Tillie Doyle
Metal pan scrapes can be frustrating to deal with, but there are several methods to help you get rid of them. Firstly, it's important to determine the direction of the grain of your metal pan. The grain lines on metal pans are usually either horizontal or vertical and can be identified by looking closely at the surface of the pan. Once you've identified the direction of the grain, it's important to only rub or scrub in the same direction as the grain when cleaning or polishing the pan to avoid worsening the scratches.
For light scratches, you can use a non-abrasive cleaner like baking soda, non-gel toothpaste, or a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend. Simply rub the cleaner into the scratch using a microfiber cloth, going in the direction of the grain. For deeper scratches, you may need to use a more abrasive approach, such as wet sandpaper or a coarse scouring pad dipped in olive oil. Again, be sure to work in the direction of the grain to avoid further damage.
Additionally, there are some preventative measures you can take to avoid getting scratches on your metal pans in the first place. Try to clean up messes as soon as possible and avoid using harsh cleaners like ammonia or chlorine bleach, as these can damage the surface of the pan. It's also important to protect your metal pans from coming into contact with other metal utensils, pots, and pans, as these can cause scratches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Spatula, paper towels, dish brush, scouring pad, sponge, dish soap, towel, Bar Keepers Friend, baking soda, cleaning gloves, oven mitts, toothpicks, stock pot, roasting pan |
| Techniques | Remove excess oil, loosen stuck-on food, scrub with scouring pad or sponge, dry pans, use powdered cleaners, wear gloves, clean pan while it's hot, use a toothpick to remove gunk, boil pan in water and baking soda, deglaze the pan, scrub in a circular motion, rinse and dry, use commercial cleaner, scrub with a non-abrasive scrubber, repeat process, boil water, use vinegar and baking soda, scrub with a non-abrasive sponge, sprinkle with baking soda, use a damp sponge, dry pans immediately, avoid salt, avoid cold water on a hot pan, avoid harsh scrubbers, use a soft cloth, use distilled white vinegar, use a commercial cleaner, scrub and wash, boil with water and baking soda, scrub with a non-abrasive sponge, boil with vinegar and water, sprinkle with baking soda, use a soft sponge, boil with vinegar and water, use a non-abrasive sponge, use a soft cloth, use mineral, vegetable, or olive oil, use a cutting board, dry pans with a microfiber cloth |
| Pan Types | Stainless steel, non-stick |
| Scratches | Use a non-abrasive cleaner, rub in the direction of the grain, use baking soda and water, use Bar Keepers Friend, use non-gel whitening toothpaste, use 400-grit sandpaper, use a coarse scouring pad, use olive oil, use a scratch removal kit, use 600-grit sandpaper, use a fine scouring pad, wipe with a microfiber cloth, clean with distilled white vinegar, polish with oil, clean regularly, avoid harsh cleaners, avoid harsh scrubbers, use a soft cloth, install a water-softening system, dry pans with a microfiber cloth |
What You'll Learn
Use a spatula or paper towels to get rid of excess oil
To get rid of excess oil from your metal pans, you can use a spatula or paper towels. This is the first step to cleaning your pans and making them look as good as new.
Firstly, let the pan cool down before you begin cleaning. Then, use a spatula to scrape out excess oil, or wipe it out with a paper towel. You can also use a plastic scraper to ease the cleaning process. This will help to remove any excess oil or food particles from the pan.
Next, you can deglaze the pan by adding some hot water. Cleaning a hot pan is easier, and adding hot water won't damage it. However, always let the pan cool down before fully submerging it in cool water to avoid thermal shock, which can cause the pan to warp.
Finally, dry off the pan with a towel before putting it away.
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Use a dish brush to loosen stuck-on food
Using a dish brush is an effective way to loosen stuck-on food from your metal pans. It is recommended to use a long-handled dish brush, such as the OXO Good Grips Dish Brush, to loosen any bits of stuck-on food. This is particularly useful for removing fond (the browned bits of food) from your pan.
To use a dish brush to loosen stuck-on food, first, ensure that you have removed any excess oil from your pan using a spatula or paper towels. Then, deglaze the pan by adding some hot water. It is important to clean your pan while it is still hot, as this makes it easier to remove stuck-on food. However, always let your pan cool down before fully submerging it in cool water to avoid thermal shock, which can cause warping.
Once you have loosened the stuck-on food with the dish brush, you can continue with the rest of the cleaning process. This typically involves scrubbing the pan with a scouring pad or sponge, rinsing it with water, drying it off, and storing it away.
Using a dish brush is a simple and effective way to remove stuck-on food from your metal pans without requiring too much elbow grease.
