Effective Cleaning Methods For Your Essteele Pan

Essteele pans are made of stainless steel, a durable material that heats up quickly and evenly and is non-reactive, meaning you can cook just about anything in them. However, stainless steel is not impervious to burnt-on messes and discolouration, and with everyday use, your Essteele pan will likely develop stains, water spots, and other stubborn marks. Here are some tips to help you clean your Essteele pan and keep it in pristine condition.

Soak in warm, soapy water

To clean an essteele pan, it is recommended to first let the pan cool down before running it under cold water. The temperature shock can cause permanent warping if the pan is not allowed to cool. Once the pan is cool, rinse off any excess food with warm water.

Next, fill your sink with warm water and add a few drops of mild washing-up liquid. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch the surface of the pan. Place the pan in the sink and let it soak for a few minutes.

After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to gently scrub the pan, paying special attention to any stubborn food residue or stains. Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water. If there are still stuck-on food particles, fill the pan with warm water, add a small amount of dish soap, and bring the water to a simmer. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a wooden or nylon scraper to gently remove the food.

Finally, dry the pan immediately with a microfiber cloth or soft towel to prevent water spots.

Use baking soda and vinegar

To clean an essteele pan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Next, add enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least half an inch of liquid. Place the pan on the stove and boil the vinegar. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and add a few spoonfuls of baking soda. You will get a fizzing reaction. It is recommended to do this over the sink. Set the pan aside and wait until the fizzing and bubbling stop.

Once the reaction has stopped, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary. Rinse the pan clean and dry it.

This method combines the mild abrasive properties of baking soda with the acidic properties of vinegar to create a reaction that helps loosen burnt food and remove it from your pan.

Remove heat stains

Essteele pans are made of stainless steel, which is designed to resist corrosion and rust. However, stainless steel is not impervious to burnt-on messes and discolouration. Heat stains are a common issue with stainless steel pans, but they can be easily removed with some simple household ingredients and a bit of elbow grease. Here is a step-by-step guide to removing heat stains from your Essteele pan:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Before attempting to remove heat stains, it is important to ensure that the pan is clean. Start by rinsing off any excess food with warm water. Then, soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the pan and remove any stuck-on food or grease. Rinse the pan thoroughly and wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth.

Step 2: Treat the Heat Stains

Heat stains on stainless steel pans are often caused by overheating, and they can appear as rainbow-coloured discolouration or blue-ish, prismatic "heat tints". To remove these stains, you will need vinegar. Pour some vinegar into the pan and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse the pan with cold water and wipe it dry.

For more stubborn heat stains, you can try a more intensive cleaning method using baking soda and vinegar. Sprinkle the surface of the pan generously with baking soda. Add enough water to cover the affected area and bring it to a boil. Simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool. Then, scrub away any remaining buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash the pan with hot, soapy water.

Step 3: Prevent Future Heat Stains

To prevent heat stains from reappearing, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, always allow your Essteele pan to cool down before cleaning it. The temperature shock from running a hot pan under cold water can cause warping. Secondly, when cooking, ensure that there is enough fat or liquid in the pan and that the pan is hot before adding any ingredients. You can also prevent scorch marks by moving the food around frequently with a spoon or tongs. Finally, always dry your pan immediately after washing to prevent water spots and discolouration.

Polish with stainless steel cleaner

To polish your essteele pan with a stainless steel cleaner, follow these steps:

First, ensure that the pan is clean. You can do this by handwashing the pan with warm water and a mild washing-up liquid. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the surface of your stainless steel. Gently scrub the pan using a soft sponge or cloth, paying special attention to any stubborn food residue or stains. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Next, sprinkle some stainless steel cleaner onto the surface of the pan. You can use a product such as Bar Keepers Friend or Mauviel Inobrill Stainless Steel Cleaner. With the latter, use the sponge included in the container. With the former, you can either follow the manufacturer's instructions or make a paste with a small amount of water.

Using a sponge or soft cloth, gently rub the surface of the pan in circular motions. This will help remove any water spots or fingerprints and restore the shine. Avoid using abrasive materials or scrubbers, as they can scratch the surface.

Hand wash with mild dish soap

To hand wash your essteele pan with mild dish soap, start by allowing the pan to cool down after use. Filling your sink with warm water and adding a few drops of a mild washing-up liquid is recommended. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the surface of your pan. Gently scrub the pan using a soft sponge or cloth, paying special attention to any stubborn food residue or stains. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

If you encounter stubborn, stuck-on food particles, there are a few methods you can try to remove them. Fill the pan with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap. Bring the water to a simmer and let it sit for a few minutes. This will help loosen the food residue. Next, use a wooden or nylon scraper to gently remove the stuck-on food. Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive scrubbers, as they can scratch the surface of your pan.

For tougher stains or discolouration, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can work wonders. Sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the pan and add a small amount of white vinegar. The mixture will fizz and help break down stains. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the pan gently. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft towel to prevent water spots.

To remove heat stains, which are often caused by excessive heat or burnt food, sprinkle some baking soda or cream of tartar onto the affected areas. Moisten the surface with water and gently rub in a circular motion using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse well and dry to reveal a clean, shiny surface.

To maintain the lustre and shine of your pan, regular polishing is necessary. After cleaning, apply a small amount of stainless steel cleaner or a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to a soft cloth. Gently rub the surface of the pan in circular motions. This will help remove any water spots or fingerprints and restore the shine. Avoid using abrasive materials or scrubbers, as they can scratch the surface.

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