Stainless Steel Pan Care: Cleaning Tips For Sparkling Results

Stainless steel pans are a kitchen staple due to their durability, quick and even heating, and low maintenance. However, they are not immune to burnt-on messes and discolouration. Knowing how to clean stainless steel pans properly is essential to keeping them in good condition. With the right techniques and some common household ingredients, you can effectively remove stuck-on food, tough stains, and discolouration, restoring your pans to their original shine. In this article, we will discuss the best methods for cleaning stainless steel pans, including the use of baking soda, vinegar, and commercial cleaners, as well as provide tips for preventing food from sticking and reducing discolouration.

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Pan

Removing stuck-on food

Burnt or stuck-on food in a stainless steel pan can be a challenge to remove, but there are several effective methods to restore your pan to its former glory. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive tips to tackle this issue:

Using Commercial Cleaners:

• Bar Keeper's Friend: Sprinkle the powder on the affected area, add a little water to form a paste, and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse the pan afterward. This product contains oxalic acid, which is effective against rust and calcium deposits.
• Make It Like New Cleaner: Add a small amount of this cleaner and some warm water to your pan. Scrub thoroughly with a soft sponge to remove stains and discolouration.

Natural Ingredients:

• Vinegar and Baking Soda: Combine vinegar (an acid) and baking soda (a base) in your pan. The reaction will produce carbon dioxide bubbles that help loosen stuck-on food. First, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area, then add a small amount of vinegar. Scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge and rinse it clean.
• Boiled Lemons: Cut two or three lemons into quarters and place them in your pan. Fill the pan with water, covering the stuck-on food, and bring it to a boil. Continue boiling for 5-10 minutes, or until food particles start floating to the surface. Remove the lemons and water, then rinse and scrub the pan to remove any remaining residue.
• Boiling Water: Scrub away as much food as possible with a non-abrasive scrubber. Fill the pan with water and a bit of dish soap, ensuring the stuck-on food is completely submerged. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool before scraping away the loosened food with a spatula.

Other Methods:

• Dishwasher Tablet: Cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it over low heat. Scrape the tablet over the burnt areas, then rinse and wash the pan with warm, soapy water.
• Aluminium Foil and Baking Soda: Make a paste with baking soda and a bit of water, then apply it to the burnt areas of the pan. Use a piece of crumpled aluminium foil to scrub the paste around in a circular motion until all the food bits and stains are removed. Rinse the pan with warm, soapy water.

Remember to always let your stainless steel pan cool down before cleaning and avoid using abrasive tools or harsh cleaners, as these can damage the surface.

Using baking soda and vinegar

Vinegar and baking soda are effective cleaning agents for stainless steel pans. Vinegar, in particular, is a wonder cleaner for tough kitchen stains. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your stainless steel pan using vinegar and baking soda:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Place half an inch of water in the pan. If you are dealing with a very stubborn stain, like burnt food, add a few tablespoons of white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the water.

Step 2: Boil the Solution

Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. Let the water boil for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Turn off the heat and add 3 tablespoons of baking soda to the pan. The solution will start to foam.

Step 4: Cool the Solution

Allow the solution to cool down. It should be cool enough to handle but still hot.

Step 5: Scour the Pan

Scour the pan with a sponge. You can also allow the pan to soak in the solution for 15 to 20 minutes before scouring.

Step 6: Rinse and Wash the Pan

Rinse the pan and wash it with dish soap and a sponge or scourer, especially if you have used vinegar, to remove any odour.

Tips:

• For tougher stains, you can repeat the process or leave the baking soda paste on overnight.
• Always dry your pan immediately after washing to prevent water spots.
• Avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach on your stainless steel pans, as these can damage the surface.

Removing heat stains

Heat stains on stainless steel pans are simple to remove and can be tackled with a few common household products. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wash the Pan

First, wash the pan with a soft cloth dipped in hot water and a few drops of dishwashing soap. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the stainless coating and cause rusting. Dry the pan thoroughly with a towel.

Step 2: Apply Vinegar

Dip a soft cloth in vinegar and rub it over the heat-stained areas. The heat streaks should start to transfer onto the cloth. Continue rubbing vigorously until no more streaks come off. Rinse the pan with water.

Step 3: Use Club Soda

If heat stains remain, moisten a clean, soft cloth with club soda. Rub the cloth vigorously over the heat-stained areas in a circular motion. Keep the surface moist by applying additional club soda as needed. This step may require some elbow grease and persistence, but even prominent stains can be removed with this method.

Step 4: Final Wipe

Once the heat stains are removed, wipe the pan with a damp sponge to remove any residue. Dry the pan thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Additional Tips:

• For extra protection from heat damage and to remove any remaining streaks, rub the pan with a small amount of olive oil. Use a dry cloth to remove any excess oil before storing the pan.
• To prevent heat stains in the first place, avoid placing hot pans directly on stainless steel surfaces.
• Always allow your stainless steel pan to cool down before running it under water, as the temperature change can cause warping.

Polishing and maintenance

Now that your stainless steel pan is clean, it's time to make it shine! Here are some tips to keep your pan polished and well-maintained:

• Always hand-dry your stainless steel pan with a clean dish towel after washing. Leaving it to air dry can cause unsightly water spots to form.
• To remove fingerprints, simply wipe the surface with some glass cleaner and a paper towel.
• For water spots, wipe the pan with a damp sponge sprinkled with baking soda.
• To keep your pan looking brand-new, establish a regular cleaning routine.
• For a deeper shine, polish your pan with a stainless steel polish and a clean, soft cloth.
• To remove scorch marks, fill the pan with enough water to cover the marks, add a few spoonfuls of baking soda, and bring to a boil. Let it cool, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.
• For tougher stains, soak your pan in warm, soapy water for several hours or overnight. Drain the water, scrub with a sponge, and repeat if necessary. Avoid using steel wool or scourers as they can damage the surface.
• To remove burn marks, make sure the pan is completely dry, then sprinkle baking soda generously on the surface. Rub it with a dry cloth or sponge. You can also add a little water to create an abrasive paste.
• For more serious burn marks, fill the pan with water, add a few spoonfuls of salt (or lemon juice/white vinegar), and bring to a boil. Let it soak for several hours, then scrub with a sponge.
• To prevent food from sticking, preheat your pan before adding oil, and wait until the oil is hot before adding food.
• To prevent scorch marks, ensure there is enough fat or liquid in the pan and that the pan is hot before adding any ingredients.
• Store your pans properly to keep them safe from scratches. Use cookware protectors when stacking to avoid scratching the surfaces.

Removing discolouration

Discolouration on stainless steel pans is often caused by overheating. While these stains won't come out with regular dish soap, there are several ways to remove them.

One method is to use vinegar. Splash some vinegar into the pan and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge, rinse with cold water, and wipe dry with a microfiber towel.

Another option is to use baking soda and lemon. Wet the bottom of the pan, sprinkle generously with baking soda, and scrub with the cut side of a lemon. Switch to a scrubby sponge if needed.

For more stubborn stains, Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish can be very effective. Apply it directly to the stains, wet a sponge, and rub back and forth. For even better results, use the cleanser with steel wool.

It's important to note that you should always let your stainless steel pan cool down before cleaning and avoid using abrasive tools or harsh cleaners, as these can damage the surface.

Frequently asked questions