Restore Your Grill Pan's Shine: Cleaning Discolored Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a common choice for cookware because it's durable, non-reactive, and resistant to corrosion and rust. However, it's not impervious to discolouration and burnt-on messes. With everyday use, stains, water spots, and other stubborn marks can appear, so it's important to know how to clean stainless steel properly. Here are some methods to clean and restore the shine of discoloured stainless steel grill pans.

Use a soft cloth, like microfiber, to clean and polish the grill pan

To clean and polish a discoloured stainless steel grill pan, a soft cloth, preferably made of microfiber, is essential. This type of cloth is ideal for wiping down the pan after cleaning and ensuring a streak-free finish.

Microfiber cloths are highly recommended for cleaning stainless steel because they are gentle and effective. They are designed to be soft, absorbent, and non-abrasive, making them perfect for polishing stainless steel without causing scratches or damage. The microscopic fibres of the cloth can pick up and trap dirt, grease, and other contaminants, helping to restore the shine of the grill pan.

When using a microfiber cloth to clean and polish a stainless steel grill pan, it is important to follow the grain of the metal. Stainless steel has a brushed finish that creates a grain running horizontally along the surface. Cleaning in the direction of this grain will help prevent scratches and ensure a smooth, even finish.

Additionally, it is crucial to use a clean microfiber cloth. Rinsing the cloth with warm water and wringing it out before use can help ensure that no dirt or debris is transferred back onto the grill pan during the cleaning process.

After rinsing and drying the grill pan, gently wipe it down with the microfiber cloth using long, smooth strokes. This will help remove any remaining water spots and give the pan a polished, streak-free finish.

Clean in the direction of the grain to avoid scratches

To clean discoloured stainless steel without scratching it, you need to scrub with the grain of the polish lines. Stainless steel has polish lines that look like grain lines. Always scrub in the same direction as these lines. This is because when stainless steel is scratched, it becomes vulnerable to corrosion.

To identify the grain, hold your pan in different directions and look closely at the surface. You will see faint lines, which are the polish lines. Once you have identified the direction of the grain, you can begin cleaning.

Use a non-abrasive or "stainless steel-approved" scrubber and avoid mechanically abrasive scrubbers like steel wool or wire scrubbers. You can also use a soft sponge or cloth. If you are using a scrubber, be sure to scrub in straight lines, in the same direction as the grain, rather than in circles.

For routine cleaning, dish soap and hot water will work just fine. For burnt-on food, you can use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend, or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.

Avoid using acid-based cleaners, which can accelerate corrosion

Stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance, but it's not entirely immune to damage. While stainless steel is designed to resist corrosion and rust, it's not impervious to burnt-on messes and discoloration. With everyday use, stains, water spots, and other stubborn marks can appear. Therefore, it's essential to know how to clean stainless steel properly and avoid causing further damage.

One crucial tip to keep in mind is to avoid using acid-based cleaners, as they can accelerate corrosion and damage the stainless steel surface. While stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, strong acids can destabilize the passive layer that protects the metal from the elements. This layer is formed when chromium in the stainless steel reacts with oxygen, creating a barrier that prevents further oxidation and rusting.

Acids such as hydrochloric and sulfuric acids are particularly harmful and can cause general surface corrosion. Additionally, exposure to chlorides, found in salt, hard water, and chlorinated cleaners, can also lead to pitting and corrosion. Therefore, it's important to use non-acidic and non-chlorinated cleaning solutions when cleaning stainless steel.

Instead of using acid-based cleaners, opt for mild, non-abrasive cleansers or commercial cleaners specifically designed for stainless steel, such as Barkeeper's Friend. For routine cleaning, a soft nylon brush or a non-abrasive sponge with mild soap or detergent is usually sufficient. Remember to always dry your stainless steel items thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots and ensure they are completely dry before reuse.

By avoiding acid-based cleaners and following proper cleaning techniques, you can help maintain the integrity and appearance of your stainless steel grill pan, ensuring it remains in the best possible condition.

Remove tough stains with baking soda or a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend

To remove tough stains from a discolored stainless steel grill pan, you can use baking soda or a commercial cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend.

Baking Soda

To clean your pan with baking soda, start by ensuring the pan is completely dry. Turn the pan over and sprinkle baking soda evenly over the bottom. Use a dry cloth to rub the powder into any burn marks. You can also add a small amount of water to the baking soda to make a paste. Once you're happy with the coverage, rinse off any excess powder and dry the pan.

Alternatively, make a paste using dish soap and baking soda. Apply this liberally to any affected areas and leave for several hours. When ready, wash the pan thoroughly and dry as normal.

Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product. It can be used on stainless steel items and is ideal for removing tough stains, grease, and tarnish.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, start by wetting the surface of the pan. Then, scrub the surface with a soft, wet cloth. Rinse off with clean water. For tougher stains, make a paste with the powder and water, leave it to sit for a minute, and then wash, rinse, and dry your pan.

Always let the pan cool down before cleaning to avoid warping

Stainless steel pans are durable and non-reactive, making them a common choice for cooks. However, they are prone to discolouration and require careful cleaning to avoid warping.

To avoid this, always let the pan cool down before cleaning. Do not put a hot pan under cold running water, and do not put a hot pan in cold water to soak. It is best to let the pan cool naturally on the stove. Only when the pan is cool enough to handle safely should you begin to clean it.

This is especially important for stainless steel pans, as they are more prone to warping than cast iron pans. Stainless steel is denser and more durable than aluminium, but it is still vulnerable to rapid temperature changes. Thicker pans are better at absorbing heat and are less likely to warp, so it is worth investing in a good-quality pan.

Frequently asked questions