Cleaning Steel Pans: Easy And Effective Methods

Stainless steel pans are a kitchen essential, but they can be a pain to clean. While stainless steel is designed to resist corrosion and rust, it is not impervious to burnt-on food and stains. With everyday use, your pan will likely encounter water spots, discolouration, and other stubborn marks. But with some simple ingredients and a bit of elbow grease, you can restore your pan's shiny, spot-free finish. Here are some tips and techniques to help you clean and maintain your stainless steel pans.

How to Clean Steel Pan

Hand-washing steel pans

Step 1: Cool Down and Initial Rinse

Always let your steel pan cool down before running it under cold water. The temperature shock can cause permanent warping. Once the pan is fully cooled, rinse off excess food with warm water.

Step 2: Soak

Fill the pan with warm, soapy water and let it soak for a few minutes. This will help loosen any stuck-on food.

Step 3: Scrub

Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to scrub the pan with warm, soapy water. For tougher stains, a soft sponge or cloth can be used, but more elbow grease will be required. Be sure to pay special attention to any stubborn food residue or stains.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water and dry it immediately with a microfiber cloth or soft towel. This will help prevent water spots.

Removing Stuck-on Food:

If you have bits of stuck-on food, there are a few methods you can try:

• Fill the pan with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap. Bring the water to a simmer and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a wooden or nylon scraper to gently remove the stuck-on food.
• Sprinkle the surface of the pan with baking soda, fill the pan with water, and bring it to a boil. Simmer until most of the water has evaporated, then scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge and wash in hot, soapy water.
• For burnt-on grease, boil water with some baking soda in the pan. When the water is hot, use a wooden utensil to scrape off the grease.

Removing Tougher Stains and Discoloration:

For tougher stains or discolouration, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be used. Sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the pan and add a small amount of white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub the pan gently with a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft towel.

For heat stains, sprinkle baking soda or cream of tartar onto the affected areas. Moisten the surface and gently rub in a circular motion with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse and dry to reveal a clean, shiny surface.

Polishing:

To maintain the shine of your steel pan, regular polishing is necessary. Apply a small amount of stainless steel cleaner or a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to a soft cloth. Gently rub the surface of the pan in circular motions to remove any water spots or fingerprints.

Tips:

• Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or metal scourers, as they can scratch the surface of your steel pan.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific washing tips.
• To prevent warping, never fully submerge a hot pan in cold water.
• To prevent food from sticking, preheat your pan before adding oil.

Removing stuck-on food

To remove stuck-on food from a steel pan, you can try the following methods:

Using Baking Soda and Water

Add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to your scorched pan, and 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.

Using Dish Detergent and Water

Add 1 tablespoon of powdered dish detergent and 1 cup of water to your pan. Bring the mixture to a boil and wait 15 minutes. Then, turn off the stove, dump out the hot water, and scrub your pan with a heavy-duty scrub sponge.

Using Lemon Juice and Hot Water

Chop up 2 lemons into 8 pieces. Cover the bottom of your pan with the lemon slices. Pour in 1–2 cups of water so you cover the scorched bottom of the pan. Bring the water to a boil. Wait for the water to cool, dump it out, and scrub away grime and crust with a kitchen brush.

Using Salt and Dish Detergent

Coat the bottom of your pan with a thin layer of salt (1-2 tablespoons). Then, pour in 1–2 cups of water and add 1-2 drops of liquid dish detergent. Scrub away burnt food particles and scorch marks with a dish brush.

Using Alka-Seltzer Tablets and Hot Water

Pour 1–2 cups of water into the pan and bring it to a boil. Once it bubbles, drop in 3-4 Alka-Seltzer tablets. Turn off the heat, let the tablets fizz, and wait 1 hour. When you return, add 1-2 drops of liquid dish detergent to a heavy-duty scrub sponge and wipe away the burnt food.

Using Bar Keepers Friend

Run your dirty pan under hot water and drain. Then, wearing rubber gloves, make a paste by rubbing a few tablespoons of Bar Keepers Friend with the residual water in your pan. Spread the paste over the burnt debris and let it sit for 60 seconds. Rinse your pan with hot water and scrub away the loosened burnt-on food with a sponge, brush, or scouring pad.

