Cleaning Stainless Steel Pans: Tips For Sparkling Cookware

Cleaning the outside of a stainless steel pan is a little more challenging than the inside, as the outer surface is not usually coated in non-stick material, making it easier for stains to stick. The first step is to degrease the pan with white vinegar or dishwashing soap. For extremely greasy surfaces, a cream degreaser may be used. Once the grease is removed, a paste made from baking soda and water can be used to lift any remaining stains. Finally, the pan should be scrubbed gently with a brush or scrubbing pad and dried thoroughly before storing.

Degrease with vinegar or dish soap

To degrease the outside of your stainless steel pans with vinegar or dish soap, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to let your pan cool down before cleaning it. Then, to remove excess oil, use a spatula or paper towel to get rid of as much as possible. Next, deglaze the pan by adding some hot water. You can then use a long-handled dish brush to loosen any remaining stuck-on food.

For the outside of the pan, grab a scouring pad or sponge, along with some dish soap, and scrub the exterior using a continuous circular motion. A Scotch-Brite pad will lightly scratch the surface of the pan, but as long as you avoid harsh pads like steel wool, this won't affect the pan's performance or lifespan. A softer sponge, such as a Dobie pad, will require more elbow grease but will leave fewer scratches.

Rinse the pan with hot water and then dry it with a clean, absorbent towel.

If your pan has tougher stains, you can try a baking soda slurry or a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend. For lighter stains, there may not be much difference between these two options, but for tougher stains, Bar Keepers Friend is more effective.

Remove baked-on grime with a baking soda paste

To remove baked-on grime with a baking soda paste, start by making sure your pan is completely dry. Flip the pan over and sprinkle baking soda evenly over the bottom of the pan. Use a dry cloth to rub the baking soda into the burnt-on grime. You can also add a small amount of water to the baking soda to make a paste. Once you're satisfied, rinse off any excess baking soda and dry the pan.

If you have gentle dish soap on hand, you can also make a paste using dish soap and baking soda. Apply the paste to any affected areas and leave it on for several hours. When you're ready, simply wash the pan thoroughly and dry it as normal.

For bigger, tougher stains that climb up the sides of a saucepan or skillet, add a small mound of baking soda to the centre of the pan and cover it with about 1/4 cup of water. Bring the water to a boil and let it evaporate, leaving a film of baking soda around the walls of the pan. When most of the water has boiled off, turn off the heat. Then use a long-handled brush or scouring pad to scrub off the grime. It's best to do this while the pan is still hot, so use gloves and grip the pan with a towel or oven mitt.

For truly baked-on grime, try a next-level approach by fully submerging the pan in a pot of boiling water and baking soda. Choose a vessel that will fit your pan, such as a large stock pot for small skillets or a roasting pan for larger ones. Fill it with enough water to submerge (or mostly submerge) your pan and bring it to a boil. Add a hearty amount of baking soda (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) and then carefully place your pan in the water. Reduce the water to a gentle boil and let the pan cook for about 15 to 30 minutes, flipping or rotating it if necessary so that all sides are boiled. You should start to see brown residue flaking off. Using tongs and silicone oven mitts, remove the pan carefully. Then, to create an abrasive slurry to help break down the rest of the stains, add more baking soda and water to the pan and scrub quickly while the pan is still hot.

Scrub with a non-abrasive brush or pad

When cleaning the outside of stainless steel pans, it's important to avoid scratching the surface. Therefore, you should use a non-abrasive brush or pad to scrub the pan.

First, remove any excess grease from the outside bottom of the pan. You can do this by degreasing the surface with white vinegar or dishwashing soap. If the pan is extremely greasy, you may need to use a cream degreaser.

Next, remove any baked-on grime, such as burnt food or cheese. Create a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water. This paste should be thick but spreadable. Spread it over the outside of the pan.

Now it's time to scrub. Use a non-abrasive brush or pad to gently scrub the paste into the surface of the pan until the stains have been lifted. Be careful not to scratch the pan during this process.

Finally, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly before storing it away.

Rinse and dry thoroughly

Rinsing and drying your stainless steel pans are crucial steps in the cleaning process. After scrubbing the pan with a brush or scrubbing pad, you should rinse it with warm water. This will remove any remaining food particles or cleaning agents. Ensure that you thoroughly dry the pan with a clean, absorbent towel or paper towel. This step is important because it prevents water spots and helps to maintain the shine of your stainless steel pans. It is also important to note that you should always let your pan cool down before fully submerging it in cool water to avoid thermal shock, which can cause warping.

Additionally, when drying your pans, it is recommended to use a soft cloth or towel to avoid scratching the surface. Scratches on stainless steel can make the material vulnerable to corrosion. Therefore, it is essential to be gentle during the rinsing and drying process to maintain the quality and longevity of your stainless steel pans.

Moreover, it is worth mentioning that proper drying and storage of your pans can help prevent the development of rust. Stainless steel is susceptible to rusting over time, especially if it is not cared for properly. By ensuring that your pans are thoroughly dried and stored in a dry place, you can help prevent the formation of rust and extend the lifespan of your cookware.

In summary, rinsing and drying your stainless steel pans are vital steps in the cleaning process. These steps help to remove any remaining food or cleaning agents and prevent water spots. Always use warm water to rinse and a soft cloth or towel to dry, being gentle to avoid scratching the surface. Proper rinsing and drying can also help prevent rust and maintain the shine of your stainless steel cookware.

For tough stains, try a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend

For tough stains on the outside of your stainless steel pans, Bar Keepers Friend is a great option. This commercial cleaner is designed to clean stainless steel without scratching or damaging the surface. It is available in both powdered and liquid formats, and a little goes a long way.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, start by moistening the pan, making sure any burnt food or stains are saturated. Sprinkle the cleaner onto the bottom of the pan—you can add a bit of water to form a paste. Using a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth, scrub the paste into the affected area in a circular motion, working from the centre outward. Finally, rinse the pan with clean water and repeat if necessary.

Bar Keepers Friend is an effective way to remove tough stains from stainless steel pans without damaging the surface. It is a gentle yet powerful cleaner that can bring your pans back to life!

Frequently asked questions