Marianne Martinez
Stainless steel is a common choice for cookware in commercial kitchens due to its durability, heat retention, and non-reactivity with acidic foods. While stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance, it can become pitted or rusted without proper cleaning and care. Here are some tips for cleaning stainless steel pans like a professional:
- Always let the pan cool down before cleaning to avoid warping and damaging the surface.
- Avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner, and abrasive tools like steel wool, which can scratch and permanently damage the surface.
- For everyday cleaning, hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth should be used.
- To remove stuck-on food, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue, bring it to a boil, and scrape with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- For tougher stains, a commercial cleaner or a paste made from baking soda and water can be used.
- To remove water spots and prevent discolouration, dry the pan immediately after washing and rub it down with a moist sponge and baking soda.
What You'll Learn
Use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend
How to Clean Stainless Steel Pans Like a Professional with Bar Keepers Friend
Overview
Bar Keepers Friend is a commercial cleaner that can be used to effectively clean stainless steel pans. It is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that can remove tough stains, grease, and burnt-on food from stainless steel pans without damaging them. The product is safe to use on cookware and can be purchased for a couple of dollars.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Wet the pan surface: Start by wetting the surface of the stainless steel pan that you want to clean. You can use a damp sponge or cloth for this step.
- Apply Bar Keepers Friend: Sprinkle or shake Bar Keepers Friend all over the bottom of the pan. You can also make a paste by mixing the powder with a small amount of water.
- Scrub the pan: Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the pan in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. For heavily soiled pans, you may want to use steel wool for the initial scrub before switching to a softer sponge.
- Rinse and repeat: Rinse the pan with warm water and repeat the process as needed until the pan is clean.
Additional Tips:
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for cleaning your stainless steel pans.
- Avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner, and abrasive tools like steel wool, as these can damage the surface of the pan.
- For tough stains, you can let the Bar Keepers Friend paste sit on the pan for up to one minute before scrubbing and rinsing. However, do not let it sit for longer periods to avoid possible discolouration.
- Wear kitchen gloves when using Bar Keepers Friend to protect your skin, as the product is abrasive.
- For burnt-on food or oil, you can also try boiling water and baking soda in the pan before scrubbing with Bar Keepers Friend.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean your stainless steel pans using Bar Keepers Friend, leaving them looking brand new.
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Boil water and baking soda in the pan
Boiling water and baking soda in the pan is an effective way to remove bigger, tougher stains that climb up the sides of a saucepan or skillet. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Add Baking Soda and Water to the Pan
Place a small mound of baking soda in the centre of the pan and cover it with about 1/4 cup of water. You may need to adjust the amount of water depending on the size of your pan.
Step 2: Bring the Mixture to a Boil
Turn on the stove and heat the pan until the water starts to boil. As the water evaporates, it will leave behind a film of baking soda on the walls of the pan.
Step 3: Turn Off the Heat
Once most of the water has boiled off, turn off the heat. It is now time to scrub the pan clean.
Step 4: Scrub the Pan
Using a long-handled brush or a scouring pad, scrub away the mess. It is best to use a new pad for more effective cleaning.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining residue. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel to prevent water spots and keep your stainless steel cookware looking its best.
Tips:
- It is best to clean your stainless steel pans while they are still hot or warm, as this makes it easier to dislodge any stuck-on food or grease.
- Always protect your hands with gloves, a towel, or oven mitts when handling hot pans.
- For extremely tough stains, you can leave the baking soda and water mixture to boil for a longer period, or even try submerging the pan in a larger pot of boiling water and baking soda.
- Remember to always dry your pans immediately after washing to prevent water spots and maintain their shine.
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Clean with vinegar and water
Cleaning Stainless Steel Pans with Vinegar and Water
Step 1: Wipe with Vinegar
Add vinegar to your stainless steel pan and wipe the stained spots with a soft sponge. This will remove any water stains or rainbow discolouration.
Step 2: Boil Vinegar Solution
Combine one part vinegar and three parts water in the pan and bring to a boil. This will get rid of any chalky buildup caused by hard water. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool completely.
Step 3: Clean with Soap and Water
Empty the pan and clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Be sure to clean it thoroughly so no vinegar residue is left behind.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it completely before using or storing it.
Tips:
- Always dry your pans right after washing them to prevent water spots from forming.
- Salt your water after it has boiled to prevent tiny marks on the bottom of the pan.
- Bring food to room temperature before cooking to prevent cold food from sticking to the pan.
- Preheat steel pans on a low heat setting to prevent the pan from overheating and causing burnt food.
- Always let stainless steel pans cool before washing them to avoid warping and damaging the surface.
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Use a non-abrasive scrubber
To clean stainless steel pans, it is recommended to use a non-abrasive scrubber or sponge. This is because stainless steel is vulnerable to scratches, which can lead to corrosion. Scratches on the surface of stainless steel cookware can also expose the core layer and may cause leaching of metals into food. This is particularly important for cooks who are prone to nickel or chromium allergies, as prolonged cooking times can lead to low levels of these metals leaching into food.
When choosing a scrubber, it is best to avoid mechanically abrasive scrubbers like steel wool or wire scrubbers. Instead, opt for non-abrasive scrubbers or sponges made from soft materials such as nylon or microfiber. These types of scrubbers and sponges are effective at removing stuck-on food and stains without damaging the surface of the pan.
In addition to using a non-abrasive scrubber, it is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and to avoid harsh cleaners. While stainless steel is designed to resist corrosion and rust, it is not impervious to damage. Bleach, oven cleaner, and other harsh cleaning solutions should be avoided as they can permanently damage the surface of the pan.
When cleaning stainless steel pans, it is also recommended to dry them immediately after washing to prevent water spots from forming. Following these tips will help to maintain the quality and longevity of stainless steel cookware.
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Dry pans immediately after washing
Drying pans immediately after washing is an important step in the cleaning process, especially for stainless steel pans. This is because stainless steel is susceptible to water spots and discolouration, which can affect the appearance of your cookware.
To prevent water spots, use a clean, absorbent towel or a microfiber towel to dry off your pans before putting them away. For tougher stains, a commercial cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water can be applied before drying. Make sure to rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water after using any cleaning agents to ensure no residue is left behind.
Drying your pans immediately after washing also helps to prevent rust. This is especially important for cast iron pans, which require special care. After washing a cast iron pan, it is crucial to dry it with a towel immediately and then apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or cooking spray while the pan is still warm.
Additionally, drying pans immediately helps to maintain the quality of your cookware. Stainless steel pans, in particular, should be dried with a soft piece of cloth to avoid scratching the material. By taking the time to dry your pans properly, you can ensure they stay in good condition and extend their lifespan.
Overall, drying pans immediately after washing is a crucial step in the cleaning process. It helps to prevent water spots, discolouration, and rust, while also maintaining the quality and longevity of your cookware.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way is to use a soft sponge, hot water, and your usual dish soap. Absorb excess grease with a paper towel, dislodge any stuck-on bits with a wooden spoon, and then scrub the pan.
For tough, burnt-on stains, you can use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend, or a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply this to the bottom of the pan and scrub with a non-abrasive brush or soft cloth. For very tough stains, you may need a more powerful cleaner.
This residue is caused by hard water, which contains heavy amounts of calcium. To remove it, fill your pan with one part vinegar to three parts water and bring it to a boil. Then, allow it to cool, wash the pan, and dry it with a towel.
To keep your pans looking new, always dry them immediately after washing to prevent water spots. Also, remember to let your pans cool before washing them to avoid warping and disfiguration.
