Emilie Meyer
Stainless steel pans are lightweight, sturdy, and incredibly durable. They are widely considered some of the best pieces of cookware you can buy, both by professional chefs and home cooks. While stainless steel pans are virtually indestructible, they will last even longer if you know how to care for them. To keep your stainless steel pans from scratching, avoid using metal utensils as they can scratch the surface. Instead, opt for sturdy, silicone-coated utensils designed for non-stick cookware. Avoid harsh scrubbers or abrasive cleaners, and use soft sponges or cloths and gentle cleaning solutions instead. You can also invest in durable, non-toxic cookware materials like cast iron skillets, which can be cleaned without soap and have excellent non-stick properties.
How to Keep From Scratching Stainless Steel Pans
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Utensils | Opt for sturdy, silicone-coated utensils designed for nonstick cookware |
| Avoid metal utensils | |
| Cleaning tools | Use soft sponges or cloths and gentle cleaning solutions |
| Avoid harsh scrubbers or abrasive cleaners | |
| Cookware options | Invest in durable, nontoxic cookware materials like cast iron skillets |
| Stainless steel is scratch-resistant | |
| Cookware sets | Choose a high-quality, long-lasting cookware set |
| Cleaning routine | Wash your pan with warm water, gentle dish soap, and a soft sponge |
| Use baking soda and vinegar to remove stubborn residue | |
| Rinse and dry thoroughly | |
| Preheating techniques | Preheat your pan before adding food |
| Set your pan over medium-low heat and add oil once the water droplets bead up and roll | |
| Storage | Hang your pan to avoid scratches |
| If stacking, use a trivet, dish towel, pan protector, or napkin inside and underneath |
What You'll Learn
Use non-metal utensils
Stainless steel is a sturdy and sleek material that can be used to cook almost anything, making it a popular choice for professionals. However, it is prone to scratching, especially when used with metal utensils. To keep your stainless steel pans scratch-free, it is recommended to use non-metal utensils such as those made of silicone, wood, or nylon. These materials are gentler on the surface of the pan and can effectively prevent scratches without compromising on functionality.
Silicone utensils, in particular, are designed to withstand high temperatures without causing any damage to the pan's surface. They are soft and flexible, making them ideal for stirring and mixing without leaving marks. Wooden utensils are another excellent option for scratch-free cooking. They are sturdy and durable, providing a smooth surface that glides across the pan without causing any abrasion. Nylon utensils are also recommended by experts as they are strong yet gentle on cookware, reducing the appearance of small scratches over time.
By opting for non-metal utensils, you can effectively prevent scratches on your stainless steel pans. These utensils are designed to be used at high temperatures and are easy to clean, making them a practical and functional choice for any kitchen. They are gentle on the surface of stainless steel pans, ensuring that your cookware remains in pristine condition for years to come.
It is important to note that while non-metal utensils are ideal for scratch prevention, they may not be suitable for all types of cookware. For example, metal utensils are typically recommended for cast iron skillets to help maintain their non-stick properties through regular seasoning. Therefore, it is always advisable to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines specific to your cookware for the best results.
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Avoid harsh scrubbers
When cleaning stainless steel pans, it is important to avoid harsh scrubbers or abrasive cleaners as they can scratch the surface and damage the finish. Instead, opt for soft sponges or cloths and gentle cleaning solutions to preserve the integrity of the pan.
Stainless steel is relatively soft compared to other types of steel, so it's important to be gentle when cleaning. While scratches are inevitable and won't affect the performance of the pan, they can make food more likely to stick.
Use non-abrasive sponges or cloths made from materials such as microfiber, soft cotton, or paper towels. If you need something more heavy-duty, try using a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive scrubber specifically designed for stainless steel. Avoid steel wool or wire scrubbers, as these are too harsh and will scratch the surface.
When it comes to cleaning solutions, mild dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda are all effective and gentle options. Avoid using bleach, ammonia, or other harsh household cleaners, as these can damage the finish of your stainless steel pans.
By using the right tools and cleaning solutions, you can effectively clean your stainless steel pans without causing scratches or damage.
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Opt for soft sponges
Stainless steel pans are robust and can handle a bit of scratching, but if you want to keep your pans scratch-free, it's important to opt for soft sponges when cleaning them. Using soft sponges or cloths is a gentle way to preserve the integrity of your stainless steel pans and ensure they last longer.
