Cody Casey
Stainless steel pans are a kitchen staple, but they can be a pain to clean. While they are designed to resist corrosion and rust, they are not impervious to burnt-on messes and discolouration. The longer you wait to clean them, the harder it will be to remove the grease and grime. So, how can you clean your stainless steel pans and restore their shine?
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What You'll Learn
Using natural ingredients like lemon, vinegar, and baking soda
Lemon, vinegar, and baking soda are all effective natural ingredients for cleaning stainless steel. Lemon is a mild acid that can break down burnt-on food and stains. To use, cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into the pan, and add a teaspoon of salt. Use the lemon half as a sponge, scrubbing in circles to remove stuck-on food. Rinse the pan with water when finished.
Lemon can also be used in conjunction with baking soda. First, lay a tea towel on a countertop and place the pan upside down on top. Pour hot water over the back of the pan and sprinkle with baking soda. Leave for 10-20 minutes, then squeeze lemon juice over the pan. Use a wet pot brush to scour the dirt off the pan, then rinse and clean with washing-up liquid.
For rainbow-like discolouration on your stainless steel, vinegar is an effective solution. Fill your pan with equal parts vinegar and water, swirl it around, and wipe with a soft sponge. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly afterward. Alternatively, fill a sink or large bowl with equal parts hot water and vinegar and let the drip pans soak for 30 minutes. Then, sprinkle baking soda over the surface and scrub away the loosened grime before rinsing and drying.
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Cleaning with commercial products like Bar Keepers Friend
Bar Keepers Friend is a popular product for cleaning stainless steel items, including drip pans. It is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that can be used to remove rust, tarnish, mineral deposits, and tough stains from most surfaces.
To clean stainless steel drip pans with Bar Keepers Friend, first, dampen the pan with warm water. Sprinkle or shake Bar Keepers Friend powder all over the pan, especially on the affected areas. Then, use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the powder in a circular motion, starting from the centre of the pan and working outwards. You can also use steel wool for very greasy or burnt pans, but be sure to switch to a soft sponge or cloth after most of the residue has been removed.
If the powder is not forming a paste with the water, you can add a small amount of extra water to help it along. Leave the paste on the pan for about a minute, but do not let it sit for longer. After scrubbing, wash the pan with hot soapy water, rinse, and repeat the process if necessary.
Bar Keepers Friend is a non-abrasive product that will not harm the chrome oxide barrier on stainless steel when used properly. It is important to rinse the product thoroughly and wipe the pan dry to prevent streaking.
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Removing stuck-on food and grease
To remove stuck-on food and grease from your stainless steel drip pans, you can use a combination of household items and commercial cleaning products. Here are some methods to try:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help lift stuck-on food and grease from your stainless steel pans. To use it, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the affected areas. Then, add enough water to cover the deposits and bring the water to a boil. Let the water simmer until most of it has evaporated. Turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool down enough to handle safely. Once it's cool, scrub away the softened gunk with a non-abrasive sponge and wash the pan with hot, soapy water.
Bar Keepers Friend
Bar Keepers Friend is a commercial cleaner that is effective at removing tough, burnt-on grease and food from stainless steel pans. To use it, wet the pan and pour out the excess water. Sprinkle a generous amount of the cleaner onto the pan and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber. Finally, rinse and dry the pan. Always wear gloves when using Bar Keepers Friend to protect your hands.
Lemon
Lemon is another effective way to remove stuck-on food and grease from your stainless steel pans. Place one or two lemon halves in your pan, depending on the severity of the stains. Submerge the lemons with water and bring it to a boil for about 10 minutes. Once the water has cooled down, pour it out and use the leftover lemons and juice to rub the sides and bottom of the pan. Then, use a scourer or pot brush to wipe away any remaining stains and rinse the pan under warm water.
Vinegar
Vinegar is useful for removing rainbow-like heat tints caused by overheating your pan. Simply pour some vinegar into the pan and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge, rinse with cold water, and wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth.
Dish Soap and Water
For everyday cleaning, you can simply use hot, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge to scrub your stainless steel pans. If there are stuck-on food bits, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue and bring it to a boil. Allow the pan to cool, then wash it as usual.
