Stainless Steel Pan Cleaning Guide

Stainless steel pans are a kitchen staple, but they require regular cleaning to maintain their quality and keep them looking brand new. It is recommended that you clean your stainless steel pans after each use to avoid grease buildup and make cleaning easier. Here are some tips on how often you should wash your stainless steel pans and the best ways to clean them:

- Hand-wash your pans with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber. Avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach or steel wool, as these can damage the surface.

- To remove stuck-on food, fill the pan with soapy water, bring it to a boil, and scrape with a spatula or wooden spoon.

- For tougher messes, create a mixture of baking soda and water in the pan and bring it to a boil. Simmer until most of the water has evaporated, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge and wash in hot, soapy water.

- To remove water spots and prevent them from forming, dry your pans immediately after washing.

- To get rid of white, cloudy residue caused by hard water, boil a mixture of vinegar and water in the pan, then wash with soap and water.

- To remove rainbow-coloured discoloration, splash some vinegar in the pan and wipe with a soft sponge before rinsing and drying.

How to clean stainless steel pans with vinegar

Stainless steel pans are a staple in any cook's kitchen. This durable cookware heats up quickly and evenly, retains heat well, and is generally easy to maintain.

Step 1: Wipe with Vinegar

After washing your stainless steel pans, if you notice water stains or rainbow discolouration, the first step is to add vinegar to your pan and wipe the stained spots with a soft sponge.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar Solution

For this step, you will need to combine one part white vinegar and three parts water in the pan. Bring this mixture to a boil, turn off the heat, and let the pan cool completely.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

Once the pan is cool, pour the liquid down the sink and clean your pan with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Be sure to clean it thoroughly to ensure no vinegar residue is left behind. Finally, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it completely before using or storing it.

Tips:

• Always check the manufacturer's instructions for specific washing tips.
• To avoid warping, always let your cookware cool down before cleaning.
• Avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner, and steer clear of abrasive tools like steel wool, as these can damage the surface of your pan.
• For stuck-on food bits, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue, bring it to a boil, and scrape with a spatula or wooden spoon. Allow the pan to cool, then wash as usual.

Other Natural Cleaners:

In addition to vinegar, natural cleaners such as baking soda, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil can also be used to clean stainless steel pans effectively.

By following these simple steps and tips, you can keep your stainless steel pans looking brand new and ensure they last for years to come.

How to remove burnt food from stainless steel pans

To remove burnt food from stainless steel pans, you can try the following methods:

Using a Commercial Cleaner

Before trying any other method, opt for a gentle but effective commercial cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend. These cleaners are designed to clean without scratching or damaging stainless steel surfaces. Follow these steps:

• Moisten the pan, making sure to saturate the burnt food.
• Sprinkle the cleaner onto the bottom of the pan to form a paste.
• Scrub the paste into the scorched food with a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth.
• Rinse the pan with clean water.
• Repeat the process if necessary.

Boiling Water

Boiling water is a simple solution when you don't have any commercial cleaners. The heat from the water helps to loosen the leftover food from your pot, making it easier to remove. Here's what to do:

• Begin by scrubbing away as much food as possible with a non-abrasive scrubber.
• Fill the pot or pan with water and a bit of dish soap.
• Ensure the stuck-on food is completely submerged.
• Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Remove from heat and let it cool.
• Scrape the food with a spatula.
• Repeat the process or try another technique if this method doesn't work.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

For this method, you'll need two common cleaning ingredients: vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar is an effective solution for stuck-on foods due to its acetic acid content, which helps break down tough food particles. Here's how to do it:

• Fill the bottom of your pot or pan with water, enough to cover the stuck-on food.
• Once the pot or pan has been filled with water, add 1 cup of vinegar and bring the water to a boil.
• Once boiling, remove from the heat and add in 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
• Briefly mix together and empty the pan.
• Use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to rid the pan of any remaining food particles.

Baking Soda

You most likely have everything you need in your kitchen to clean away burn marks with baking soda. For this method, start by making sure the pan is completely dry. Flip the pan over and sprinkle baking soda evenly over the bottom of the pan. Use a dry cloth to rub the baking soda into the burn marks. You can add a small amount of water to the baking soda to make a paste if you prefer. Once you’re satisfied, rinse off any excess baking soda and dry.

Baking Soda and Dish Soap

If you have gentle dish soap on hand, simply make a paste using dish soap and baking soda. Apply the paste to any affected areas and leave it on for several hours. When you’re ready, simply wash and dry as normal.

