Ella Walter
Stainless steel is a durable and hardy material used for cookware, but it is not immune to staining. Black or grey residue on new stainless steel cookware could be the result of the mechanical polishing process used to make it shiny, which sometimes leaves a residue that cannot be removed by hand or dishwashing. This residue is not harmful and can be removed by spreading a small amount of olive oil on the inside of the pan, letting it sit, and then wiping the oil out before washing with dish soap and hot water. Alternatively, you can gently scrub using a mixture of lemon juice and salt or a 1:1 mix of baking soda and warm water.
Black spots on stainless steel could also indicate that you are using the wrong cleaning products, which can remove the protective chemical layer and cause the steel to rust. To prevent this, wash your items immediately after use, dry them straight away, and avoid using abrasive metal cleaners or harsh soaps, which can scratch the surface.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of black marks | Using abrasive cleaning methods, undissolved salt added to a stainless steel pot, water boiled dry, using harsh soaps, or letting food linger on utensils |
| How to prevent black marks | Wash all items immediately after use, dry items immediately, avoid letting items sit in water for long periods, avoid using abrasive metal cleaners or harsh soaps |
| How to remove black marks | Wash with a mild detergent, scrub with a mixture of lemon juice and salt, scrub with a mixture of baking soda and warm water, use Bar Keepers Friend, sprinkle with baking soda, boil with water and baking soda, boil with vinegar and water, use Easy-Off oven cleaner, use Brillo Cameo cleaner, use baking soda and lemon, use steel wool |
Baking soda and lemon
To use this method, first, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, keep a thin layer of water in the pan and sprinkle the bottom of it liberally with baking soda. Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan. You may see some fizzing, which is fine – this is just citric acid creating sodium dioxide and sodium citrate when it combines with the base.
If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use the same method to remove the stains and restore the shine.
This method is also suitable for cast iron pans. However, be sure to avoid using water, soap, or acidic items such as vinegar or lemon juice without baking soda, as these can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning.
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Bar Keepers Friend
To clean your stainless steel pan with Bar Keepers Friend, follow these steps:
- Dampen the pan in warm water.
- Make a paste using Bar Keepers Friend and water.
- Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to the pan.
- Let it sit for one minute.
- Rub the paste in a circular motion from the centre outward.
- Wash the pan in hot soapy water.
- Rinse and repeat as needed.
It is important to note that you should always let your stainless steel pan cool down before cleaning it. Additionally, never use abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner, as these can permanently damage the surface.
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Vinegar and water
Step 1: Prepare the vinegar and water solution
Mix one part vinegar with three parts water. You can use white vinegar or any other type of vinegar you have on hand. The amount of solution you need will depend on the size of your pan and the severity of the stains.
Step 2: Boil the solution in the pan
Pour the vinegar and water solution into your stainless steel pan. Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium or high. Allow the solution to come to a boil and simmer for a few minutes. The exact amount of time will depend on the severity of the stains.
Step 3: Let the solution cool
After boiling the solution for a few minutes, turn off the heat and let the pan cool down. You can speed up the cooling process by removing the pan from the stove and placing it on a heat-resistant surface, such as a trivet or a wooden cutting board.
Step 4: Scrub the pan
Once the pan has cooled, use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to scrub away any remaining stains. You can also use a soft cloth if you prefer. Gently scrub the entire surface of the pan, paying close attention to any stained or discoloured areas.
Step 5: Rinse and dry the pan
Once you've finished scrubbing, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining vinegar and food residue. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Tips for using vinegar and water to clean stainless steel pans:
- For tougher stains, you can repeat the boiling process a few times until the stains are completely removed.
- If you don't have vinegar on hand, you can substitute lemon juice, which has a similar acidic property.
- Always use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to avoid scratching the surface of your stainless steel pan.
- Avoid using steel wool or other harsh scrubbers, as they can damage the surface of your pan.
- Always dry your pan immediately after washing to prevent water spots and discolouration.
- To prevent stains from building up, clean your stainless steel pans regularly and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools.
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Elbow grease
Baking Soda and Dish Soap
Make a paste using gentle dish soap and baking soda. Apply the paste to the affected areas and let it sit for several hours. Then, wash the pan thoroughly and dry it as usual.
Baking Soda and Lemon
Wet the bottom of the pan, sprinkle generously with baking soda, and scrub with the cut side of a lemon. Switch to a scrubby sponge if necessary. This method works well for not-too-heavy stains.
Bar Keepers Friend
Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish is a commercial cleaner designed to clean stainless steel without scratching or damaging the surface. Sprinkle the cleaner onto the bottom of the pan to form a paste, scrub it into the burnt areas with a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth, and then rinse the pan with clean water. Repeat the process if necessary.
Brillo Cameo
Apply Brillo Cameo directly to the stains, wet a sponge, and rub back and forth. You can also use the scrubby side of the sponge or steel wool for more stubborn marks.
Boiling Water
Scrub away as much food as possible with a non-abrasive scrubber, fill the pan with water and a bit of dish soap, and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then remove from the heat and let it cool. The stuck-on food should be loosened enough to scrape with a spatula.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Fill the bottom of your pan with water, add one cup of vinegar, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, remove from the heat and add two tablespoons of baking soda. Briefly mix the solution, empty the pan, and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge to remove any remaining food particles.
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Soapy water
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 it with a spatula or wooden spoon. Allow the pan to cool, and then wash it as usual.
For tougher messes, such as burnt food or oil, a more abrasive cleaning method may be required. One way to clean burnt stainless-steel pans is to add a few spoonfuls of baking soda and enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring this mixture 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 the buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash the pan in hot, soapy water.
It is important to note that stainless steel pans should be hand-washed instead of put in the dishwasher. Always let the cookware cool down before cleaning to avoid warping. Additionally, never use abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner, as these can permanently damage the surface of the pan.
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Frequently asked questions
Black marks on stainless steel pans are often caused by burnt-on food or oil. To remove these marks, 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, add a few spoonfuls of baking soda and enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring this mixture 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, then scrub away the buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash in hot, soapy water.
There are several commercial cleaners that can be used to clean stainless steel pans, such as Bar Keepers Friend, Brillo Cameo cleaner, and Easy-Off oven cleaner. You can also make a paste from baking soda and water, or use a mixture of lemon juice and salt or vinegar and water.
Black marks on stainless steel pans can be caused by a variety of factors, including burnt-on food, oil, or overheating the pan. Additionally, new stainless steel pans may have a black or grey residue left over from the manufacturing process, which can be removed by spreading a small amount of olive oil on the inside of the pan, letting it sit, and then wiping it out before washing with dish soap and hot water.
