Cleaning Oil-Burned Stainless Steel: Removing Stains And Restoring Shine

Burnt oil on stainless steel pans can be a pain to clean, but it's not impossible. There are a few methods you can try, depending on the severity of the burn. For lighter stains, a simple combination of baking soda and water, simmered and then cooled, should do the trick. For tougher stains, you might need to bring out the big guns – a commercial cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend, or a more intensive method like boiling water and baking soda, or even submerging the pan in a pot of boiling water and baking soda. With the right tools and techniques, you can have your stainless steel pan looking like new again!

Use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular commercial cleaner that can be used to clean burnt oil from stainless steel pans. It is a multi-purpose cleaning powder that contains oxalic acid, abrasives, and detergents. The oxalic acid in Bar Keepers Friend sets it apart from other natural cleaners like baking soda, as it effectively dissolves rust and calcium deposits.

• Moisten the pan: Start by wetting the pan, ensuring that the burnt areas are completely saturated.
• Apply the cleaner: Sprinkle a generous amount of Bar Keepers Friend powder onto the bottom of the pan.
• Form a paste: Add a small amount of warm water to the powder and mix it until it forms a paste.
• Let it sit: Allow the paste to sit on the pan for about a minute. Do not leave it on for too long, as it may cause discolouration or scratches.
• Scrub the pan: Using a non-abrasive scrubber or a soft cloth, gently scrub the paste into the burnt areas.
• Rinse the pan: After scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water.
• Repeat if necessary: If there are still some burn marks or oil residue, repeat the above steps until your pan is clean.

It is important to note that Bar Keepers Friend should not be used on non-stick cookware, as it can scratch the coating. Always wear gloves when using this product and avoid leaving it on your skin for prolonged periods. Additionally, do not mix Bar Keepers Friend with other cleaning products, especially bleach or ammonia, as it may create toxic fumes.

Remove burnt oil with soda

Burnt oil can be a real pain to clean off your stainless steel pans, but don't worry, it's usually possible to get your cookware looking like new again with a few simple household ingredients. One of the most popular methods for removing burnt oil is to use soda. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Removing Burnt Oil with Soda

This method works because soda, such as cola, has acidic properties that can break down sticky, stuck-on substances like caramel and burnt oil. Here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Add Cola to Your Pan

Pour enough cola into your burnt stainless steel pan to cover the affected areas. Make sure that all the burnt oil spots are submerged in the soda.

Step 2: Simmer the Soda

Turn on your stove and bring the soda to a gentle simmer. This will help to loosen the burnt oil and make it easier to remove.

Step 3: Remove from Heat

Once the soda has been simmering for a few minutes, remove it from the heat. Be careful, as the pan will now be very hot!

Step 4: Scrape Away the Burnt Oil

Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently scrape away the burnt oil. It should come off easily now that it has been loosened by the simmering soda. If there are any stubborn spots, you can try simmering the soda for a little longer and then scraping again.

Step 5: Wash and Dry Your Pan

Once you've removed all the burnt oil, wash your pan with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Then, dry it thoroughly with a clean towel.

Other Methods for Removing Burnt Oil

If you don't have soda on hand, or if the burnt oil is especially stubborn, there are a few other methods you can try to remove it:

Baking Soda and Dish Soap

Make a paste using baking soda and gentle dish soap. Apply this paste to the burnt areas of your pan and let it sit for several hours. Then, wash the pan thoroughly and dry it as normal.

Boiling Water

Fill your pan with water and a bit of dish soap. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. This will help to loosen the burnt oil. Then, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool. Use a spatula to scrape away the burnt oil, and repeat the process if necessary.

Bar Keeper's Friend

Bar Keeper's Friend is a multi-purpose cleaning powder that can be very effective at removing burnt oil and food. Simply moisten the pan, sprinkle on the cleaner, and scrub it into the burnt areas with a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth. Rinse the pan with clean water and repeat if necessary.