Soda

If you’re wondering how to clean burnt oil from stainless steel pans, soda may be a surprising answer. This method works well on sticky, stuck-on substances like caramel, thanks to its acidic properties. Here's what to do:

• Pour enough soda into the pan to cover the burnt areas.
• Bring the soda to a gentle simmer.
• Once simmering, remove from the heat and use a spatula to scrape away burnt substances.

How to remove discolouration from stainless steel pans

Stainless steel pans are durable and excellent heat conductors, but they are susceptible to discolouration and food sticking to them. The discolouration is often caused by overheating the pan. Here are some methods to remove discolouration from stainless steel pans:

Using Vinegar

Add vinegar to your stainless steel pan and wipe the discoloured spots using a soft sponge. Then, combine one part vinegar and three parts water in the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool completely before pouring the liquid down the sink. Finally, clean the pan with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge, ensuring no vinegar residue is left behind.

Using Baking Soda and Lemon

Wet the bottom of the pan, sprinkle generously with baking soda, and scrub with the cut side of a lemon. Switch to a scrubby sponge if necessary.

Using Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish

Apply this directly to the stains, wet a sponge, and rub back and forth. Then, use the scrubby side of the sponge for more stubborn marks.

Using Steel Wool

Wet the steel wool with water and scrub the stains. Steel wool is cheap and can be reused many times. However, it can leave scratches on soft metals and delicate surfaces, so only use it on stainless steel.

Using Tomato Sauce

Fill the pan with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes until the discoloured areas are completely submerged. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, adding water if necessary. Remove the sauce and rinse the pan clean, or leave the sauce in the pan overnight without simmering.

How to care for stainless steel pans

Cleaning Stainless Steel Pans

To keep your stainless steel pans in good condition, it's best to clean them after each use. Even if they don't look dirty, grease can build up if you don't. Always let the pans cool before washing them and avoid harsh cleaning products like bleach or ammonia. To prevent scratches, use non-abrasive sponges and scrubbers.

For everyday cleaning, scrub your pan with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. If there are stuck-on food bits, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue, bring to a boil, and scrape with a spatula or wooden spoon. Allow the pan to cool, then wash as usual.

For tougher messes, such as burnt food or oil, you can use a few spoonfuls of baking soda and enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring this 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. Then, scrub away the buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash in hot, soapy water.

Removing Discoloration

Stainless steel pans can often acquire some discoloration, which is usually caused by overheating. While these stains won't come out with regular dish soap, you can use vinegar to remove them. Simply splash some vinegar into the pan and wipe the area with a soft sponge before rinsing and drying the pan fully.

Preventing Scorching

To prevent scorching, always ensure there is enough fat or liquid in the pan and that the pan is hot before adding any liquid. Heat up your stainless steel pan on low to medium heat for two to three minutes before adding oil, fat, or food. You can also prevent scorching by moving the food around frequently with a spoon or tongs so that it doesn't sit at the bottom of the pan.

General Care Tips

• To prevent water spots, dry your pans immediately after washing.
• Only salt your water after it has started boiling to avoid pitting corrosion, which causes small, irreparable dents in the bottom of your pan.
• Always heat your pan before adding oil, and then add food once the oil is hot.
• Bring refrigerated ingredients, such as meat or chicken, to room temperature before cooking to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
• Do not rush the preheating process by using high heat, as this can lead to overheating.
• Always allow the pan to cool completely before washing it to avoid warping.
• Stick to a cleaning routine and clean your pans after each use to avoid buildup.

How to prevent scorch marks

To prevent scorch marks on your stainless steel pans, it's important to take some precautionary measures. Here are some tips to help you avoid those stubborn burn marks:

• Always preheat your pan before adding oil or food. This helps to ensure even heating and reduces the chances of scorching.
• When preheating, use a lower heat setting than high heat. Stainless steel conducts heat very well, and starting with a lower temperature gives you more control to gradually increase the heat as needed.
• Allow refrigerated or frozen foods to come to room temperature before placing them in the pan. Cold food is more likely to stick to the pan and burn.
• Avoid using metal utensils that can scratch the surface of the pan. Opt for wooden or silicone utensils instead.
• Choose the right type of food for stainless steel pans. Some foods, such as sugary or starchy ones, are more prone to burning and sticking.
• Don't walk away from the pan while cooking. Stainless steel heats up quickly, and your food can go from perfectly cooked to burnt in a matter of seconds.
• Clean your pan regularly and thoroughly. Leftover residue or grease buildup can contribute to scorching.
• Dry your pan immediately after washing to prevent water spots and discoloration.
• Avoid harsh cleaning tools and chemicals. Use non-abrasive sponges or scrubbers, and stay away from cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, or chlorides.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific care and washing tips.

By following these tips, you can help prevent scorch marks and keep your stainless steel pans in optimal condition.

Frequently asked questions