Stainless Steel Pan Care: Removing Marks

Stainless steel pans are durable, heat up quickly, and are non-reactive. However, they are not impervious to burn marks and discolouration. To remove burn marks, you can deglaze the pan by adding water and scraping the remnants with a spatula. For tougher stains, you can use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend, or a mixture of baking soda and water. For exterior discolouration, a mixture of vinegar and water can be used.

Deglaze with water

Deglazing your stainless steel pan with water is a great first step to remove burnt-on food remnants. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, remove as much of the burnt food from the pan as possible. Use a spatula, paper towel, or wooden spoon to scrape away any food particles that are stuck to the pan.

Next, heat the pan on the stove. When a drop of water sizzles in the pan, it's ready for deglazing. Carefully pour in about one cup of water, or more if you have a larger pan. Be cautious, as this step will create steam and may cause bubbling, which could be dangerous for your skin.

Let the water boil, then reduce to a simmer. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape away any remaining food bits. The hot water will help loosen the burnt-on food, making it easier to remove.

Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the burner. Allow the pan to cool down before proceeding to the next step.

Once the pan is cool, add a squirt of dish soap and use a long-handled brush or sponge to remove any remaining food particles and break down grease or oil. You can use a non-abrasive sponge or a soft sponge for this step, as you don't want to scratch the surface of your stainless steel pan.

Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove all soap residue, and dry it off completely with a microfiber towel or absorbent cloth before putting it away.

While deglazing with water is an effective first step, you may need to follow up with additional cleaning methods, such as using baking soda or vinegar, to completely remove burn marks from your stainless steel pan.

Use baking soda

Baking soda is an effective cleaner that won't scratch your stainless steel pan. The baking soda cleaning method is a good follow-up to deglazing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use baking soda to clean your stainless steel pan:

Step 1: Remove Excess Food

First, remove as much of the burnt food from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Add Water

Add just enough warm water to the pan to cover the bottom. If you are using the deglazing technique, heat the pan until a droplet of water sizzles before adding the water.

Step 3: Make a Baking Soda Paste

Pour in baking soda and stir it with the water to create a thick paste. A general guideline is to use 1 part water to 3 parts baking soda. You can also sprinkle baking soda onto a damp sponge and wipe the pan with it.

Step 4: Spread the Paste

Spread the baking soda paste over all the burned areas. For smaller water spots, sprinkle the pan with baking soda and wipe it with a damp sponge.

Step 5: Let the Paste Sit

Wait for several hours or overnight. For more heavy-duty cleaning, add white vinegar to the baking soda and let it sit until the fizzing stops.

Step 6: Scrub the Pan

Use a cleaning brush or a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the pan. If you are using the deglazing technique, use a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush to scrub the pan vigorously.

Step 7: Rinse and Repeat if Necessary

Rinse the pan with water to inspect it. Repeat the process if necessary to remove the rest of the burn marks.

Tips:

• For tougher stains, you can boil water and baking soda in the pan. Add a small mound of baking soda to the centre of the pan and cover with about 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a boil and scrub the pan with a long-handled brush or scouring pad once most of the water has boiled off.
• For extremely tough stains, fully submerge your pan in a pot of boiling water and baking soda.
• To prevent water spots, always dry pans immediately after washing.
• To remove water spots, dampen your pan and rub it down with a moist sponge and baking soda.

Use baking soda and lemon juice

Lemon juice and baking soda are a great natural way to clean your stainless steel pan without using harsh chemicals. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove Food Debris

Start by removing as much food debris from the pan as possible. You can use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape away any stuck-on food.

Step 2: Wet the Pan

Fill the bottom of your pan with a thin layer of water. You don't need to cover the entire burnt area, just enough to wet the surface.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda liberally onto the surface of the pan. The baking soda will react with the water to form a paste. You can also make a paste by mixing baking soda and water separately and then applying it to the pan.

Step 4: Cut a Lemon in Half

You will need one fresh lemon for this step. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice onto the baking soda paste. The acidic lemon juice will react with the alkaline baking soda, creating a fizzing reaction. This reaction helps to loosen burnt food and remove stains.

Step 5: Scour the Pan

Use the flesh side of the lemon half to scour the pan and remove stains. You can also use a scouring pad or sponge to help scrub away any remaining burnt-on food.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once you have removed all the burnt food and stains, rinse the pan with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

Tips:

• If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, you can use this same method to restore its shine. Simply turn the pan upside down and scour the bottom with the lemon and baking soda mixture.
• For tougher stains, you can let the baking soda and lemon juice mixture sit on the pan for a few hours or even overnight before scrubbing and rinsing.
• Always dry your stainless steel pans immediately after washing to prevent water spots and discoloration.
• Avoid using harsh scrubbers like steel wool, as these can scratch and damage the surface of your pan.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove marks from your stainless steel pan using baking soda and lemon juice.

Use Bar Keepers Friend

How to Get Marks Off a Stainless Steel Pan with Bar Keepers Friend

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Before applying Bar Keepers Friend, dampen the pan in warm water. This will help the powder stick to the surface.

Step 2: Create the Paste

Make a paste by mixing Bar Keepers Friend powder with a small amount of water. The paste should be thick, but spreadable.

Step 3: Apply the Paste

Using a soft cloth, gently apply the paste to the pan, ensuring complete coverage of the marked areas. It is important to note that you should not let the paste sit on the pan for longer than one minute, as per the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 4: Work the Paste

Gently rub the paste in a circular motion, working from the centre of the pan outwards. This motion will help to reduce the possibility of scratching the pan and will also clean out any dirt and grime trapped in the grooves.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

Rinse the paste off the pan with warm water. If marks remain, repeat the process as needed. Finally, wash the pan in hot soapy water and dry thoroughly.

Tips

• Bar Keepers Friend is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powder that is ideal for stainless steel. It is non-abrasive and won't harm the chrome oxide barrier of your pans.
• For very tarnished or greasy pans, you can start scrubbing with steel wool, but be sure to switch to a soft sponge or rag for the rest of the process.
• Always wear kitchen gloves when using Bar Keepers Friend to protect your skin.
• Remember to clean with the grain of the stainless steel, not across it, to avoid dulling or scratching the surface.
• Bar Keepers Friend is also great for removing hard water stains from your pans.

Use vinegar and water

Vinegar is an effective ingredient for removing any unsightly discolouration on your stainless steel pan, which is typically caused by overheating. Vinegar can also be used to remove white calcium build-up stains. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use vinegar and water to clean your stainless steel pan:

Step 1: Add Vinegar and Water to Your Pan

Add a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to your stainless steel pan. The amount of liquid you use will depend on the size of your pan, but make sure that the bottom of the pan is covered with the liquid.

Step 2: Bring the Mixture to a Boil

Place your pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Allow the mixture to boil for a few minutes. Keep the lid off during this process, as the vinegar will act as a natural room deodorizer.

Step 3: Remove from Heat and Allow to Cool

Once the mixture has boiled for a few minutes, remove the pan from the heat. You can turn off the stove at this point. Let the mixture cool down to room temperature.

Step 4: Wash the Pan with Soap and Water

After the pan has cooled, pour out the vinegar and water mixture. Wash the pan with warm water and a mild dish soap. Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub away any remaining discolouration or stains.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Dry the pan completely with a clean towel or cloth.

Your stainless steel pan should now be free of marks and stains! This method is effective for removing discolouration and hard water stains. For more stubborn burnt-on food or grease, you may need to use a different method or a commercial cleaner. Always remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific washing and care tips for your stainless steel pan.

Frequently asked questions