Deep Cleaning Stainless Steel Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Stainless steel pans are a kitchen staple, but they can be a pain to clean. While they are designed to resist corrosion and rust, they are not impervious to burnt-on food and stains. The best way to clean stainless steel pans is to prevent stains from happening in the first place. Allow refrigerated ingredients to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking and preheat your pan before adding oil. When cooking pasta, wait to add salt until the water is boiling to avoid pitting corrosion. After cooking, always let your pan cool down before cleaning to avoid warping. For everyday cleanup, scrub your pan with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. For stuck-on food, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue, bring to a boil, and scrape with a spatula or wooden spoon. For tougher stains, a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water can be used.

Soak in warm, soapy water

Soaking your stainless steel pans in warm, soapy water is an effective way to deep clean them and remove stubborn spots or stuck-on food. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any loose food residue.
• Fill the pan with warm water and add a suitable dish soap or washing-up liquid. Ensure the water level is high enough to cover any stubborn spots or stuck-on food.
• Let the pan soak for 5 to 15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the condition of your pan. For tougher stains, you may need to soak for a longer period or even overnight.
• After soaking, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the pan, paying special attention to any stubborn spots or stuck-on food. A non-abrasive sponge is recommended to avoid scratching the surface of the pan.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining soap or residue.
• Dry the pan immediately with a soft, absorbent towel or microfiber cloth. This step is crucial to avoid water spots, which are more visible on stainless steel.

By following these steps, you can effectively deep clean your stainless steel pans and restore them to their former glory. Remember to wear protective gloves when handling hot water and cleaning agents, and always allow your pans to cool completely before soaking and scrubbing to prevent warping.

Use baking soda and vinegar

To deep clean your stainless steel pans with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Fill the bottom of your pan with water, ensuring there is enough to cover any stuck-on food.

Step 2: Boil with Vinegar

Add a cup of vinegar to the water and bring it to a boil. Once the mixture is boiling, remove the pan from the heat.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Add two to three tablespoons of baking soda to the pan. The solution will begin to foam.

Step 4: Soak

Let the solution soak for 15 to 20 minutes. This will help loosen any burnt-on food and stains.

Step 5: Scour

Once the solution has slightly cooled, use a non-abrasive sponge to scour the pan. If there are any stubborn areas, repeat the process.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it completely before using or storing it.

Additional Tips:

Always let your stainless steel pans cool down before cleaning them. Avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach or ammonia, and stay clear of abrasive sponges or steel wool pads as they can scratch the material.

Remove discolouration with lemon juice

Lemon juice is an effective way to remove discolouration from stainless steel pans. The acidity of the lemon juice helps to lift stains and discolouration. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, ensure your pan is cool before cleaning. Then, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any food residue. Next, squeeze lemon juice onto the discoloured areas of the pan. Allow the lemon juice to sit for a few minutes. The length of time will depend on how tough the discolouration is. For tougher stains, you can also add a small scoop of baking soda and gently rub with half a lemon or a soft cloth or sponge.

Once the lemon juice has been allowed to work on the discolouration, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the pan, taking care not to scratch the surface. Rinse the pan thoroughly with water and dry immediately with a soft towel. This will help to prevent water spots, which are more visible on stainless steel.

Lemon juice is a great natural alternative to harsh cleaning products, which can sometimes damage the surface of your pans. It is always best to start with the gentlest approach and work your way up to more abrasive products if needed.

If you are looking to remove blueish rainbow stains from your pan, vinegar is a more effective solution. Simply add some white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the affected area, dilute it with water, and rub the solution into the pan with a sponge or soft cloth.

Use a soft sponge to scrub

To deep clean your stainless steel pans, you will need to use a soft sponge to scrub away any remaining residue after soaking or boiling with water and an additional cleaning agent. Here is a detailed guide:

Firstly, it is important to let your pan cool down before running it under water or beginning the cleaning process. This is because a sudden change in temperature can cause warping and permanent damage to your pan. Once the pan is cool, rinse off any excess food or residue with warm water.

Next, you can choose to soak your pan in warm, soapy water for a few minutes, or for tougher stains, boil your pan with water and an additional cleaning agent such as baking soda, vinegar, or a commercial cleaner. For example, you can fill your pan with water and add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda, bringing it to a boil and letting it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool before scrubbing with a soft sponge.

After your pan has cooled, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub away any remaining residue. Ensure that you scrub both the inside and outside of the pan thoroughly. For more challenging spots, you can use a non-scratch scrub sponge or a softer sponge that requires more elbow grease but leaves fewer scratches.

Finally, rinse your pan thoroughly with warm water and dry it immediately with a soft towel or microfiber cloth. This step is crucial to avoid water spots, which are easily visible on stainless steel.

By following these steps and using a soft sponge for scrubbing, you can effectively deep clean your stainless steel pans, removing even the most stubborn stains.

Dry with a microfiber cloth

Drying your stainless steel pans is an important step in the cleaning process, as it helps to prevent water spots. Always dry your pans immediately after washing. Use a clean, absorbent towel to dry off your pans before putting them away. A microfiber cloth is ideal for this task, as it is soft and won't scratch the surface of your pans. Make sure to wipe down the entire pan, including the inside, outside, handles, and any other nooks and crannies. It is important to ensure that your pan is thoroughly dried to prevent the formation of water spots and to maintain its shiny, spot-free finish.

When drying your pans, it is also a good opportunity to inspect them for any remaining food particles or stains. If you notice any stubborn spots or stuck-on food, you can repeat the cleaning process or use a dedicated stainless steel cookware cleaner to remove them. For tougher stains, you may need to use a commercial cleaner or a baking soda paste. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that the products you use are safe for cookware.

Additionally, when drying your pans, it is important to handle them with care. Stainless steel pans are prone to scratching, so be gentle when wiping them down with a microfiber cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools that can scratch the surface. If necessary, wear protective gloves to protect your hands from hot water and cleaning agents. Proper drying techniques will help to extend the life of your stainless steel pans and keep them looking like new.

Finally, after drying your pans, it is a good idea to polish them with a dedicated stainless steel cleaner. This will help to restore shine and make your pans look brand new. You can use a product like Mauviel Inobrill Stainless Steel Cleaner and polish it with the sponge included in the container. This step is especially important if your pans are severely stained or if you want to maintain their shiny appearance.

Frequently asked questions