There are a variety of soft sponges available on the market that are designed for scratch-free cleaning. For example, the Scotch-Brite Zero Scratch Scrub Sponge is a popular option that is safe to use on non-stick cookware. The O-Cedar Multi-Use Scrunge Scrub Sponge is another great choice, endorsed by DuPont for use on Teflon non-stick coatings. This sponge features a unique rippled surface that effectively lifts away dirt and food particles, and it's also odour-resistant.
If you're looking for a more natural option, the Natural Sea Sponge is a great choice. It's 100% biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and free from toxins. While it may be a little large for washing dishes, it's perfect for other tasks like washing floors, upholstery, windows, and even cars. You can also cut it in half to make it more manageable.
When choosing a soft sponge, look for options that are non-abrasive and designed for use on non-stick or delicate surfaces. It's also important to rinse your sponge thoroughly after each use to prevent food particles from building up and affecting the performance of the sponge.
By using soft sponges and cloths, you can effectively clean your stainless steel pans without causing any damage, ensuring they stay in great condition for longer.
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Use hot water for stuck-on food
To remove stuck-on food from your stainless steel pans, you can use hot water to loosen the residue. This method is simple and effective, and it doesn't require any special tools or cleaners. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Scrub Away Excess Food
First, use a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth to remove as much of the stuck-on food as possible. This step ensures that you are only dealing with the most stubborn residue.
Step 2: Fill the Pan with Water
Fill your stainless steel pan with water, making sure to completely submerge the stuck-on food. You can also add a bit of dish soap to the water for extra cleaning power.
Step 3: Bring the Water to a Boil
Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Allow the water to come to a rolling boil and then let it simmer for a few minutes. The heat from the boiling water will help to loosen the food residue, making it easier to remove.
Step 4: Remove from Heat and Cool
Once the water has boiled and simmered for a few minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down. This step is important, as it ensures that you can safely handle the pan and prevents warping or disfiguration of the stainless steel.
Step 5: Scrape and Scrub Away Food
After the pan has cooled, use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently scrape away the loosened food residue. For any remaining bits, scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth. If needed, you can also add a bit more dish soap to help remove the residue.
Step 6: Rinse and Dry
Once all the food residue has been removed, rinse the pan with clean water and dry it thoroughly. This step ensures that there is no water spots or residue left on the pan.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove stuck-on food from your stainless steel pans without scratching or damaging the surface. This method utilizes the power of hot water to loosen and dissolve residue, protecting the pan's surface and maintaining its durability. Remember always to let your stainless steel pans cool down before cleaning and avoid using harsh scrubbers or abrasive cleaners. With proper care and maintenance, your stainless steel cookware will last for years to come.
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Handwash instead of using a dishwasher
While stainless steel pans are often marketed as dishwasher-safe, it is always better to wash them by hand. The mix of abrasive detergents and humid environments in dishwashers can corrode the metal of your stainless steel pans.
To handwash your stainless steel pans, start by taking a paper towel to absorb all the excess grease. This will cut down on how much oil you end up rubbing all over your pan while you clean, and it will also reduce the likelihood of developing a fatberg or clogging the sink. Scrape up all the bits and throw them in the trash, and then you're ready to start cleaning.
The best way to clean a stainless steel pan after it's been used is to make sure it's still hot (or warm enough so you can touch it) while you clean. Add hot water to dislodge any stuck scraps, but avoid shocking your hot pan with cold water, which can cause your cookware to warp.
Use hot, soapy water and a soft sponge to clean the pan. Avoid anything rough like an abrasive Brillo pad.
Always dry freshly cleaned stainless steel cookware promptly with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots. Do not air dry in a dish rack.
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Frequently asked questions
No, scratches on stainless steel pans are not unsafe. Stainless steel is not unsafe to use if scratched. However, if you have a fully-clad pan that uses a toxic material in the middle layer, and you've scratched it deep enough to expose that layer, it may be unsafe.
Scratches on stainless steel pans can occur through regular use. Using metal utensils on stainless steel cookware will result in scratching.
To prevent scratches, opt for sturdy, silicone-coated utensils designed for nonstick cookware. Silicone utensils are gentle on surfaces, can withstand high heat, and will not scratch your pan.
To clean your stainless steel pan without scratching it, avoid harsh scrubbers or abrasive cleaners. Instead, opt for soft sponges or cloths and gentle cleaning solutions. You can also use hot water to loosen and dissolve residue without needing to scrub.
To remove scratches from your stainless steel pan, you can use a stainless steel cookware cleaner such as Hestan Professional Grade Stainless Steel Cleaner or Bar Keepers Friend®.
