Removing Crust From Stainless Steel: Quick And Easy Guide

Burnt pans are a common problem, but they can be cleaned with a few simple steps. This article will provide an overview of how to get crust off a stainless steel pan, including the tools and techniques required. Whether it's burnt food, oil, or discolouration, there are several methods to restore your pan to its original shine.

Baking soda and water

Step 1: Remove Excess Food

Start by removing as much food and debris from the pan as possible. You can use a spatula or paper towel to get rid of excess oil, and then use a long-handled dish brush to loosen any remaining bits of stuck-on food.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Soda and Water Mixture

There are a few different ways to prepare the baking soda and water mixture, depending on the severity of the crust and stains.

For lighter stains, you can simply sprinkle baking soda over the affected areas and then add a thin layer of warm water to create a paste.

For tougher stains, create a paste using 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply this paste liberally to the burnt areas of the pan, making sure to fully coat the surface.

If you're dealing with particularly stubborn crust and stains, you can try a more intensive method. Cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, and then add enough baking soda to create a paste. Let this mixture sit for a few hours or even overnight. Then, add more baking soda and scrub with a nylon brush or scouring sponge.

Step 3: Boil the Baking Soda and Water Mixture (Optional)

For tougher stains that climb up the sides of the pan, you can try the method suggested by Geri Porter, the longtime kitchen manager for Martha Stewart. Add a small mound of baking soda to the centre of the pan and cover it with about 1/4 cup of water. Bring this mixture to a boil and let it simmer until most of the water has evaporated. As the water boils, it will leave a film of baking soda around the walls of the pan that you can then scrub off.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

Once you've applied the baking soda and water mixture and allowed it to sit for the recommended time, it's time to scrub. Use a non-abrasive sponge or nylon brush to scrub away the crust and stains. If the pan is still hot, be sure to wear gloves and handle it with a towel or oven mitt to protect your hands.

Step 5: Wash and Dry

After scrubbing, wash the pan with warm, soapy water and then dry it thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or towel.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove crust and stains from your stainless steel pan using baking soda and water.

Bar Keeper's Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular product for cleaning stainless steel pans. It is a non-abrasive cleaner that can be used on a variety of surfaces, including stainless steel and ceramic. It is designed to remove tough stains without damaging the surface of the pan.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, first dampen the pan in warm water. Then, make a paste using the product and water. Apply the paste to the pan using a soft cloth and let it sit for one minute—be sure not to let it sit for longer. Rub the paste in a circular motion from the centre outward, then wash the pan in hot soapy water. Rinse and repeat as needed.

Bar Keepers Friend can also be used to clean the bottom of your pans. To do this, set the pan bottom-up in the sink and sprinkle the bottom with water. Shake the product all around the bottom of the pan, scrub in a circular motion, then rinse and repeat as needed.

Bar Keepers Friend is a recommended product by many manufacturers, including GE Appliances. It is also a favourite of many customers, who have used it to bring their stainless steel pans back to life.

Deglazing technique

Deglazing is a common practice that most people have done before without even knowing it. It is often done with stock or wine, but you can also use beer, vinegar, or juice. It's all about preference!

After searing meat, add the liquid of your choice to the hot pan and watch as the seared bits release from the bottom. It is important to remove the meat from the pan at this point so that you don't dry it out. Also, don't be afraid to grab a spoon and do some gentle scraping if the residue is really stuck on there!

It is important to note that if there is any burning in the pan, it should be discarded. Deglazing is not a smart idea for food particles that have burned at the bottom of the pan.

Deglazing a pan allows you to build flavors into sauces and braises. It fortifies flavors and uses the depth of flavor formed from searing meats or vegetables.

• Turn the heat up to high.
• Pour in some water and scrape. The water should immediately steam up. As the water steams in the pan, use a spatula to aggressively scrape. You should find that any spot of crust that the water and steam touch is easily scraped up.
• The water will evaporate and it won't make your dish soggy, so don't worry about that. In fact, this process of adding a little water and letting it evaporate over high heat helps to concentrate flavors, as well as clean the pan.
• If you didn't get as much of the crust up as you would like, pour in a little more water. Sometimes dribble some water around the edges of the pan and try to scrape the sides clean.
• Then remove your food from the pan.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean a stainless steel pan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

• First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Next, fill the bottom of your pan with water, ensuring that there is enough water to cover the stuck-on food.
• Once the pan has been filled with water, add 1 cup of vinegar and bring the water to a boil.
• Once the mixture is boiling, remove the pan from the heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. The mixture should fizz.
• Briefly mix the solution, then empty the pan.
• Use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to rid the pan of any remaining food particles.
• If spots remain, apply a paste made of baking soda mixed with a little water and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Important things to note:

• Mixing baking soda and vinegar can cause a somewhat explosive reaction. For this method, you’ll want to make sure you’re slowly adding in the baking soda to the boiling water.
• Always let your cookware cool down before cleaning. Never use abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners on your stainless-steel pans, as these can permanently damage the surface.

Dishwasher tablets

If you're looking to remove tough, crusty stains from your stainless steel pans, dishwasher tablets can be a surprisingly effective solution. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use dishwasher tablets to tackle those stubborn stains:

Using Dishwasher Tablets to Clean Stainless Steel Pans:

• Prepare the Pan: Start by rinsing your dirty pan with hot water. This will help loosen any stuck-on food particles and make it easier for the dishwasher tablet to work its magic.
• Scrub with the Dishwasher Tablet: Gently scrub the warm, rinsed pan with the dishwasher tablet. The warmth of the water will gradually dissolve the tablet, creating a soapy solution that will help lift away grease and burnt-on food. You may need to use more than one tablet, depending on the size and severity of the stains.
• Rinse and Wash: Once you've scrubbed away the majority of the crust and stains, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining residue from the dishwasher tablet. Follow up by washing the pan with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth.
• Dry Thoroughly: After washing, be sure to dry your stainless steel pan thoroughly. This will help prevent water spots and keep your pan looking spotless and shiny.

Tips for Success:

• While this method is effective, it can be a bit pricey, as you may need to use multiple dishwasher tablets to thoroughly clean a heavily soiled pan.
• For best results, leave the plastic coating on the dishwasher tablet intact while scrubbing. This will help the tablet retain its shape and dissolve gradually as you scrub.
• Always wear rubber gloves and protect your hands when handling dishwasher tablets and scrubbing your pan.
• Remember to never place your stainless steel pan in the dishwasher. Hand washing is the best way to clean and maintain your stainless steel cookware.

Using dishwasher tablets is a quick and convenient way to remove crust and stains from your stainless steel pans. However, keep in mind that this method may not be suitable for all types of cookware, so always test on a small area first. For more challenging stains, you may need to explore alternative cleaning methods or commercial cleaning products designed for stainless steel.

Frequently asked questions