Cleaning Burnt Oil From Stainless Steel: Removing Stubborn Stains

Burnt oil and food residue on stainless steel pans are common issues in any kitchen. While stainless steel is designed to resist corrosion and rust, it is not impervious to burn marks and discolouration. Luckily, there are several simple and eco-friendly methods to clean burnt stainless steel pans, restoring them to their original shine.

Use a non-abrasive scouring pad or sponge

To clean burnt oil from a stainless steel pan, you'll want to use a non-abrasive scouring pad or sponge. This is because, while you need something powerful enough to clean off burnt bits of food, using something too rough, like steel wool, can damage the pan.

First, remove any loose or large burnt pieces with a spoon. Then, submerge the burnt residue in equal parts white vinegar and water and boil for 10 minutes. Take the pan off the stove, add baking soda, and allow it to sit for 15 minutes while the water cools. Empty the water and rinse the pan. You may find that most of the burnt food has come off in chunks, but if not, sprinkle some baking soda over the area and scrub with a non-abrasive scouring pad or sponge. Rinse the pan again and, if necessary, repeat the process.

A soft sponge, such as a Dobie pad, will require more elbow grease but will leave fewer scratches.

Soak in baking soda and water

Burnt oil on a stainless steel pan can be a tough mess to clean, but baking soda and water can help! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove Excess Food and Debris

Use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape away as much of the burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. This step is important as it helps to reduce the amount of scrubbing and cleaning required later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Soda and Water Solution

In a container, mix baking soda and water to form a paste. The ratio you're aiming for is 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Adjust the amounts as needed to ensure you have enough to cover the burnt areas of the pan. The paste should be thick enough to fully coat the affected areas. Alternatively, you can start by covering the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then adding enough baking soda to create a paste.

Step 3: Apply the Paste

Generously apply the baking soda and water paste to the burnt areas of the pan. Make sure all the affected areas are coated thoroughly. You can use a spatula or spoon to spread the paste evenly.

Step 4: Let it Soak

This step is crucial for the soaking method to work effectively. Let the paste sit on the burnt areas for a few hours or even overnight. The longer you let it sit, the more effective it will be at loosening the burnt oil. If you're in a hurry, you can add a little more water to the paste to thin it out, then place the pan on the stove and heat it up until it comes to a boil. However, be very careful not to let it burn again!

Step 5: Scrub and Wash

After letting the paste soak, it's time to scrub. Use a nylon brush or a non-abrasive scouring sponge to scrub away the burnt oil. If the pan is still warm, be sure to wear cleaning gloves to protect your hands. Rinse the pan with hot water and scrub gently but firmly until all the burnt oil and residue are gone. If necessary, repeat the process for any stubborn spots.

Bonus Tip: Baking Soda and Vinegar

For an even more powerful cleaning solution, you can combine baking soda with vinegar. After removing as much burnt food and debris as possible, add enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch of liquid. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. This will create a fizzing reaction, so it's best to do this over the sink. Wait for the fizzing to stop, then discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or sponge. Rinse and dry the pan as usual.

Use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend

Burnt oil on a stainless steel pan can be a tough mess to clean, but a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend can help get the job done. Bar Keepers Friend is a multi-purpose cleaning powder that has been around since 1882. It uses oxalic acid, found naturally in rhubarb and spinach, to dissolve tough stains like rust and calcium deposits. The acid attacks these stains at a molecular level, breaking them down and making them easier to scrub away.

To use Bar Keepers Friend on your burnt stainless steel pan, start by dampening the pan with warm water. Then, make a paste by mixing the powder with a small amount of water. Using a soft cloth, apply the paste to the pan and let it sit for about one minute. Do not let the paste sit for longer, as it may stain the stainless steel if left for too long. Rub the paste in a circular motion, working from the centre of the pan outward. Finally, wash the pan in hot soapy water, rinse, and repeat as needed.

Bar Keepers Friend is a great option for cleaning burnt stainless steel pans, but it's important to follow the instructions carefully and not let the paste on for too long. It's also a good idea to test it on a small area first if you're using it on a new type of surface, as it may not be suitable for all materials.

While Bar Keepers Friend is an effective commercial cleaner, there are also some alternative methods for cleaning burnt oil from stainless steel pans. These include using baking soda, vinegar, coarse salt, or even oven cleaner. However, when using any of these methods, it's important to be cautious and follow directions carefully to avoid damaging your cookware.

Boil with vinegar and water

To clean burnt oil from a stainless steel pan, a mixture of vinegar and water can be used to get rid of the chalky, cloudy residue left by hard water.

Firstly, it is important to let the pan cool down before cleaning. Once the pan is cool, fill it with equal parts vinegar and water. Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. Leave it to boil for around 10 minutes. After boiling, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down. Then, pour the mixture down the sink and rinse the pan thoroughly with water. At this stage, you may find that some of the burnt oil is already coming off in chunks.

Finally, scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge or scouring pad. If there are any stubborn marks remaining, simply sprinkle some baking soda over the area and continue scrubbing. This will create a mild abrasion that is effective at removing stains from stainless steel without leaving scratches.

Soak in cola

If you're wondering how to clean burnt oil from stainless steel pans, cola is a surprising solution. Cola works well on sticky, stuck-on substances like caramel due to its acidic properties. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Add Cola to the Pan

Cover the burnt areas with cola. Pour enough cola into the pan so that it covers all the burnt patches. Make sure that the cola is in direct contact with the burnt oil or residue.

Step 2: Simmer the Cola

Turn on the stove and place the pan on it. Gently simmer the cola. You don't need to bring it to a rolling boil; a gentle simmer will do. The heat and acidity of the cola will start to loosen the burnt oil and make it easier to remove.

Step 3: Scrape Away the Burnt Oil

Once the cola has been simmering for a few minutes, turn off the heat. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, carefully scrape away the burnt oil or other burnt-on substances. The cola should have loosened the residue, making it easier to remove. If needed, use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to help dislodge any remaining food particles.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Pan

After removing the burnt oil, thoroughly rinse the pan with warm water to remove any cola residue. Then, dry the pan with a clean cloth or towel. Ensure the pan is completely dry before storing it away.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove burnt oil from your stainless steel pan using cola. This method is a great alternative to using harsh chemicals, and it's likely that you already have cola in your kitchen!

Frequently asked questions