Cleaning Corroded Stove Pans: Removing Metal Stains

Stove pans made of stainless steel are a common choice for commercial kitchens because they are durable and non-reactive with acidic foods. However, without proper cleaning and care, they can become pitted or rusted. To remove corrosion from a metal stove pan, you can try using a commercial cleaner, boiling water, or a combination of vinegar and baking soda. Here are the steps to remove corrosion from a metal stove pan:

- Moisten the pan, making sure to saturate the corroded area.

- Add a commercial cleaner, such as Barkeeper's Friend, and sprinkle it onto the bottom of the pan to form a paste.

- Scrub the paste into the corroded area with a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth.

- Rinse the pan with clean water.

- Repeat the process if necessary.

Alternatively, you can try the following method using boiling water:

- Scrub away as much corrosion as possible with a non-abrasive scrubber.

- Fill the pan with water and add a bit of dish soap.

- Ensure that the corroded area is completely submerged.

- Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes.

- Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool.

- Scrape away the loosened corrosion with a spatula.

- Repeat the process if necessary.

For a more natural approach, you can also try using vinegar and baking soda:

- Fill the bottom of the pan with water, enough to cover the corroded area.

- Add vinegar and bring the water to a boil.

- Remove from the heat and add baking soda.

- Briefly mix the solution and empty the pan.

- Scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to remove any remaining corrosion.

Use baking soda and water

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove corrosion from metal stove pans without damaging them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use baking soda and water to clean corrosion off your metal stove pan:

Step 1: Remove Food Debris

Start by scraping off as much food debris as possible from the pan. Use a spatula or paper towel to get rid of excess oil, and then use a dish brush or scrubber to loosen and remove any remaining stuck-on food.

Step 2: Make a Baking Soda and Water Paste

In a separate container, mix baking soda and water to form a paste. The general ratio is 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Adjust the amounts as needed to cover the corroded areas of your pan. For a full pot bottom, you may need about 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water.

Step 3: Apply the Paste

Generously apply the baking soda and water paste to the corroded areas of the pan. Make sure the paste is thick enough to fully coat the affected areas. Alternatively, you can cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then add enough baking soda to create a paste.

Step 4: Let the Paste Sit

Let the baking soda and water paste sit on the pan for a few hours or even overnight. This will give the baking soda time to work its magic and loosen the corrosion.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

After the paste has sat for a while, add a little more baking soda to the pan and scrub it with a nylon brush or non-abrasive scouring pad. If you're in a hurry and don't want to wait, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then place the pan on the stove and bring it to a quick boil. Remove it from the heat and let it cool before wiping or scrubbing to remove the corrosion.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once all the corrosion and stains have been removed, rinse the pan with clean water and dry it thoroughly. Your metal stove pan should now be corrosion-free and ready for use!

Try a commercial cleaner

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to clean your stainless steel stove pan, a commercial cleaner is a great option. These cleaners are designed to be gentle yet effective, removing burnt-on food and stains without scratching or damaging the surface of your pan.

One popular option is Bar Keeper's Friend, which comes in both powdered and liquid forms. For removing burnt-on food or scorch marks, the powdered formula works best. Here's how to use it:

• Moisten the pan, making sure the burnt food is saturated.
• Sprinkle the cleaner 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 necessary.

For stubborn burn marks and carbon build-up, you may need to use a more powerful commercial cleaner, such as Carbon Off. These cleaners are designed to tackle tough, set-in stains and can be very effective.

When using commercial cleaners, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and take appropriate safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and working in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, it's important to note that some commercial cleaners are not suitable for use on stainless steel cookware, so be sure to check the label before purchasing.

Use vinegar and baking soda

Vinegar and baking soda are both common household items that can be used to clean corrosion from a metal stove pan. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use them effectively:

Step 1: Remove Burnt Food and Debris

Start by scraping off as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Use a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth to avoid scratching the pan.

Step 2: Boil Water and Vinegar

Fill the pan with water, making sure to completely cover the stuck-on food. Add one cup of vinegar and bring the water to a boil. The acetic acid in vinegar helps break down tough food particles.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Once the water is boiling, remove the pan from the heat and add two tablespoons of baking soda. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help lift off corrosion without damaging the pan.

Step 4: Mix and Empty the Pan

Briefly mix the baking soda and vinegar solution, then empty the pan. The mixture will create a fizzing reaction, helping to loosen and dissolve the corrosion.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

Use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to remove any remaining food particles and corrosion. Be gentle to avoid scratching the pan's surface.

Additional Tips:

• For stubborn corrosion, create a paste by mixing baking soda with water and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for several hours, then wash and dry the pan as normal.
• To prevent corrosion, always use non-abrasive tools when cleaning stainless steel pans. Avoid steel wool, wire scrubbers, and chlorinated cleaners, as these can scratch the pan and make it more susceptible to corrosion.

Avoid abrasive scrubbers

Abrasive scrubbers, such as steel wool or wire brushes, should be avoided when removing corrosion from a metal stove pan. While they are very effective at scrubbing away rust, they can scratch the surface of the pan and leave behind small particles of metal that can encourage further rusting. Instead, it is recommended to use a mixture of heat, household chemicals, and stiff-bristled plastic or natural-fibre brushes.

Alternative Methods

Baking Soda and Water

Apply a smooth paste of baking soda and water to the affected area. Leave the mixture on for at least an hour, and then gently scrub with the metal's grain to remove the rust. Rinse using cold water and dry with a soft cloth. This process will remove most surface-level rust stains.

Potato and Salt

Potatoes contain high amounts of oxalic acid, which breaks down iron oxide. Cut a potato in half, sprinkle the cut surface with salt, and apply a thin layer of mild dish soap. You can then scrub off a surprising amount of rust using the potato.

White Vinegar and Water

Spray a mixture of one part distilled white vinegar and one part water onto the rust. This process will help dissolve the rust, allowing you to gently scrub it off with a non-metal scouring pad after a few minutes.

Commercial Cleaners

Before trying any other method, you can reach for a gentle but effective commercial cleaner designed specifically for stainless steel surfaces, such as Barkeeper's Friend. These cleaners are designed to clean without scratching or damaging the surface. If you are 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 with a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth, rinse, and repeat if necessary.

Boiling Water

Boiling water is a simple cleaning solution when you don't have any commercial cleaners on hand. Begin by scrubbing away as much food as possible with a non-abrasive scrubber. Then, fill the pan with water and a bit of dish soap, ensuring that the stuck-on food is completely submerged. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes before removing from the heat and allowing it to cool. The leftover food should be loosened enough to scrape with a spatula. If this method doesn't work, repeat the process or try one of the other techniques mentioned above.

Prevent corrosion by avoiding chlorides

Chlorides are present in salt, hard water, and chlorinated cleaning products. Over time, exposure to chlorides can cause stainless steel to become pitted, making the surface vulnerable to rust and corrosion. To prevent this, avoid using salt or salt water to clean your stove pans, and avoid using chlorinated cleaning products. Instead, opt for a non-abrasive or "stainless steel-approved scrubber" and always scrub parallel with the polish lines.

If you are using a commercial cleaner, try Barkeeper's Friend, which is designed to clean without scratching or damaging stainless steel surfaces. If you are cleaning with vinegar, be sure to rinse the stove pans with clean water afterwards.

If you are using a dishwasher, be aware that the moist environment can encourage rust to form. Instead, wash your stove pans by hand and dry them thoroughly with a towel or on the stove on medium-low heat.

Frequently asked questions