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Preventing discolouration and heat tints
Stainless steel pans are kitchen essentials, suitable for all kinds of cooking. They are durable and can be cleaned easily. However, they can develop discolouration or heat tints over time, which can be bothersome.
To prevent discolouration and heat tints, it is important to clean your stainless steel drip pans regularly and properly. Here are some tips to help you maintain your pans:
- Always clean your pans while they are still hot. Use a spatula or paper towel to remove excess oil first. Then, deglaze the pan by adding hot water. Cleaning a hot pan is easier, and hot water will not damage it.
- Protect your hands with oven mitts or towels when handling hot pans. Use a long-handled dish brush to loosen any stuck-on food or fond (browned bits of food).
- Avoid using harsh scrubbing pads like steel wool, as they can scratch the surface of your pan. Instead, opt for a softer scouring pad or sponge, along with some mild dish soap. Scrub the inside and outside of the pan in a continuous circular motion.
- For light stains, baking soda or lemon can be effective. Sprinkle baking soda over the stained area and scrub with a damp sponge. Alternatively, cut a lemon in half, submerge the pan in water, and boil for about 10 minutes. Once the water has cooled, use the lemon to rub the sides and bottom of the pan, and then rinse with warm water.
- For tougher stains, Bar Keepers Friend is a recommended cleaner that can be used with a plain steel wool pad. This combination can effectively remove even the most stubborn stains, leaving your pan looking shiny and new.
- To prevent heat tints, which are blue-ish rainbow stains caused by very high heat, use diluted white vinegar. Scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge, then rinse and dry. The vinegar will break down the oxidized rainbow layer, restoring the silvery shine of your stainless steel pans.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively prevent discolouration and heat tints on your stainless steel drip pans, keeping them looking as good as new.
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Using the correct tools and avoiding damage
When it comes to cleaning stainless steel, it's important to use the correct tools and techniques to avoid damage and ensure a long lifespan for your cookware. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Cooling Down and Initial Rinse:
Always let your stainless steel drip pans cool down before cleaning them. A sudden change in temperature, known as thermal shock, can cause warping. Once the pan is cool, use a spatula or paper towel to remove excess oil. Then, deglaze the pan by adding some hot water. You can also use warm water to rinse off any remaining food particles.
Soaking and Scrubbing:
For stuck-on food or more stubborn stains, fill the pan with warm, soapy water and let it soak for a few minutes. You can also add a generous amount of baking soda to the water to help loosen the residue. Bring it to a boil and then pour out the dirty water. Use a long-handled dish brush or a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the pan gently. Avoid harsh pads like steel wool, as these can damage the surface. A soft toothbrush can be useful for getting into tight corners and crevices.
Removing Discoloration:
To remove any blueish rainbow stains or heat tints caused by overheating, use vinegar. Pour some vinegar into the pan, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse with cold water and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
Commercial Cleaners:
For tougher stains, you can use commercial cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend. These powdered cleaners are effective at scrubbing off tough stains without damaging the pans. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using commercial cleaners.
Preventative Measures:
To reduce the amount of cleaning required, there are a few preventative measures you can take. Preheat your pan before adding oil, and ensure that the oil is hot before adding food. When cooking refrigerated foods, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before placing them in the pan. Additionally, move the food around frequently with a spoon or tongs to prevent scorch marks.
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Frequently asked questions
To clean a stainless steel pan, first scrape out excess oil with a spatula or wipe it with a paper towel. Then, deglaze the pan by adding hot water. Cleaning a hot pan is easier, but always let the pan cool down before fully submerging it in cool water to avoid thermal shock. Soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the pan with warm, soapy water. Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
For tough stains, scrub the pan with a paste of baking soda and water. Commercial cleaners such as Bar Keepers Friend are also effective.
To prevent food from sticking to your pans, preheat your pan before adding oil, then wait until the oil is hot to start cooking.
To prevent discoloration, avoid overheating your pan. If your pan has already discolored, pour vinegar into it and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge.
To avoid grease buildup, wash your stainless steel pans right after each use. For deeper cleaning, you can leave them overnight in soapy water.
