Stainless Steel Pan: Erasing Pen Marks

Removing pen marks from a stainless steel pan can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips to help you get those stubborn marks out and restore your pan to its original shine. Firstly, it's important to act quickly. The longer the ink sits on the surface, the harder it will be to remove. So, grab a paper towel or a clean cloth and blot the area to absorb as much of the ink as possible. You can also try using a small amount of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser on the cloth to help break down the ink. If the marks are particularly tough, you may need to turn to more heavy-duty methods. One option is to create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it off with a non-abrasive sponge. Another option is to use a specialised cleaning product like Bar Keepers Friend, which is known for its effectiveness in removing tough stains from stainless steel. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the product carefully and wear gloves to protect your hands. With a bit of elbow grease and the right tools, you can say goodbye to those pesky pen marks!

Use Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular product for cleaning stainless steel pans. It is a non-abrasive cleaner that can be used to remove pen marks without damaging the surface of the pan. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Bar Keepers Friend to remove pen marks from your stainless steel pan:

Step 1: Cool Down the Pan

Before attempting to clean your stainless steel pan, it is important to let it cool down completely. Do not submerge a hot pan in cold water as this can cause warping or cracking.

Step 2: Prepare the Surface

Once the pan is cool, sprinkle some Bar Keepers Friend cleanser onto the surface. You can use the powder or the soft cleanser variety, depending on your preference. Lightly wet the surface of the pan before applying the cleanser.

Step 3: Apply the Cleanser

Using a soft sponge or cloth, gently rub the cleanser onto the surface of the pan. Work in the direction of the grain to avoid scratching or dulling the finish. Pay close attention to the areas with pen marks, ensuring that the cleanser covers them completely.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing the surface, thoroughly rinse the pan with water to remove any remaining cleanser. Use a soft cloth or towel to dry the pan completely. This step is crucial to prevent streaking and ensure a shiny finish.

Step 5: Repeat if Necessary

If there are still pen marks visible, you can repeat the process. Bar Keepers Friend is safe to use multiple times and will not damage your stainless steel pan. For tougher stains, you may need to let the cleanser sit on the surface for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

Additional Tips:

• Always test new products on a small area first to ensure they do not cause any discolouration or damage.
• Bar Keepers Friend can also be used to clean other stainless steel items, such as sinks, appliances, and cookware.
• Remember to follow the manufacturer's care instructions and use non-abrasive tools to avoid scratching your stainless steel items.

Boil water and baking soda in the pan

To remove pen marks from a stainless steel pan, one effective method is to boil water and baking soda in the pan. This method is particularly useful 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 the amount of water according to the size of your pan). Turn on the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. As the water boils and 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. Use a long-handled brush or a scouring pad to scrub off the pen marks. It is best to do this while the pan is still hot, so be sure to wear gloves and grip the pan with a towel or oven mitt to protect your hands.

If the pen marks are particularly stubborn, you can try a more intensive approach by fully submerging the pan in a pot of boiling water and baking soda. Choose a vessel that will fit your pan, such as a large stock pot for small skillets or a roasting pan for larger ones. Fill it with enough water to submerge or mostly submerge your pan, and add a generous amount of baking soda (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup).

Place the pan in the water and reduce the heat to a gentle boil. Allow the pan to cook for around 15 to 30 minutes, flipping or rotating it to ensure that all sides are boiled. You should start to see brown residue flaking off, indicating that the pen marks are being removed.

Using tongs and silicone oven mitts, carefully remove the pan from the boiling water. To further break down any remaining stains, create an abrasive slurry by adding more baking soda and water to the pan, and scrub the pan while it is still hot.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove pen marks from your stainless steel pan, leaving it clean and stain-free.

Deglaze the pan with hot water

Deglazing is a great way to clean your stainless steel pan and it can even be used to create a sauce. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, make sure your pan is hot. You can heat it up if it has cooled down. Then, add hot water to the pan. It is important to note that you should always clean your pan while it is hot as it makes the process easier and adding hot water will not damage it. However, you should let the pan cool down before fully submerging it in cool water to avoid thermal shock, which can cause warping.

Next, use a long-handled dish brush to loosen any stuck-on food or fond (the browned bits of food). You can also use a spatula or paper towels to remove excess oil before adding the water.

After deglazing, use a scouring pad or sponge to scrub the inside and outside of the pan. A green Scotch-Brite scouring pad or sponge is recommended for effective stain removal. You can also use a softer sponge, such as a Dobie pad, but it will require more effort.

Finally, rinse and dry the pan with a clean, absorbent towel. Make sure to dry off your pan before putting it away.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove pen marks from your stainless steel pan and keep it looking like new.

Use a scouring pad or sponge

To remove pen marks from a stainless steel pan, you can try using a scouring pad or sponge. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Ensure your pan is made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is durable and can withstand scrubbing without being damaged.
• Identify the direction of the grain in the stainless steel. The grain will either run up and down or side to side on the pan. It is crucial to scrub following the grain to avoid damaging your pan.
• Choose the right type of scouring pad or sponge. A fresh Scotch-Brite scouring pad or a soft sponge, such as a Dobie pad, can be used. While a Scotch-Brite pad is more effective at removing stains, it will lightly scratch the surface of your pan. On the other hand, a softer sponge requires more elbow grease but leaves fewer scratches.
• Gather the other necessary materials. These include dish soap, a towel or oven mitt, and cleaning gloves. It is recommended to use an unscented natural dish liquid, such as Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid, and gloves to protect your hands, such as Glam-Gloves Dishwashing Gloves or Clorox Ultra Comfort Gloves.
• Prepare your pan. If there is excess oil in the pan, use a spatula or paper towel to remove it. You can also deglaze the pan by adding some hot water, which will make cleaning easier.
• Start scrubbing! Grab your chosen scouring pad or sponge, along with some dish soap, and scrub the inside and outside of the pan using a continuous circular motion. Remember to follow the grain of the metal as you scrub to prevent scratches and streaking.
• Rinse and dry the pan. After scrubbing, rinse the pan with warm water and then dry it thoroughly with a clean, absorbent towel or a lint-free microfiber cloth. This will help prevent water spots and streaks.

By following these steps, you can effectively use a scouring pad or sponge to remove pen marks from your stainless steel pan.

Soak the pan in hot water and dish soap

Soaking your pan in hot water and dish soap is a great first step to removing pen marks. This method is simple and effective for everyday cleanup. Start by filling your stainless steel pan with hot water and adding a few squirts of dish soap. You can also add a splash of vinegar to boost the cleaning power of the solution. Let the pan soak for a while, allowing the hot water and soap to loosen any stuck-on food or stains.

After soaking, you can begin to scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge or a long-handled dish brush. This will help to remove any remaining residue without scratching the surface of your pan. If you're dealing with tough, burnt-on stains, you may need to use a more abrasive cleaning tool, such as a Scotch-Brite scouring pad or even steel wool. However, be cautious when using abrasive tools, as they can permanently damage the surface of your pan.

Once you've finished scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Finally, dry the pan completely with a clean, absorbent towel. This last step is crucial, as it will help prevent water spots and keep your stainless steel pan looking brand new.

While soaking your pan in hot water and dish soap is a great start, for more stubborn pen marks, you may need to try additional methods. One option is to create a paste or slurry with baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. You can also try combining baking soda and vinegar, which will create a fizzing reaction that can help loosen stuck-on food and stains.

Remember, it's always a good idea to consult the manufacturer's instructions for specific washing tips and to test any new cleaning methods on a small area first to ensure they won't damage your pan.

Frequently asked questions