Stainless Steel Saviour: Removing Veggie Stains

Stainless steel pans are a great addition to any kitchen, but they do require some care and attention to keep them in good condition. One common issue is the build-up of vegetable oil residue, which can be tricky to remove. So, what's the best way to get vegetable oil off a stainless steel pan? Well, there are a few different methods you can try. One popular option is to use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend, which can cut through tough stains. For lighter stains, a paste made from baking soda and water can be just as effective, and is a more versatile option. You could also try using vinegar, which can help to break down burnt-on food and neutralise acidic residues. To prevent vegetable oil residue in the first place, it's important not to leave a thin layer of oil in the pan for too long, and to avoid overheating the oil.

Use a paste of baking soda and water

To clean a stainless steel pan with burnt vegetables, you can use a paste of baking soda and water. This method is ideal for removing burnt food without damaging the pan.

First, make a paste with baking soda and water. The paste should have a similar consistency to toothpaste. Use a sponge to cover the burnt areas with the paste. Let the paste sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This will loosen the burnt food.

After the paste has had time to work, rinse it off with water. If there are any stubborn areas, use a sponge to clean them. Be patient, as you may need to repeat the process.

You can also try a more intensive version of this method. After applying the paste, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub it off with a scouring pad. Preferably, use a new pad with a fresh, unworn scrubby side. You can also wear gloves while scrubbing, as baking soda can dry out your hands. If the stains are still not coming off, repeat the process and let the paste sit for longer, or even overnight.

Baking soda is a versatile cleaner that can be used to remove burnt food from stainless steel pans without damaging them. It is a simple, inexpensive, and effective solution for cleaning burnt stainless-steel pans.

Try Bar Keepers Friend

If you're looking to remove vegetable residue from your stainless steel pan, Bar Keepers Friend is a great product to try. It's a gentle, bleach-free cleaner that can be used on stainless steel to remove tough stains, rust, tarnish, and mineral deposits.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, start by sprinkling the cleanser onto the surface of your pan or onto a damp sponge. Then, use the damp sponge to lightly rub the surface in a continuous circular motion. Rinse the cleanser away after about a minute and repeat if necessary. Finally, use a soft cloth to buff the surface to a shine.

Bar Keepers Friend has been trusted by homeowners and professional cleaners worldwide since 1882. It's a versatile product that can be used on various surfaces beyond stainless steel, including copper, brass, tile, ceramic, and porcelain. It's an excellent option for removing burnt-on food and stains from your cookware without damaging the surface.

You can find Bar Keepers Friend in different forms, such as powdered cleanser, soft cleanser, and superior cookware cleanser & polish, to suit your needs. The product is available at various retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, and typically costs around $2 to $17, depending on the size and type.

So, if you're looking for a reliable and effective solution to remove vegetable residue from your stainless steel pan, Bar Keepers Friend is definitely worth trying!

Boil water and baking soda in the pan

To remove vegetable stains from your stainless steel pan, boiling water and baking soda in the pan is an effective method. This technique is ideal for bigger, tougher stains that climb up the sides of a saucepan or skillet.

Firstly, add a small mound of baking soda to the centre of the pan. Then, pour in about 1/4 cup of water (adjust this amount according to the size of your pan). Bring this mixture to a boil. As the water evaporates, it will leave a film of baking soda around the walls of the pan.

Once most of the water has boiled off, turn off the heat. It is now time to scrub away the residue with a long-handled brush or scouring pad. It is best 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.

This method is most effective for freshly scorched pans, but it may not work as well for removing grime that has accumulated over a long period. For more stubborn stains, you may need to try a more intensive cleaning method, such as fully submerging the pan in a pot of boiling water and baking soda.

Deglaze the pan

Deglazing a pan is a simple process that can add a lot of flavour to your dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to deglaze your stainless steel pan:

Step 1: Sear Your Meat or Fish

Firstly, get a nice, hard sear on your meat or fish in a skillet. Do not use a non-stick pan as you want to allow a little sticking to create those flavourful bits. Continue to cook according to your recipe.

Step 2: Remove the Protein

Once your meat or fish is cooked to the desired level, remove it from the pan and check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Carefully pour off any excess fat remaining in the pan.

Step 3: Add Your Chosen Liquid

Take the pan off the heat and add your chosen liquid. This can be wine, stock, juice or even beer or vinegar. Remember, your chosen liquid is meant to add flavour, so avoid using water.

Step 4: Return the Pan to the Heat

Return the pan to the heat and scrape the bottom to release any delicious, flavourful bits. In professional kitchens, this is known as "fond".

Step 5: Add Remaining Sauce Ingredients

Continue to heat the pan and add any remaining sauce ingredients that you would like. Whisk everything together.

Step 6: Bring to a Boil and Reduce

Bring the sauce to a boil, then lower the heat and continue to cook until the liquid has reduced by half.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Finally, taste your sauce and adjust any seasonings as needed. Your sauce is now ready to be poured over your meat, poultry or fish.

Use a scouring pad

To remove vegetable residue from a stainless steel pan, you can use a scouring pad. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, it is important to note that you should 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. For everyday cleanup, scrub your stainless-steel pan with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.

If there are stuck-on food bits, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue, bring it to a boil, and scrape with a spatula or wooden spoon. Allow the pan to cool, then wash as usual. For tougher messes, including burnt vegetables or oil, you can use a scouring pad with some common household ingredients for a more intensive clean.

One method is to create a baking soda and vinegar mixture. Fill your pan with equal parts water and vinegar and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, slowly add in 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Remove the pan from the heat and let it soak for up to 15 minutes. The carbon dioxide bubbles produced by the vinegar and baking soda will help loosen the burnt vegetable residue.

After soaking, discard the liquid and use a scouring pad to scrub away any remaining bits. If spots remain, create a paste with baking soda and a small amount of water, apply it to the pan, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Alternatively, you can use a scouring pad with Bar Keeper's Friend, a multi-purpose cleaning powder. First, run your pan under hot water and drain it. Then, wearing rubber gloves, make a paste with a few tablespoons of Bar Keeper's Friend and the residual water in the pan. Spread the paste over the burnt vegetable residue and let it sit for 60 seconds. Do not let it sit for longer, as it can discolour your pan.

After 60 seconds, rinse the pan with hot water and scrub away the loosened residue with a scouring pad. Repeat this process if needed for any stubborn spots. Bar Keeper's Friend is a more intensive cleaner than baking soda and vinegar, so use it with care.

Frequently asked questions