Using Vinegar and Baking Soda

Pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar into your pot. Then, drizzle 1 tablespoon of baking soda over the stains in your pot. As the mixture bubbles, rub away the scorched food with a 6-inch square piece of aluminum foil. Wash your pot when you’re done to remove any food particles or flakes of aluminum foil.

Using baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Remove Excess Food and Debris

Start by scraping out any excess food and debris from the pan. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to dislodge as much of the burnt-on food as possible.

Step 2: Add Vinegar to the Pan

Pour enough white vinegar into the pan to cover the bottom with at least half an inch of liquid. You can also add a mixture of half vinegar and half water if preferred.

Step 3: Boil the Vinegar

Place the pan on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes. This helps to loosen and break down the burnt food and stains.

Step 4: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add baking soda to it. Add about one cup of baking soda, or enough to cover the bottom of the pan. The baking soda will react with the vinegar, creating a fizzing reaction. This reaction helps to further loosen the burnt residue.

Step 5: Wait for the Fizzing to Stop

Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop completely. This may take a few minutes. It is best to do this step in the sink, as the reaction can be quite vigorous.

Step 6: Discard the Liquid

Once the fizzing has stopped, carefully discard the liquid from the pan. Pour it down the sink, being careful not to splash any of the liquid onto your skin or surrounding surfaces.

Step 7: Scrub the Pan

Using a nylon scrub brush or a non-abrasive scouring sponge, scrub the pan to remove any remaining burnt-on food or stains. Add more baking soda to the pan as needed to create a mild abrasive scrub.

Step 8: Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any residual baking soda and vinegar. Dry the pan completely with a clean cloth or paper towel.

This method of using baking soda and vinegar is a powerful and natural way to clean your stainless steel pans without causing damage. It is important to note that you should never use abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach on your stainless steel pans, as these can permanently damage the surface. With these steps, your pans will be sparkling clean and ready for your next culinary adventure!

Removing heat stains

To remove heat stains from your steel pan, you will need vinegar, water, a sponge, and a microfiber cloth.

First, add vinegar to your pan and let it sit for a few minutes. The amount of vinegar you add will depend on the size of your pan and the extent of the staining. You can also add a few tablespoons of vinegar to the pan and dilute it with water.

Next, use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the pan. Be sure to scrub in a circular motion to effectively remove the stains. Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the pan with cold water and dry it with a microfiber cloth.

If the heat stains are particularly stubborn, you can try making a baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with water in a small bowl until it forms a paste-like consistency. Then, use a soft sponge to apply the paste to the stained areas of the pan and scrub in a circular motion. Wash the pan, rinse it, and dry it thoroughly.

For blue-ish rainbow heat stains, you can also try using lemon. Place one or two halves of a lemon in the pan and submerge them with water. Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for about 10 minutes. Once the water has cooled, pour it out and use the leftover lemons and juice to rub the bottom and sides of the pan. Then, use a scourer to wipe away any remaining stains and rinse the pan under warm water. Finally, wash the pan with washing-up liquid and a clean sponge.

Polishing and maintenance

To keep your steel pans in good condition, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some tips to keep your steel pans looking their best:

• Always allow your steel pan to cool down before cleaning. Never submerge a hot pan in cold water as this can cause warping due to thermal shock.
• For everyday cleaning, use hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or scouring pad. Avoid using steel wool or other harsh scrubbers as they can scratch the surface of your pan.
• To remove stuck-on food, fill the pan with soapy water, bring it to a boil, and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape away the residue. Then, wash the pan as usual.
• For tougher stains and burnt-on food, create a mixture of baking soda and water in the pan. Bring it to a boil and simmer until the water evaporates. Turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool. Then, scrub away the buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash with hot soapy water.
• To remove discoloration, splash some vinegar in the pan and wipe the area with a soft sponge. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly.
• To prevent water spots, dry your steel pan immediately after washing.
• To maintain the shine and polish of your steel pan, you can use a specialised stainless steel cleaner, such as Mauviel Inobrill Stainless Steel Cleaner.
• For more challenging stains, you can use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• To prevent food from sticking, preheat your pan before adding oil. When cooking, move the food around frequently to prevent scorch marks.
• To store your steel pans, use cookware protectors between each pan to avoid scratching their surfaces.

Frequently asked questions