Removing Oil Stains From Stainless Steel: A Quick Guide

Burnt oil can be a pain to remove from stainless steel pans, but there are several methods to tackle the problem. Before attempting to clean the pan, it is important to let it cool down to avoid warping from thermal shock. Once the pan is cool, the first step is to remove any excess oil with a spatula or paper towel. Then, deglaze the pan by adding hot water. For stuck-on food, it is recommended to fill the pan with soapy water, bring it to a boil, and scrape with a spatula. For tougher stains, a mixture of baking soda and water can be brought to a boil in the pan, leaving a film of baking soda that can be scrubbed off. For smaller water spots, the pan can be wiped with a damp sponge sprinkled with baking soda. To remove discolouration, a little vinegar can be added to the pan, scrubbed, and then rinsed with cold water.

Use a spatula or paper towel to remove excess oil

To remove excess oil from a stainless steel pan, you can use a spatula or paper towel. This is the first step to cleaning a pan that you've just used. Scraping out the excess oil with a spatula or wiping it out with a paper towel will help to get rid of the oil before you deglaze the pan by adding some hot water.

It's important to note that you should always let your pan cool down before fully submerging it in cool water. A sudden change in temperature, known as thermal shock, can cause a still-hot pan to warp. So, make sure to give your pan time to cool down before cleaning it with water.

Using a spatula or paper towel to remove excess oil is a quick and easy way to start the cleaning process for your stainless steel pan. This method helps to prevent a buildup of oil and grease, making it easier to maintain the condition of your cookware.

By taking this initial step of removing excess oil, you can also make the subsequent cleaning steps more effective. It's a simple yet crucial part of keeping your stainless steel pans looking their best.

Boil with water and baking soda

To get oil out of a stainless steel pan, boiling water and baking soda is a simple, inexpensive, and effective method.

Firstly, add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to your scorched pan. Then, add enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer until most of the water has evaporated. As the water boils and evaporates, it leaves a film of baking soda around the walls of the pan. Once most of the water has boiled off, turn off the heat.

Next, use a long-handled brush or scouring pad to scrub away the remaining residue. It is best to use a new pad, as these work better at removing the mess. It is also recommended to do this while the pan is still hot, so be sure to use gloves and grip the pan with a towel or oven mitt to protect your hands.

For pans with years of built-up scorch marks, a more intensive method is required. Choose a vessel large enough to fit your pan, such as a large stock pot for small skillets or a roasting pan for larger ones. Fill the vessel with enough water to submerge or mostly submerge your pan and bring it to a boil. Then, add a hearty amount of baking soda (about 1/4 cup or 1/2 cup) and carefully place your pan in the water. Reduce the water to a gentle boil and let the pan cook for about 15 to 30 minutes, flipping or rotating it to ensure all sides are boiled. You should start to see brown residue flaking off.

Using tongs and silicone oven mitts, carefully remove the pans from the boiling water. To finish, create an abrasive slurry by adding more baking soda and water to the pan, and scrub quickly while the pan is still hot. You can hold the pan with a towel to avoid burning your hands.

Sprinkle with baking soda

To remove oil from a stainless steel pan by sprinkling with baking soda, follow these steps:

Firstly, if there is any excess oil in the pan, use a spatula or paper towel to remove it.

Next, sprinkle a few spoonfuls of baking soda into the pan. Add enough water to cover the burnt areas and bring the water to a boil. Simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and wait until the pan is cool enough to handle.

Once the pan is cool, scrub away any remaining buildup with a non-abrasive sponge. Then, wash the pan in hot, soapy water.

If you are dealing with particularly tough stains, you can also try making a baking soda paste and letting it sit on the stain for a few minutes (or even overnight) before scrubbing it off with a scouring pad. For very old and stubborn stains, you can try boiling the pan in a larger pot of water with a few spoonfuls of baking soda.

Boil with vinegar and water

Boiling a mixture of vinegar and water is an effective way to remove hard water stains from your stainless steel pans. Hard water can leave white, cloudy residue on your cookware, but this method will get rid of the chalky buildup.

To do this, simply bring a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to a boil in the pan. The exact measurements will depend on the size of your pan, but a ratio of 1:3 vinegar to water is recommended. Allow the mixture to cool, then wash the pan with soap and water as usual.

If you're dealing with particularly stubborn burnt-on oil, you can try a slightly different approach. Start by adding a small amount of vinegar to the pan and boiling it for about a minute (be careful not to let it boil dry). Then, sprinkle some baking soda into the pan and scrub the surface with a sponge. This method may require some elbow grease, but it can effectively remove burnt oil from your stainless steel pans.

It's important to note that you should always let your stainless steel pan cool down before running it under cold water or cleaning it. A sudden change in temperature can cause permanent warping. Additionally, avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners, as these can damage the surface of your pan.

Use a scouring pad or sponge

To get oil out of a stainless steel pan, a scouring pad or sponge is the most effective tool for removing stains. A fresh, green Scotch-Brite scouring pad or sponge is recommended. A softer Dobie pad requires more effort but leaves fewer scratches.

To clean a pan that you’ve just used, first, scrape out excess oil with a spatula or wipe it out with a paper towel. Then deglaze the pan by adding some hot water. Cleaning a hot pan is easier, and adding hot water won't damage it. But always let your pan cool down before fully submerging it in cool water. Otherwise, the sudden change in temperature (called thermal shock) can cause a still-hot pan to warp.

You can loosen any fond (the browned bits of food) with a long-handled dish brush. Then, grab your scouring pad or sponge, along with some dish soap, and scrub the inside and outside of the pan, using a continuous circular motion. A Scotch-Brite pad will lightly scratch the surface of the pan. But as long as you avoid harsh pads (such as steel wool), scrubbing won't affect your cookware’s performance or lifespan.

Rinse and then dry with a clean, absorbent towel.

Frequently asked questions