Tips for Preventing Burnt Oil

To avoid having to deal with burnt oil in the future, there are a few things you can do:

• Always dry your pans immediately after washing to prevent water spots and discoloration.
• Bring meats and other refrigerated foods to room temperature before adding them to the pan. Cold food is more likely to stick and burn.
• Preheat your pan before adding oil, and wait until the oil is hot before adding food.
• Avoid using cold water on a hot pan, as this can cause warping and disfiguration.

Use a non-abrasive scrubber

To clean oil burn off a stainless steel pan, it is important to use a non-abrasive scrubber to avoid scratching the surface. Scratches on stainless steel can lead to corrosion and rust.

First, scrub away as much of the burnt food as possible with a non-abrasive scrubber. Then, fill the pan with water and a bit of dish soap. Ensure the burnt-on food is completely submerged and bring the water to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes before removing the pan from the heat and allowing it to cool. The stuck-on food should now be loosened enough to scrape with a spatula. If not, repeat the process.

Alternatively, a commercial cleaner can be used. First, wet the pan, making sure the burnt food is saturated. 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 and repeat if necessary.

Another option is to use vinegar and baking soda. Fill the bottom of the pan with water, enough to cover the stuck-on food. Add 1 cup of vinegar and bring the water to a boil. Remove from the heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Briefly mix the solution and empty the pan. Use a non-abrasive scrubber to remove any remaining food particles.

For burnt oil specifically, cola can be used. Pour enough cola into the pan to cover the burnt areas and bring it to a gentle simmer. Remove from the heat and use a spatula to scrape away the burnt oil.

Avoid chlorides

To clean burnt oil off a stainless steel pan, it is important to avoid chlorides. Chlorides can cause pitting in stainless steel, making the surface vulnerable to rust and corrosion. Chlorides are present in salt, hard water, and chlorinated cleaning products. Therefore, it is important to avoid using salt or tap water, especially hard water, when cleaning stainless steel. Instead, opt for distilled or filtered water.

Additionally, avoid using abrasive cleaning products that contain chlorides or chlorine, such as chlorine bleach, as they can cause surface pitting and strip away the protective chrome oxide barrier that makes stainless steel durable. Chlorine can also accelerate corrosion in coastal areas with salt spray exposure. Instead, use non-abrasive cleaning products specifically designed for stainless steel, such as Bar Keepers Friend, which can effectively remove burnt food and oil without damaging the surface.

It is also recommended to avoid using steel wool or scrub brushes on stainless steel as they can scratch and dull the finish, leaving behind tiny particles that may rust. Instead, use non-abrasive tools such as microfiber cloths or soft sponges to clean your stainless steel pans.

Remove burnt food with boiling water

Boiling water is a great way to clean burnt food off a stainless steel pan without the use of any commercial cleaners. The heat from the water helps to loosen the stuck-on food, making it easier to remove. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Initial Scrub

First, use a non-abrasive scrubber to scrub away as much of the burnt food as possible. This will make the process easier and reduce the risk of scratches on your pan.

Step 2: Add Soap and Water

Fill the pan with water and add a bit of dish soap. Ensure that the stuck-on food is completely submerged in the soapy water.

Step 3: Boil the Water

Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes. The heat and the soap will help to loosen the food further.

Step 4: Remove from Heat and Cool

Take the pan off the burner and let it cool down. Do not place a hot pan under cold water as this can cause warping and disfiguration.

Step 5: Scrape the Food

Once the pan has cooled, use a spatula to scrape away the loosened food. It should come off easily at this point. If there are still some stubborn bits stuck on, repeat the process or try one of the other methods described below.

Other Methods

If the boiling water method does not completely remove the burnt food, you can try using a commercial cleaner like Barkeeper's Friend. These cleaners are designed to remove burnt food without damaging your stainless steel pan. Another option is to use vinegar and baking soda, which is an effective combination for breaking down tough food particles. Simply fill the pan with water, add vinegar, and bring it to a boil. Then remove from heat, add baking soda, and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.

Frequently asked questions