Cleaning Stainless Steel Pans: Easy And Effective Methods

Stainless steel pans are a kitchen staple due to their durability and ability to heat up quickly and evenly. However, they are not impervious to burnt-on messes and discolouration. To keep your stainless steel pans looking brand new, it is important to know how to clean them properly. Here are some tips and techniques to help you maintain the shine and functionality of your stainless steel pans.

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Pan

Hand-washing is best

Although many types of stainless-steel pans are marketed as dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is the best way to clean them and preserve their finish. Firstly, always let your pan cool down before cleaning to avoid warping. Never use abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach on stainless-steel pans, as these can permanently damage the surface.

For everyday cleanup, scrub your pan with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. If you have stuck-on food, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue, bring it to a boil, and scrape with a wooden spoon. Allow the pan to cool, then wash as usual.

For tougher stains, including burnt food or oil, you can try a paste made from baking soda and a small amount of water. Spread this paste over the stained area and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge and hot, soapy water. You can also use a commercial cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend, following the manufacturer's directions.

To remove discoloration on your stainless-steel pans, splash some vinegar in the pan and wipe the area with a soft sponge before rinsing and drying fully. Hard water can also leave white, cloudy residue on your pans. To remove this, bring a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to a boil in the pan, then wash with soap and water.

Use baking soda and vinegar

Vinegar and baking soda are effective ingredients for cleaning stainless steel pans. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

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

Step 2: Boil the Solution

Bring the solution to a boil. Boiling the water and vinegar will help loosen up the stains.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Turn off the heat and add 3 tablespoons of baking soda to the pan. The baking soda will react with the vinegar and water, creating a fizzing solution that will help lift away any remaining residue.

Step 4: Let the Solution Cool

Allow the solution to cool down slightly. It should still be hot but not so hot that it will burn your hands. During this time, the baking soda will continue to work on the stains.

Step 5: Scour the Pan

Once the solution has cooled slightly, use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to scour the pan. The stains should come away easily at this point. If needed, you can also let the pan soak in the solution for 15 to 20 minutes before scouring.

Step 6: Rinse and Wash

Rinse the pan with water to remove any remaining residue. Then, wash the pan with mild dish soap and warm water, using a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away any remaining dirt and residue.

Tips:

• Always dry your stainless steel pans thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots and stains.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaners and scrubbers like steel wool, as these can scratch and damage the finish of your stainless steel pans.

Avoid harsh chemicals

To clean stainless steel pans, it is important to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive tools that can damage the surface of the pan. Here are some tips to help you clean your stainless steel pans effectively while avoiding harsh chemicals:

• Always let the pan cool down before cleaning: Submerging or soaking a hot stainless steel pan in cold water can cause warping and damage the surface.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners: Stay away from harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or oven cleaner. These can damage the surface of your pan and affect its performance.
• Use non-abrasive tools: Opt for non-abrasive sponges, scrubbers, or soft cloths to clean your pan. Avoid steel wool, wire scrubbers, or coarse scrubbers as they can scratch the surface and make it vulnerable to corrosion.
• Choose gentle commercial cleaners: For burnt-on food or tough stains, consider using a gentle commercial cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend. Follow the instructions on the package, and always test on a small area first.
• Natural alternatives: Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice are effective natural alternatives to harsh chemicals. They can help remove stains, stuck-on food, and discoloration.
• Soak and scrub: For routine cleaning, soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a few minutes and then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.
• Rinse and dry: After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the pan with clean water and dry it completely with a microfiber cloth or towel.

By following these tips and choosing gentle, non-abrasive methods, you can effectively clean your stainless steel pans without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Remove heat stains

To remove heat stains from your stainless steel pans, you can use vinegar, lemon, or baking soda.

For the vinegar method, add equal parts vinegar and water to your pan and bring it to a boil. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool completely before pouring the liquid down the sink. Clean your pan with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge, ensuring that no vinegar residue is left behind.

For the lemon method, place one or two lemon halves in your pan and add enough water to submerge them. Bring the water to a boil and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Once the water is cool enough to handle, 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 before washing with soap.

For the baking soda method, add enough baking soda to cover the bottom of your pan and boil some water. Pour the boiled water into the pan until it is about one-quarter full. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. If you have a very stubborn stain, you can add a few tablespoons of white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the water before boiling. Let the water boil for about 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it cool. Once cool enough to handle, rinse the pan and wipe away the stains with a sponge. Finally, wash the pan with soap and a sponge or scourer, especially if you've used vinegar, to remove any odour.

Polish with a soft cloth

Once you've cleaned your stainless steel pan, it's time to polish it with a soft cloth to give it that extra shine and ensure it's free of water spots and fingerprints. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• After rinsing and washing your pan, dry it off initially with a towel or paper towel.
• Take a soft cloth and apply a small amount of stainless steel cleaner or a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to it. You can also use a specialised stainless steel polish, such as Mauviel Inobrill Stainless Steel Cleaner.
• Gently rub the surface of the pan in circular motions with the soft cloth. Ensure you cover the entire surface, including the sides and bottom.
• Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue from the cleaner or polish.
• Dry the pan thoroughly with a soft towel or microfiber cloth. Ensure there are no water spots left on the surface.
• Admire your stainless steel pan's restored shine!

Polishing your stainless steel pan with a soft cloth and the right cleaning solution will help maintain its lustre and keep it looking brand new. It's an important step to ensure your pan remains in pristine condition and a valuable asset in your kitchen.

Frequently asked questions