting refers to the formation of small pits or holes on the surface of the stainless steel, which can occur when the bleach reacts with the metal. This can not only affect the appearance of the pans but also create areas where food and bacteria can become trapped, making it more difficult to keep the pans clean and sanitary.
To avoid pitting and other potential damage, it is recommended to use alternative cleaning methods for stainless steel pans. One popular option is to use a product specifically designed for cleaning cookware, such as Barkeeper's Friend or Bon Ami powder. These products are effective at removing stains and tarnish without causing damage to the stainless steel surface.
Additionally, for light cleaning, a gentle dish soap and hot water can be sufficient for maintaining the cleanliness of stainless steel pans. It is important to thoroughly rinse the pans after cleaning to remove any residue and ensure they are ready for safe cooking use.
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After using Comet, thoroughly rinse the pan to avoid residue
While it is generally safe to use Comet to clean stainless steel pans, it is important to take precautions to avoid any potential residue. After using Comet, thoroughly rinse the pan with water to ensure that all traces of the cleaner are removed. Pay special attention to the crevices and corners of the pan, as residue can build up in these areas. It is recommended to use warm or hot water for rinsing, as this can help dissolve any remaining Comet more effectively than cold water. Make sure to feel the surface of the pan with your hand to ensure it feels smooth and soap-free.
If you are concerned about any possible residue, you can also wash the pan with soap and water after rinsing. This will help remove any remaining Comet and ensure that your pan is completely clean. It is important to dry the pan thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots and ensure that your pan is ready for its next use.
To enhance the cleaning process, you can use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to gently wipe down the pan during rinsing. Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive materials, as they can scratch the surface of your stainless steel pan. If you encounter stubborn stains, you can create a bicarbonate paste with water or use a specialised cleaner like Barkeeper's Friend or Bon Ami powder. These products are designed to remove tough stains without damaging the surface of your pan.
By following these thorough rinsing and cleaning steps, you can effectively avoid any Comet residue on your stainless steel pans. This will ensure that your cookware remains safe and ready for your next culinary adventure. Remember always to test any cleaning products on a small area of your pan first to ensure they do not cause any adverse reactions.
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Alternatives to Comet include Bon Ami powder, Barkeeper's Friend, and Easy Off Oven Cleaner
Comet can be used to clean stainless steel pans, but it is not recommended to soak them or continue to wash them using Comet as bleach can cause pitting on stainless steel. If you wish to avoid using Comet, alternatives include Bon Ami powder, Barkeepers Friend, and Easy Off Oven Cleaner.
Bon Ami powder is a gentle abrasive, multipurpose cleaner that is suitable for many household surfaces. It can be used on hard kitchen surfaces such as pots, pans, and cookware. To use, simply wet the surface, sprinkle on Bon Ami, rub with a wet sponge or cloth, and then rinse.
Bar Keepers Friend is another alternative that can be used to clean stainless steel pans. To use, dampen the pan in warm water and make a paste using Bar Keepers Friend and water. Apply the paste to the pan with a soft cloth and let it sit for one minute. Then, rub the paste in a circular motion from the center outward and wash the pan in hot soapy water. Finally, rinse and repeat as needed.
Easy Off Oven Cleaner is an aerosol oven cleaner that can be used on stainless steel surfaces. To spot clean, spray the product in a cold oven from a 9-12 inch distance, allow it to stand for 30 seconds to one minute, and then wipe clean with a wet sponge, cloth, or paper towel. It is recommended to wear long rubber gloves when using this product.
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Degrease the pan before cleaning
Degreasing your stainless steel pans is an important step in the cleaning process. It is recommended to always let your cookware cool down before cleaning to avoid warping. If your pan is greasy, the first step is to use a spatula or paper towel to get rid of any excess oil.
If there is stuck-on food or burnt grease, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue and bring it to a boil. You can also add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to the water to help loosen the grease. Let the water cool, then use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape away any remaining food bits. Wash the pan with hot, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.
For more stubborn grease, you can use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend, following the manufacturer's instructions. Another option is to make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and lemon, which can be rubbed onto the greasy areas. You can also try boiling lemon halves in water for about 10 minutes, then using the lemon to rub the sides and bottom of the pan before rinsing with warm water.
It is important to note that you should avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner, as these can damage the surface of your stainless steel pans.
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Bleach residue in a stainless steel pan can be removed with a bicarbonate paste
Bleach should not be used to clean stainless steel pans as it can cause pitting and staining. Bleach reacts with the chromium oxide layer on the surface of stainless steel, compromising its corrosion-resistant properties and causing discolouration.
If you notice bleach stains on your stainless steel pans, start by rinsing the affected area with water to remove any residual bleach. Next, create a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water. This paste can then be applied to the stain and gently scrubbed with a non-abrasive cloth, moving along the grain of the stainless steel. After scrubbing, rinse the area with clean, warm water to remove any remaining paste and dry the pan thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.
Baking soda is an effective and gentle abrasive that can remove bleach stains without causing further damage to your stainless steel pan. It is important to avoid using harsh abrasives, such as steel wool scrubbing pads or steel bristle brushes, as these can scratch the surface of your pan.
If the baking soda paste does not completely remove the bleach stains, you may need to try a stronger cleaning product, such as Bar Keeper's Friend, which contains oxalic acid as its active ingredient. Sprinkle the powder on a damp cloth or sponge and gently rub the stain, following the grain of the stainless steel. Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly with water and dry it completely.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Comet can be used to clean stainless steel pans. However, it is important to thoroughly rinse the pan with soap and water afterward, as bleach can cause pitting on stainless steel.
First, degrease the pan. Then, apply Comet to the pan and scrub it with water. Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly with soap and water to remove any residue.
Yes, alternatives to Comet include Barkeeper's Friend, Bon Ami powder, vinegar, and soaking the pan in very hot water with a degreaser.
If the pan looks fine, it is fine. You can also check for any remaining bleach smell or staining. If there is no smell or staining, the pan is clean.



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