Steel Wool Cleaning: Sparkling Steel Pans In Minutes

Steel wool is an extremely abrasive material and should only be used as a last resort for cleaning steel pans. While it will definitely get your pan clean, you will need to reseason it afterward. With your steel wool, gently scrub the parts of your pan that need cleaning, then rinse. It is important to note that steel wool can scratch stainless steel surfaces, making them vulnerable to corrosion. Therefore, it is recommended to use non-abrasive tools and cleaners to avoid damaging the finish of your steel pan.

How to clean steel pan with steel wool

How to clean steel pans with baking soda and vinegar

It is important to know how to clean steel pans properly. With a few common household ingredients and some elbow grease, you can restore your pans' shiny, spot-free finish.

Step 1: Scrape Stuck-On Food

If there are stuck-on food bits in your pan, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue. Bring it to a boil and use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape away the food bits. Allow the pan to cool, then wash it with hot, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.

Step 2: Boil with Water and Baking Soda

For tougher messes, including burnt food or oil, you will need more abrasive cleaning. Add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to your pan and enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring this to a boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.

Step 3: Scrub and Wash Again

Turn off the heat and wait until the pan is cool enough to handle. Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub away any remaining buildup. Wash the pan again in hot, soapy water.

Step 4: Remove Discoloration with Vinegar

Once your pan is clean, you may notice some rainbow-colored discoloration on the surface. This is typically caused by overheating the pan. To remove it, simply splash some vinegar into the pan and wipe the area with a soft sponge. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly.

Step 5: Boil with Vinegar and Water

If you notice white, cloudy residue on your steel pans, this is likely due to hard water. To remove this chalky buildup, bring a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to a boil in the pan. Let it cool, then wash the pan with soap and water.

Additional Tips:

• Always let your cookware cool down before cleaning to avoid warping.
• Never use abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach on your steel pans, as these can damage the surface.
• To prevent water spots, dry your cookware immediately after washing.
• To prevent food from sticking, preheat your pan before adding oil.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your steel pans with baking soda and vinegar, removing even the toughest stains and restoring their shine.

How to remove burnt food from steel pans

To remove burnt food from steel pans, you can try the following methods:

Method 1: Rinse and Soak

• Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any food residue.
• Fill the pan with warm, soapy water and let it soak for 5-15 minutes.
• Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the pan, paying attention to any stubborn spots.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water.
• Dry immediately with a soft towel to avoid spots that are easily visible on stainless steel.

Method 2: Boil with Water and Baking Soda

• Fill the pan with water and add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda.
• Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let the water cool, ensuring the pan is also cool.
• Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the pan.
• Rinse thoroughly with water.
• Dry immediately with a soft towel to avoid spots that are easily visible on stainless steel.

Method 3: Use a Commercial Cleaner

• Moisten the pan, making sure to saturate the burnt food.
• Sprinkle a commercial cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend onto the bottom of the pan to form a paste.
• Scrub the paste into the scorched food with a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth.
• Rinse the pan with clean water.
• Repeat the process if the burn marks are still present.

Method 4: Remove Burnt Food with Boiling Water

• Scrub away as much food as possible with a non-abrasive scrubber.
• Fill the pot or pan with water and a bit of dish soap.
• Ensure 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 the pot cool.
• Scrape the loosened food with a spatula.
• Repeat the process if this method doesn't work.

Method 5: Remove Burnt Food with Vinegar and Baking Soda

• Fill the bottom of your pot or pan with water, enough to cover the stuck-on food.
• Once the pot or pan has been filled with water, 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 together and empty the pan.
• Use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to rid the pan of any remaining food particles.

Method 6: Removing Burn Marks with Baking Soda

• Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the bottom of the dry pan.
• Use a dry cloth to rub the baking soda into the burn marks.
• Add a small amount of water to the baking soda to make a paste if you prefer.
• Rinse off any excess baking soda and dry.

Please note that while steel wool can be used to clean steel pans, it is extremely abrasive and should only be used as a last resort as it will require you to reseason your pan afterward.

How to dry steel pans to avoid water spots

To dry steel pans and avoid water spots, it is recommended to dry them immediately after washing. Using a microfiber cloth is ideal, but you can also use paper towels or a cotton cloth. If you want to avoid marks, you can let the pan air-dry, but this is not necessary.