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Use a scouring pad or sponge to remove stains
Using a scouring pad or sponge is an effective way to remove stains from your metal pans. It is important to use a non-abrasive or "stainless steel-approved" scrubber to avoid scratching your pans. Stay away from mechanically abrasive scrubbers like steel wool or wire scrubbers, as scratches can cause corrosion. Instead, opt for a softer sponge, such as a Dobie pad, or a non-abrasive scrubber like Scotch-Brite.
To use a scouring pad or sponge effectively, follow these steps:
- Create a cleaning solution by mixing hot water and a few drops of dish soap in a sink or dishpan. You can also add a degreaser to the mixture.
- Use a wooden spatula to scrape away excess food left on the pan.
- Submerge the cooled pan in the hot soapy water.
- With your scouring pad or sponge, scrub the inside and outside of the pan using a continuous circular motion. Make sure to follow the grain of the metal to prevent scratches and streaking.
- Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining soap or food particles.
- Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean, absorbent towel or a lint-free microfiber cloth.
By following these steps and using the right type of scouring pad or sponge, you can effectively remove stains from your metal pans without causing any damage.
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Wash with dish soap
To get rid of metal pan scrapes, you can wash the pan with dish soap. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Identify the direction of the grain
Before you begin, identify the direction of the grain of the stainless steel. All stainless steel products have small parallel lines running across their surfaces; these lines are the steel’s grain. The grain lines can either be horizontal or vertical. When cleaning and polishing stainless steel, always rub back and forth in the same direction as the grain. Going against the metal’s grain or rubbing in circles can worsen the scratches.
Step 2: Clean the pan with dish soap
Clean the steel's surface with dish soap and warm water. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe the steel down in the direction of its grain. Alternatively, you can use a stainless steel cleaner. Check your stainless steel’s user manual to see if it has a protective clear coat. The scratch-removal methods mentioned here are for stainless steel that isn’t coated. If your stainless steel has a protective coat, your best bet for repairing scratches is to polish it with a stainless steel polisher.
Step 3: Choose a non-abrasive cleaner
Choose a non-abrasive cleaner to buff out the scratches. You can use household compounds and cleaners such as baking soda and non-gel whitening toothpaste, or commercial products like Bar Keepers Friend and Perfect-It Rubbing Compound.
Step 4: Mix the cleaner into a paste
If you’re using a powdered cleaner like baking soda or Bar Keepers Friend, mix it with water to turn it into a paste before applying it to the scratches. Mix one tablespoon of powder with a few drops of water in a bowl, adding more water as needed until you have a smooth paste. If you accidentally add too much water, just add a little more powder. The paste should have a consistency similar to toothpaste.
Step 5: Apply the paste to the scratches
Spoon about a quarter of the paste onto a clean microfiber cloth. Use gentle, straight strokes to rub the cleaner into the scratch, working in the same direction as the stainless steel’s grain. If you’re using toothpaste, squeeze a dollop onto the cloth and rub it into the scratch. As the compound is not abrasive, it is okay to rub back and forth over the scratch, but do not rub in circles, as this can damage the surface further.
Step 6: Wipe off the excess cleaner
Wipe off the excess cleaner with a damp cloth, then a dry cloth. Wet a clean microfiber cloth with water and wring it out so it’s barely damp, then wipe the surface of the stainless steel to remove the remaining cleaner. Take a clean, dry cloth and wipe the surface to dry it off.
Step 7: Examine the metal’s surface
Closely inspect the stainless steel to see if you have fully removed the scratches. If you still see some damage, repeat the buffing process to get it out. If the scratches are still visible after cleaning it again, they might be deep scratches that require a more abrasive solution.
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Dry the pan with a towel before putting it away
Drying your pans with a towel before putting them away is an important step in the pan-cleaning process. This is because bacteria can grow in warm, wet, and dark environments like cupboards or the spaces between stacked dishes. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your pans are completely dry before storing them away.
Using a towel to dry your pans is a good option, as long as the towel is clean. This method allows you to dry your pans quickly and thoroughly. However, it is important to note that towel drying is only sanitary when using a fresh, clean towel for each drying session. If you use the same towel that you use for other purposes, such as wiping down surfaces or drying your hands, you risk cross-contaminating your freshly cleaned pans. To avoid this, use a stack of clean towels and replace them as they become wet, sending the used towels directly to the laundry.
Additionally, when drying pans with a towel, it is recommended to use a soft, lint-free cloth. This will enable you to buff the surface of your pans, ensuring they are not only dry but also streak-free and sparkling clean.
By drying your pans with a towel before putting them away, you can help prevent the growth of bacteria and maintain the cleanliness and shine of your cookware.
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