Marianne Martinez
Stainless steel pans are durable, versatile, and excellent at conducting heat, but they can be prone to water spots and discolouration. To get rid of spots on stainless steel pans, you should avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach or ammonia, and avoid steel wool pads or other abrasive sponges because they can scratch the material. Instead, use a soft sponge or cloth, and try cleaning with vinegar, baking soda, or a commercial cleaner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Spatula or wooden spoon, dish brush, scouring pad or sponge, dish soap, towel, Bar Keepers Friend or baking soda, cleaning gloves, toothpicks, large pot, soft sponge, microfiber cloth |
| Techniques | Hand-washing, deglazing, scrubbing, rinsing, drying, sprinkling with baking soda, boiling with vinegar and water, wiping with vinegar, sprinkling with baking soda, soaking, scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge, removing burnt food with vinegar and baking soda, removing burn marks with baking soda, removing burnt oil with soda, removing discoloration with vinegar, removing discoloration with tomato sauce |
What You'll Learn
Baking soda
One method is to sprinkle baking soda on the surface of the pan, followed by enough water to cover the stuck-on food. Bring this to a boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and wait until the pan is cool enough to handle. Scrub away any remaining buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash in hot, soapy water.
For more stubborn burn marks, ensure the pan is completely dry, then flip it over and sprinkle baking soda evenly over the bottom. Use a dry cloth to rub the baking soda into the burn marks. You can also add a small amount of water to the baking soda to make a paste. Once you're satisfied, rinse off any excess and dry the pan.
Another method is to make a paste using dish soap and baking soda. Apply the paste to any affected areas and leave it on for several hours. When you're ready, simply wash and dry the pan as normal.
For burnt oil, a surprising solution is to use soda. This method also works well on sticky, stuck-on substances like caramel. Pour enough soda into the pan to cover the burnt areas and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, remove from the heat and use a spatula to scrape away the burnt substances.
To remove water spots, dampen your pan and rub it down with a moist sponge and baking soda. This will help to prevent water spots from forming in the first place.
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Bar Keepers Friend
To use Bar Keepers Friend, first wet the surface of your pan. Then, scrub the surface with a soft sponge or cloth, using circular motions, and a little water to turn the powder into a paste. You can also use steel wool for very tarnished or greasy pans, but be sure to switch to a soft sponge or cloth before rinsing. It is important not to let the product sit on the surface of the pan for longer than a minute. If you have sensitive skin or are scrubbing a lot of pots, it is recommended to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin.
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Vinegar
Firstly, add vinegar to your pan and wipe the stained spots with a soft sponge.
Next, combine one part vinegar and three parts water in the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool completely.
Pour the liquid down the sink and clean your pan with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Be sure to clean it thoroughly so no vinegar residue is left behind.
Finally, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it completely before using or storing it.
This method is particularly effective for removing white calcium build-up stains.
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Bleach
Instead, a paste made from baking soda and water can be used to clean stainless steel pans. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and gently scrub the pan, following the grain of the metal. Rinse with warm water and dry with a microfiber towel.
Another option is to use a mixture of vinegar and water. Combine one part vinegar to three parts water in the pan and bring to a boil. Let the pan cool, then wash with soap and water.
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Salt
Step 1: Create a Salt and Vinegar Mixture
Combine equal parts salt and vinegar in a small bowl to form a thick paste. The vinegar will help to break down any stubborn stains, while the salt will act as a gentle abrasive to scrub them away.
Step 2: Apply the Mixture to the Pan
Use a soft sponge or cloth to apply the salt and vinegar mixture to the stained areas of your stainless steel pan. Work the mixture into the spots in a gentle, circular motion, ensuring that you follow the grain of the metal to prevent scratches.
Step 3: Let it Sit
Allow the mixture to sit on the pan for a few minutes. This will give the vinegar time to penetrate and loosen any stubborn stains, while the salt continues to work its abrasive magic.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Once you've let the mixture do its work, it's time to rinse! Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of the salt and vinegar. Then, dry the pan completely with a microfiber cloth or towel. This step is important to prevent water spots and streaks from forming as the pan airs dries.
Tips for Using Salt to Clean Stainless Steel Pans:
- Always use a soft sponge or cloth when applying the salt mixture to your pan. Avoid using metal scouring pads or abrasive sponges, as these can scratch the surface of your stainless steel cookware.
- If you're dealing with particularly stubborn spots or stains, you can let the salt and vinegar mixture sit on the pan for a little longer before rinsing.
- For extra shine, you can also add a small amount of olive oil to a clean cloth and rub it into the surface of your pan after cleaning. This will help to polish the stainless steel and give it a like-new appearance.
- To prevent water spots in the future, always dry your stainless steel pans immediately after washing.
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Frequently asked questions
For everyday cleanup, scrub your stainless-steel pan with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. For stuck-on food bits, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue, bring to a boil, and scrape with a spatula or wooden spoon. Allow the pan to cool, then wash as usual.
Hand-washing is typically the best way to clean stainless-steel pans. To avoid warping, always let your cookware cool down before cleaning. Never use abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner on your stainless-steel pans, as these can permanently damage the surface.
Sprinkle the pan with baking soda and use a damp sponge to remove smaller water spots. To prevent water spots in the first place, be sure to dry your cookware immediately after washing.
Splash some vinegar in your pan and wipe the area with a soft sponge before rinsing and drying fully.
Tougher messes, including burnt food or oil, might require more abrasive cleaning. Baking soda is a simple, inexpensive way to clean burnt stainless-steel pans. Add a few spoonfuls to your scorched pan, and enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring to a boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and wait until the pan is cool enough to handle. Scrub away buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash in hot, soapy water.