• After washing your steel pan, ensure that you dry it off immediately. Use a clean, absorbent microfiber cloth to wipe down the pan. This will help to prevent water spots and keep your pan looking spotless.
• If you don't have a microfiber cloth, you can use paper towels to absorb any remaining water. Make sure to wipe down the entire pan, including the handles and exterior, to prevent water spots and rust.
• For a more sustainable option, consider using cotton dish cloths or towels. These can be washed and reused, reducing waste.
• While it is not necessary to go through a special drying procedure, if you want to avoid all water spots, you can let the pan cool down before drying it with a cloth or towel. This will help to reduce the appearance of water spots as they tend to become more visible when the pan is dry.
• If you do notice water spots on your steel pan, you can remove them by sprinkling baking soda on a damp sponge and wiping down the pan. This will help to eliminate smaller water spots and keep your pan looking pristine.
• Additionally, remember to always let your steel pan cool down before running it under cold water to avoid permanent warping.

How to remove discoloration from steel pans

Discoloration on steel pans is typically caused by overheating the pan. To remove discoloration, you can try the following methods:

Using Vinegar

Splash some vinegar into the pan and wipe the discolored area with a soft sponge before rinsing and drying the pan fully. For white calcium build-up stains, make a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water and boil in the pan. Let it cool, then wash the pan with soap and water.

Using Baking Soda

Dampen the surface of the pan and rub it with a moist sponge that has been sprinkled with baking soda. Rinse as usual.

Using Bar Keeper's Friend

Pour a small amount of water into the pan and add a few shakes of Bar Keeper's Friend. Create a paste or slurry by mixing the two together. Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge to remove the stains.

Using Lemon Juice

Apply lemon juice to the pan and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the pan with a sponge or cloth. For more intense stains, add a small scoop of baking soda and gently rub with half a lemon or a soft cloth or sponge.

How to clean steel pans with steel wool without scratching them

Steel wool is an extremely abrasive cleaning tool and should only be used as a last resort when cleaning steel pans. Before resorting to steel wool, try the following methods:

Method One: Wipe It Out

First, wipe out your pan with a paper towel, kitchen towel, or microfiber cloth—no water or dish soap required. This method is quick and easy and should be enough to clean up after a meal that didn't leave behind any stubborn residue.

Method Two: Coarse Salt and Oil

If you're dealing with stubborn residue, add 2 tablespoons each of a neutral oil (like grapeseed or canola) and some coarse salt to your cooled pan. Using a kitchen or paper towel, rub the salt and oil all over the inside of the pan. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive, helping to scrape up burnt-on food remnants and any polymerized oil. Once you've removed as much of the mess as possible, thoroughly wipe your pan to get rid of the oil, salt, and food residue.

Method Three: Boiled Water

If your ingredients are stuck to your pan, add just enough water to cover the bottom of your pan, then bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once the water has come to a boil, start gently scraping the bottom of your pan with a wooden or rubber spatula to loosen any burnt-on food. Continue scraping until you’ve removed as much of the residue as possible. Dump out all the water and residue, then wipe clean with a kitchen or paper towel.

Method Four: Commercial Cleaners

Before trying any other method, reach for a gentle but effective commercial cleaner like Barkeeper's Friend. These cleaners are designed to clean without scratching or damaging steel surfaces. If you're removing burnt food or scorch marks, the powdered formula works best. Simply moisten the pan, sprinkle the cleaner onto the bottom to form a paste, scrub the paste into the scorched food with a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth, and then rinse. Repeat if necessary.

Method Five: Boiling Water and Baking Soda

Add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to your scorched pan, and enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring 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.

Method Six: Vinegar and Baking Soda

Fill the bottom of your pot or pan with water, enough to cover the stuck-on food. Once the pot or pan has been filled with water, add 1 cup of vinegar and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from the heat and add in 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Briefly mix together and empty the pan. Use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to rid the pan of any remaining food particles.

General Tips:

• Always let your pan cool down before cleaning to avoid warping.
• Avoid abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner, as these can permanently damage the surface.
• To prevent water spots, always dry pans immediately after washing.
• To prevent food from sticking, preheat your pan before adding oil, then wait until the oil is hot to start cooking.
• Remember that cold foods are likelier to stick to a hot pan, so allow refrigerated ingredients to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking.

Frequently asked questions