Cleaning Stainless Steel Pans: Bottom Tips For Sparkling Results

Cleaning the bottom of a stainless steel pan can be a challenging task, but it is possible to restore its shine. The key is to use the right tools and techniques to avoid scratching or damaging the surface. Here are some steps to clean the outside bottom of a stainless-steel pan:

1. Set the pan bottom-up in an empty sink.

2. Sprinkle the bottom with water.

3. Use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend or baking soda, following the manufacturer's instructions.

4. For Bar Keepers Friend, sprinkle it all around the bottom of the pan and scrub in a circular motion.

5. For baking soda, make a paste by mixing it with water, then apply it to the bottom of the pan and let it sit for a few minutes.

6. Use a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth to gently scrub the surface.

7. Rinse the pan with clean water and repeat the process if necessary.

Remember to avoid using harsh scrubbers like steel wool and always follow the manufacturer's care instructions for your stainless-steel pan.

Use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend

To clean the outside bottom of a stainless steel pan with a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend, you'll first want to wet the surface of the pan. Then, sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend over the surface. Next, scrub the surface with a soft, wet cloth or sponge. You can also use steel wool for very tarnished or greasy pans. Be sure to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin. Finally, rinse the pan with clean water.

For tougher stains, make a paste with Bar Keepers Friend and water. Let the paste sit for a minute, then wash, rinse, and dry the pan.

Bar Keepers Friend is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that can easily remove rust, tarnish, mineral deposits, and tough stains from most surfaces. It's important to note that Bar Keepers Friend should not be left on the surface of the pan for extended periods of time. The manufacturer recommends wiping it off after a minute to avoid discolouration.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean the outside bottom of your stainless steel pans using a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend.

Remove burnt-on food with boiling water

If you're looking to remove burnt-on food from the outside bottom of your stainless steel pans, boiling water is a great solution. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get your pans looking like new again:

Step 1: Scrub Away Excess Food

Start by scrubbing away as much of the burnt-on food as possible using a non-abrasive scrubber. This will help loosen the food particles, making it easier to remove them in the next steps.

Step 2: Add Water and Dish Soap

Fill your pan with water until the stuck-on food is completely submerged. Add a bit of dish soap to the water to help with the cleaning process.

Step 3: Bring the Water to a Boil

Place your pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes. The heat from the boiling water will further loosen the food particles, making them easier to remove.

Step 4: Remove from Heat and Cool

After boiling for a few minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down. This is an important step to prevent any burns when handling the pan in the next step.

Step 5: Scrape Away Food

Once the pan has cooled down, use a spatula to scrape away the loosened food particles. The boiling water should have softened the burnt-on food, making it easier to remove.

Step 6: Repeat if Necessary

If there are still some stubborn food particles stuck to the pan, don't worry! Simply repeat the above steps until your pan is clean. Alternatively, you can try one of the other cleaning methods listed below.

Other Methods to Try:

• Commercial Cleaner: If you have a gentle commercial cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend, you can use that to remove burnt-on food. Sprinkle the cleaner on the bottom of the pan, add some water, scrub it into a paste, and then rinse.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: Combine vinegar and baking soda, which react to help break down food particles. Fill your pan with water, add vinegar, bring it to a boil, then remove from heat and add baking soda. Mix and empty the pan, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.
• Baking Soda and Dish Soap: Make a paste with baking soda and gentle dish soap. Apply it to the affected areas and let it sit for several hours before washing it off.
• Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your dry pan and use a dry cloth to rub it into the burnt areas. You can also make a paste with baking soda and water. Once you're done, rinse and dry the pan.

Remove burnt-on food with vinegar and baking soda

To remove burnt-on food from stainless steel pans, you can use vinegar and baking soda. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Add Water and Vinegar

Fill the bottom of your pot or pan with water, ensuring that there is enough water to cover the stuck-on food. Once the pot or pan is filled with water, add one cup of vinegar and bring the water to a boil.

Step 2: Remove from Heat and Add Baking Soda

Once the water is boiling, remove the pan from the heat. At this stage, you can add a few tablespoons of white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the water for very stubborn stains. Then, add two tablespoons of baking soda to the water and briefly mix the solution.

Step 3: Empty the Pan and Scrub

Empty the pan and use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to remove any remaining food particles. If needed, you can also use a long-handled brush or scouring pad to scrub off the burnt-on food.

Tips:

• It is recommended to clean your stainless steel pans by hand with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge for everyday cleanup.
• Always let your cookware cool down before cleaning to avoid warping.
• Avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach on your stainless steel pans, as they can damage the surface.

Remove burn marks with baking soda

To remove burn marks with baking soda, start by making sure your pan is completely dry. 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 the pan.

Alternatively, make a paste using baking soda and water or gentle dish soap. Apply the paste to any affected areas and leave it on for several hours. When you're ready, simply wash thoroughly and dry as normal.

For bigger, tougher stains, add a small mound of baking soda to the centre of the pan and cover with about 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a boil and let the water evaporate, leaving a film of baking soda around the walls of the pan. Turn off the heat and, once the pan is cool enough to handle, scrub away the residue with a non-abrasive sponge.

Remove burn marks with baking soda and dish soap

To remove burn marks with baking soda and dish soap, start by making a paste with the two ingredients. You can adjust the ratio of the paste according to the severity of the burn marks. For lighter stains, a ratio of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water will suffice. For more stubborn stains, you can increase the amount of baking soda or make a thicker paste.

Apply the paste to the affected areas of the pan and let it sit for several hours. You can also let it sit overnight for the best results, especially if you're dealing with tough stains.

Once the paste has had enough time to work its magic, simply wash the pan thoroughly with water and gentle dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to avoid scratching the surface of the pan. Rinse the pan with clean water and dry it with a clean towel.

This method is effective because baking soda has mild abrasive properties, and its alkaline nature can help neutralize acidic burnt foods. Additionally, when combined with an acid like vinegar or lemon juice, it creates a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt-on food.

Frequently asked questions