Erase Burned Oil Stains From Stainless Steel Cookware

Burnt oil stains on stainless steel pans are a common problem with various solutions. While it may seem like a daunting task to remove these unsightly marks, there are several effective methods to restore your pan to its original condition. From household products to commercial cleaners, a range of options are available to tackle even the toughest stains. The key is to act quickly, choose the right tools, and apply the appropriate techniques to ensure successful stain removal without damaging your cookware.

Use baking soda and water

Baking soda is a simple, inexpensive way to clean burnt stainless-steel pans. It is a versatile cleaning agent that can be used in a few different ways to remove burnt oil stains.

Firstly, you can make a baking soda and water paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the burnt parts of your pan, ensuring all affected areas are covered. Once you've applied the paste, thoroughly scrub the inside of the pan with a sponge. Rinse out the pan and repeat the process if necessary.

Another method is to add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to your pan, along with enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring this mixture to a boil and let it 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 any remaining buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash the pan with hot, soapy water.

For bigger, tougher stains, you can try a technique suggested by Geri Porter, the longtime kitchen manager for Martha Stewart. Add a small mound of baking soda to the center of your pan and cover it with about 1/4 cup of water (adjust the amount of water according to the size of your pan). Bring this mixture to a boil and let it evaporate, leaving a film of baking soda on the walls of the pan. When most of the water has boiled off, turn off the heat and use a long-handled brush or scouring pad to scrub away the residue. 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.

If you're dealing with extremely stubborn stains, you can try a more intensive method. Fully submerge your pan in a pot of boiling water and add a generous amount of baking soda (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup). Let the pan cook in this solution 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. Carefully remove the pan from the boiling water using tongs and silicone oven mitts. To further break down any remaining stains, add more baking soda and water to the pan and scrub while it's still hot.

Try a commercial cleaner

If you're dealing with burnt oil stains on your stainless steel pan, you may want to try a commercial cleaner. While some people opt for natural cleaning solutions like baking soda and vinegar, commercial products can be more effective, especially for tough stains. Here's a detailed guide on using commercial cleaners to tackle those stubborn burnt oil marks:

Make It Like New Cleaner:

This specially formulated stainless steel cleaner is designed to gently yet effectively remove stains from your cookware. It's particularly useful for addressing hard water stains, polymerized oil, and discolouration. To use this product, simply add a small amount of the cleaner to your pan, along with a splash of warm water. Then, scrub the surface well with a soft sponge. This method should help restore your pan's shine and remove those unsightly burnt oil stains.

Bar Keeper's Friend:

If you're looking for a versatile cleaning solution, Bar Keeper's Friend is a great option. This multi-purpose cleaning powder uses oxalic acid to dissolve tough stains like rust and calcium deposits. It then employs a mild abrasive to help scrub away burnt food and oil residue. The oxalic acid in Bar Keeper's Friend sets it apart from other alkaline cleaners like baking soda, which may be less effective on certain types of stains. When using Bar Keeper's Friend, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and wear gloves to protect your hands.

Other Commercial Cleaners:

In addition to the above options, there are various other commercial cleaners available specifically for stainless steel cookware. These can be found at most home goods or kitchen supply stores. Always read the manufacturer's instructions before using any new product, as the directions for use may vary. Some commercial cleaners may require you to dilute the product, while others might be ready to use straight out of the bottle. Additionally, some products may need to be rinsed off after a certain amount of time to prevent discolouration.

When dealing with burnt oil stains, it's essential to act promptly. The longer the stains sit, the more challenging they may be to remove. With these commercial cleaners and a bit of elbow grease, you can bring your stainless steel pans back to life and keep them looking brand new!

Soak in vinegar and water

Vinegar is an effective tool for tackling messes like grease, grime, and hard water stains. To remove burnt oil stains from your stainless steel pan, simply follow these steps:

First, sprinkle baking soda all over the affected area. Use a sponge or a soft scouring pad to scour the inside of the pan. Once you have removed as much of the burnt oil as possible, it's time to add vinegar.

Add a small amount of vinegar to the pan. The mixture of vinegar and baking soda should foam up immediately. Scrub the pan thoroughly with a sponge or a soft scouring pad. Once you're satisfied, rinse the pan with water and dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel.

If the burnt oil stain is particularly stubborn, you can try a more intensive approach. First, sprinkle baking soda all over the affected area. Then, add a few tablespoons of vinegar and a small amount of water to the pan. Bring this mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. The vinegar will help to break down the burnt-on oil. Once the mixture has cooled, use a long-handled brush or scouring pad to scrub off the remaining residue. Rinse the pan with water and dry it thoroughly.

With these simple steps, you can effectively remove burnt oil stains from your stainless steel pan using vinegar and water.

Sprinkle with baking soda

Removing burnt oil stains from a stainless steel pan with baking soda

Step 1: Sprinkle with baking soda

To start, you'll want to sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda over the burnt stain. Baking soda is a great go-to for cleaning burnt pots and pans because it has mild abrasive properties, and its alkaline pH can help neutralise acidic burnt foods.

Step 2: Add water

Next, you have a few options. You can either:

• Make a paste by adding a small amount of water to the baking soda, enough to cover the burnt parts of the pan.
• Cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, then add baking soda to create a paste.
• Boil water in the pan, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes, then add baking soda.

Step 3: Scrub

Once you've added water, use a nylon brush or scouring sponge to scrub the pan vigorously. If you're using the boiling water method, be sure to use gloves and grip the pan with a towel or oven mitt to protect your hands.

Step 4: Rinse and dry

Once all the stains and scorch marks have been removed, rinse and dry the pan as normal.

Use dish soap and water

Dish soap and water is sometimes all you need to clean a burnt stainless steel pan. Add a squirt of dish soap and some water to your pan and bring it to a simmer for a few minutes. Once it's cool, if the burnt-on food isn't easily coming off, try soaking it overnight.

For everyday cleanup, scrub your stainless-steel pan with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. To clean most pans after cooking in them, you’re likely to need less than five minutes to wipe them out, scrub them down, and dry them off.

If stuck-on food bits remain, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue, bring to a boil, and scrape with a spatula or wooden spoon. The food should come away easily. Allow the pan to cool, then wash as usual.

Always let your pan cool down before fully submerging it in cool water. Otherwise, the sudden change in temperature (called thermal shock) can cause a still-hot pan to warp.

Frequently asked questions