Stainless Steel Pan Cleaning: Removing Spots And Stains

Stainless steel pans are a kitchen staple, but they can be a pain to clean. They are durable and excellent at conducting heat, but over time, they can build up burnt-on food and stains from frequent use. The good news is that with the right techniques and products, you can restore your stainless steel pans to their former glory. Here are some tips and tricks to help you clean spots and stains from your stainless steel pans.

How to remove stuck-on food from stainless steel pans

To remove stuck-on food from stainless steel pans, it is important to avoid scratches, scrapes, and chlorides from cleaners, hard water, or salt. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Always let your stainless steel pan cool down before running it under cold water. The temperature shock can cause permanent warping.
• Rinse off excess food with warm water.
• Soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a few minutes.
• For stuck-on food bits, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue and bring it to a boil. You can also use a couple of spoons of baking soda instead of soap.
• Scrape the food bits with a spatula or wooden spoon. The food should come away easily.
• Allow the pan to cool, then wash as usual.
• For tougher messes, including burnt food or oil, you can use a commercial cleaner or baking soda.
• Sprinkle the cleaner or a few spoonfuls of baking soda at the bottom of the pan.
• Add enough water to cover the burnt areas.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.
• Turn off the heat and wait until the pan is cool enough to handle.
• Scrub away buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash in hot, soapy water.

Note: Always use a non-abrasive or “stainless steel-approved scrubber”. Stay away from mechanically abrasive scrubbers like steel wool or wire scrubbers. When stainless steel is scratched, it becomes vulnerable to corrosion.

How to clean stainless steel pans with vinegar

Vinegar is an effective ingredient for removing unsightly discolouration from your stainless steel pans. This type of stain is often caused by overheating. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean stainless steel pans with vinegar:

Step 1: Fill your pan with water and vinegar

Fill your pan with half an inch of water and a cup of household vinegar.

Step 2: Bring the solution to a boil

Place the pan on your stove and turn on the heat. Allow the solution to boil.

Step 3: Turn off the heat and add baking soda

Once the solution is boiling, turn off the heat and add 3 tablespoons of baking soda. The solution will begin to foam.

Step 4: Allow the solution to cool

Let the solution cool down until it is safe to handle. The pan should still be hot, but not so hot that it will burn your hands.

Step 5: Scour the pan with a sponge

Use a sponge to scour and scrub the pan. You can also allow the pan to soak in the solution for 15 to 20 minutes before scouring.

Step 6: Rinse and dry the pan

Rinse the pan with water to remove any remaining residue. Dry the pan thoroughly with a towel or microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

Additional tips:

• Always let your stainless steel pan cool down before running it under cold water to avoid permanent warping.
• For tougher stains, you can make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the stains with a sponge. Let the paste sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse and scrub any stubborn areas.
• To prevent water spots, always dry your pans immediately after washing.

How to remove burn marks from stainless steel pans

To remove burn marks from stainless steel pans, you can try the following methods:

Using a Commercial Cleaner

First, moisten the pan, making sure the burnt areas are saturated. Next, sprinkle a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend onto the bottom of the pan to form a paste. Scrub the paste into the scorched areas with a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth, then rinse the pan with clean water. Repeat the process if the burn marks are still visible.

Boiling Water

Scrub away as much food as possible with a non-abrasive scrubber. Then, fill the pan with water and a bit of dish soap, ensuring that any stuck-on food is completely submerged. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes before removing it from the heat and allowing it to cool. The food should now be loosened enough to be scraped away with a spatula. If this method doesn't work, repeat the process or try one of the techniques below.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Fill the bottom of your pan with water, making sure to cover any stuck-on food. Once the pan is filled, 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, then empty the pan. Use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to remove any remaining food particles.

Baking Soda

Make 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 burn marks. 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.

Baking Soda and Dish Soap

Make a paste using gentle 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.

Soda

If you're looking to remove burnt oil from your stainless steel pan, soda may be a surprising solution. This method also works well on sticky, stuck-on substances like caramel. Pour enough cola into the pan to cover the burnt areas, then bring the soda to a gentle simmer. Once it's simmering, remove from the heat and use a spatula to scrape away the burnt oil or other substances.

How to prevent water spots on stainless steel pans

Water spots on stainless steel pans can be a real eyesore and are often caused by hard water or overheating. Luckily, there are several ways to prevent water spots from forming and remove them if they do. Here are some tips to help you keep your stainless steel pans looking spotless:

Preventing Water Spots

• Dry your pans immediately after washing: This is the best way to prevent water spots from forming. Use a microfiber cloth or towel to ensure your pans are completely dry before putting them away.
• Salt your water after it has started boiling: Salting water before it boils can cause "pitting corrosion," which leaves tiny, irreparable pockmarks on the bottom of your pan.
• Heat your pan before adding oil: Adding oil to a hot pan can create a temporarily non-stick surface, making it easier to cook and clean up afterward.
• Allow cold foods to come to room temperature before cooking: Cold food is more likely to stick to a hot pan, so let refrigerated ingredients like meat sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the pan.
• Preheat your pan on low to medium heat: High heat can cause your pan to overheat, leading to burnt food and a mess that is harder to clean.
• Avoid using cold water on a hot pan: Submerging or soaking a hot pan in cold water can cause warping and damage the surface. Always let your pan cool down before washing it.
• Use non-abrasive cleaners and sponges: Coarse scrubbers and harsh cleaning solutions like bleach can scratch your pan and damage its finish. Instead, opt for gentle, non-abrasive tools and cleaners.

Removing Water Spots

• Use vinegar and water: Combine one part vinegar and three parts water in your pan and bring it to a boil. Let the mixture cool, then wash your pan with soap and water as usual.
• Sprinkle with baking soda: If you have water spots, dampen your pan and rub it with a moist sponge that has been sprinkled with baking soda. Rinse as usual.
• Boil water and baking soda: For tougher water spots, add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to your pan and enough water to cover the spots. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat, wait for the pan to cool, then scrub away buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash in hot, soapy water.

Remember to always consult your manufacturer's instructions for specific washing tips and to avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive tools that can damage your stainless steel pans. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your pans looking brand new!

How to clean stainless steel pans with baking soda

To clean stainless steel pans with baking soda, start by sprinkling the surface of your pan generously with baking soda. Then, fill the pan with enough water to cover the stuck-on food or fill it with enough water to come a quarter of the way up the pan. Next, place the pan on a stove and bring the water to a boil. Turn off the heat and once the water is cool enough to handle, scrub away the buildup with a non-abrasive sponge. Finally, wash the pan in hot, soapy water.

For bigger, tougher stains, Geri Porter, the longtime kitchen manager for Martha Stewart, suggests adding a small mound of baking soda to the centre of the pan, covering it with about 1/4 cup of water, and bringing it to a boil. As the water evaporates, it will leave a film of baking soda that you can scrub off. When most of the water has boiled off, turn off the heat and use a long-handled brush or scouring pad to scrub away the mess.

For years' worth of built-up scorch marks, try 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. Then, add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda and carefully place your pan in the water. Reduce the heat to a gentle boil and let the pan cook for about 15 to 30 minutes, flipping or rotating it to ensure all sides are boiled.

To clean the outside of a stainless steel pan, lay a tea towel on your countertop and place the pan upside down on it. Sprinkle baking soda over the back of the pan and let it sit for 10-20 minutes for lighter stains, or longer for tougher stains. Squeeze the juice of a lemon over the pan and use a wet pot brush or copper cloth to scour the dirt off. Finally, rinse the pan and clean it with washing-up liquid.

Frequently asked questions