Tillie Doyle
Stainless steel pans are a staple in any kitchen due to their durability, even heating, affordability, and low maintenance. However, they are not impervious to burnt-on messes and discoloration. To keep your stainless steel pans looking brand new, it is important to know how to clean them properly. While scrub dots are not mentioned in any of the sources, there are a variety of other methods and tools that can be used to clean stainless steel pans, including non-abrasive scrubbers, sponges, and scouring pads, as well as household ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning tools | Bar Keepers Friend, baking soda, Scotch-Brite Dobie All-Purpose Cleaning Pads, soft sponges, Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scour Pads, copper sponges, nylon bristle dish brush, mild scrubbing sponge, dish soap, vinegar, lemon juice, cream of tartar |
| Techniques | Hand-washing, towel drying, boiling water, scrubbing, soaking, rinsing |
| Don'ts | Bleach, oven cleaner, steel wool, scouring powders, abrasive scrubbing pads, scrubbing in circles, using cold water in hot pans |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning products to avoid
While stainless steel pans are durable and heat up quickly and evenly, they are not impervious to burnt-on messes and discoloration. To keep them in good condition, it is important to know how to clean them properly and which cleaning products to avoid.
Firstly, it is recommended to always let your stainless steel pan cool down before running it under cold water. A sudden change in temperature can cause thermal shock and lead to warping of the pan.
When it comes to cleaning products, it is best to avoid harsh and abrasive chemicals as they may damage the surface of the pan and affect its performance and lifespan. Here is a list of products that should be avoided:
- Steel wool or other harsh scouring pads: These can scratch the surface of the pan and affect its performance and lifespan. Softer sponges or scouring pads, such as Scotch-Brite, are recommended instead.
- Bleach: Bleach is a harsh chemical that can permanently damage the surface of stainless steel pans.
- Oven cleaner: Like bleach, oven cleaner is too harsh for stainless steel and can cause permanent damage.
- Harsh or abrasive chemicals: Constant exposure to these types of chemicals may cause the pan to lose its functionality over time.
Instead of using harsh chemicals, it is recommended to use gentle cleaning products like baking soda, Bar Keepers Friend, vinegar, or mild dish soap. These products are effective at removing stains and burnt-on food without damaging the surface of the pan. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for specific washing tips and always dry your pan thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots.
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Using baking soda
While scouring pads or sponges can be used to clean stainless steel pans, baking soda is a simple, inexpensive, and versatile way to clean burnt stainless steel pans without damaging them.
To clean your stainless steel pan with baking soda, follow these steps:
- Add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to your scorched pan, along with enough water to cover the burnt areas.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.
- Turn off the heat and wait until the pan is cool enough to handle.
- Scrub away any remaining buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash the pan in hot, soapy water.
For lighter stains, you can simply wipe the pan with a damp sponge sprinkled with baking soda. This is an effective way to remove smaller water spots.
If your pan has tougher stains or burnt food, you can try a baking soda slurry. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water, and apply it to the stains. Let the paste sit for 15 to 30 minutes, or even overnight, before scrubbing and rinsing it off.
By using baking soda, you can effectively clean your stainless steel pans without causing any damage to the surface.
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Using Bar Keepers Friend
Bar Keepers Friend is a popular product for cleaning stainless steel pans. It is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that can be used to scrub off tough stains, rust, tarnish, mineral deposits, and grease without damaging pans.
To use Bar Keepers Friend, first, dampen the surface of your pan with water. Then, sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend powder all over the bottom of the pan. You can also make a paste using the powder and some water. Using a soft cloth or sponge, scrub the powder or paste in a circular motion from the centre outward. Wash the pan in hot soapy water, rinse, and repeat as needed.
Bar Keepers Friend is a cheap and effective product for cleaning stainless steel pans, and it can also be used on other items such as enameled cast iron. It is important to note that while Bar Keepers Friend is safe for use on stainless steel pans, you should always check the manufacturer's instructions and care guide for your specific pan before using any new cleaning product. Additionally, always make sure to protect your hands with gloves and a towel or oven mitt when cleaning a hot pan.
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Removing tough stains
Stainless steel pans are durable, long-lasting, and heat up quickly and evenly. However, they are not entirely non-stick, and even if food doesn't stick to the surface, it can still leave marks.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a simple, inexpensive, and versatile way to clean burnt stainless steel pans. It can be used in a few different ways:
- Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the pan and scrub with the cut side of a lemon. The combination of baking soda and lemon seems to fizz up and help dissolve stains, while the abrasive powder helps scrub them off.
- Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the pan and scrub in a circular motion with a soft sponge. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the back of the pan and pour hot water over it. Let the solution sit for 10-20 minutes for lighter stains and longer for tougher stains.
- Boil water in the pan and add a few tablespoons of baking soda. Let the water boil for about 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it cool. Rinse the pan and wipe away the stains with a sponge.
Bar Keepers Friend
Bar Keepers Friend is a commercial cleaner that is effective at scrubbing tough stains. It can be used with a little elbow grease or boiling water to remove years of grime.
Vinegar
To remove water stains or rainbow discoloration, combine one part white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with three parts water in the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil and turn off the heat. Let the pan cool completely, then clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge.
Dish Soap and Sponge
For everyday cleanup, scrub your stainless-steel pan with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. For more difficult messes, soak the pan with hot water and dish soap. Use a long-handled brush to remove any remaining food bits and break down oil.
Deglazing
To clean a pan that you've just used, deglaze it by adding hot water while it's still hot. The high temperatures will help loosen up stuck-on food.
It is important to note that you should avoid using harsh pads, steel wool, or abrasive scrubbing pads on stainless steel pans as they can scratch the surface. Softer sponges or scouring pads are recommended. Always dry off pans with a towel before putting them away to prevent water spots.
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Cleaning with vinegar
While stainless steel is designed to resist corrosion and rust, it is susceptible to burnt-on messes and discolouration. Here are some tips for cleaning stainless steel pans with vinegar:
To clean stainless steel pans with vinegar, bring a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to a boil in the pan. Let the solution cool, then wash the pan with soap and water. This method is particularly effective for removing hard water residue, which can leave a cloudy, white coating on your pans.
Removing Water Spots
To remove water spots, wipe the pan with a damp sponge sprinkled with baking soda. To prevent water spots, dry your cookware immediately after washing.
Deglazing
Deglaze your pan by adding hot water to loosen excess oil, then wipe the pan out with a paper towel. This method is easier when the pan is still hot, but always let the pan cool down before fully submerging it in cool water to avoid thermal shock and warping.
Vinegar Caution
While vinegar is an effective cleaning agent, it is also acidic. If left in contact with stainless steel for too long, it can cause damage. One user reported that their stainless steel faucet was ruined after soaking in vinegar for four hours. Therefore, it is recommended to dilute vinegar with water or other substances and not to leave it in contact with stainless steel surfaces for extended periods.
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Frequently asked questions
To clean a stainless steel pan, first scrape out excess oil with a spatula or wipe it out with a paper towel. Then deglaze the pan by adding some hot water. Next, use a mild scrubbing sponge or a non-abrasive scrubber with hot water and dish soap to scrub the inside and outside of the pan. Rinse and then dry with a clean, absorbent towel.
For tough stains, a commercial cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend can be used to scrub the pan. Alternatively, you can try a mixture of baking soda and water, or vinegar and water.
Avoid using harsh sponges such as steel wool, as these can scratch and damage the pan. Instead, opt for softer sponges such as a Dobie pad, a copper sponge, or a Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scour Pad.
