Removing Oil Stains From Stainless Steel Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Burnt oil on stainless steel pans is a common problem, but it can be solved with a few simple steps. Firstly, it is important to avoid scratching stainless steel surfaces with mechanically abrasive scrubbers like steel wool, as this can make the steel vulnerable to corrosion. Instead, use a non-abrasive or stainless steel-approved scrubber and scrub with the grain of the polish lines. To remove burnt oil, you can use a commercial cleaner, boil water, or use a combination of vinegar and baking soda. For commercial cleaners, moisten the pan, add the cleaner, scrub, and then rinse. This process can be repeated if necessary. For the boiling water method, scrub away as much food as possible, fill the pan with water and soap, submerge the food, boil the water, and then scrape the food with a spatula. For the vinegar and baking soda method, fill the pan with water, add vinegar, boil, add baking soda, mix, scrub, and then rinse.

Removing Oil from a Stainless Steel Pan

Use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend

To remove oil from a stainless steel pan, you can use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend. This is an effective way to clean your pan without scratching or damaging the surface. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Bar Keepers Friend to remove oil from your stainless steel pan:

Step 1: Moisten the Pan

Start by wetting the pan, ensuring that the burnt or oily area is completely saturated. This step is important to prepare the surface and help the cleaner adhere effectively.

Step 2: Apply Bar Keepers Friend

Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend powder onto the bottom of the pan. You can also mix the powder with a small amount of water to create a paste. Apply it generously to the affected areas, ensuring full coverage.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Allow the cleaner to sit on the surface for a short time, usually about a minute. Refer to the product instructions for the recommended duration. This gives the cleaner time to work on breaking down the oil residue.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

Using a non-abrasive scrubber or a soft cloth, gently scrub the paste into the affected areas of the pan. Work the cleaner into the surface with gentle circular motions, ensuring you cover all the oily spots. If necessary, apply some elbow grease for more stubborn stains.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

Rinse the pan with clean water to remove the cleaner and loosened oil residue. If some burn marks or oil stains persist, repeat the process. You may need to do this multiple times for heavily soiled pans.

When using Bar Keepers Friend or any other commercial cleaner, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines. It is important to wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation during the cleaning process. Additionally, always rinse the pan thoroughly after cleaning and dry it with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and maintain the stainless steel's shine.

Use vinegar and baking soda

To remove oil from a stainless steel pan using vinegar and baking soda, follow these steps:

Firstly, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Next, add enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 0.5 inches of liquid. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. This will create a fizzing reaction. It is recommended to do this over the sink. Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop. Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber, adding more baking soda if necessary. Finally, rinse and dry the pan.

An alternative method is to first add water to the pan, enough to cover the stuck-on food. Then, add 1 cup of vinegar and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from the heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Briefly mix the solution and empty the pan. Use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to remove any remaining food particles.

Baking soda is an effective cleaning agent for burnt-on oil because it has mild abrasive properties and its alkaline pH can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. Additionally, it can combine with an acid such as vinegar to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

Use boiling water

Boiling water is an effective method to remove oil from a stainless steel pan, especially when you don't have any commercial cleaners on hand. The heat from the water helps to loosen the oil, making it easier to remove. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use boiling water to clean your stainless steel pan:

Scrub the Pan: Start by scrubbing the pan with a non-abrasive scrubber to remove as much of the oil as possible. Be gentle and avoid using steel wool or wire scrubbers as they can scratch the surface of the stainless steel, making it vulnerable to corrosion.

Add Soap and Water: Fill the pan with water and add a small amount of dish soap. Completely submerge the oily areas of the pan with the soapy water.

Bring to a Boil: Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. The boiling water will help loosen any remaining oil or food particles.

Remove from Heat: After boiling for a few minutes, remove the pan from the heat source and allow it to cool down. The cooling process will further loosen the oil, making it easier to remove.

Scrape and Scrub: Once the pan has cooled, use a spatula or a soft cloth to gently scrape away the oil. You can then scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any remaining oil residue.

Repeat if Necessary: If there is still some oil left on the pan, you can repeat the above steps. Alternatively, you can try using a commercial cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda for more intensive cleaning.

Remember to always let your stainless steel pan cool down before cleaning and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that can damage the surface. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your stainless steel pans looking like new.

Use baking soda and dish soap

To remove oil from a stainless steel pan using baking soda and dish soap, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure your pan is dry. Then, flip it over and sprinkle baking soda evenly over the bottom of the pan. Use a dry cloth to rub the baking soda into any burn marks. You can also add a small amount of water to the baking soda to make a paste. Once you're happy, rinse off any excess baking soda and dry the pan.

If you have gentle dish soap to hand, you can also make a paste using the soap and baking soda. Apply this paste to any affected areas and leave it on for several hours. When you're ready, wash the pan thoroughly and dry it as normal.

You can also try this: sprinkle the surface of your pan generously with baking soda. Then, fill the pan with enough water to cover any stuck-on food. Pour out the dirty water, and clean the pan with warm, soapy water. Finally, wipe the pan dry with a microfiber towel.

Baking soda is a simple, inexpensive way to clean burnt stainless-steel pans. It's also worth noting that, when tested, baking soda was found to be a decent replacement for Bar Keepers Friend, a commercial cleaner. For some stains, the differences between the two methods were minimal. However, for tougher stains, you may have to scrub more with baking soda, and it may not get your pan back to its original shine.

Use soda

If you're looking to remove burnt oil from your stainless steel pans, soda is a surprising but effective solution. This method also works well on sticky, stuck-on substances like caramel, thanks to its acidic properties. Here are the steps to follow:

Removing Burnt Oil with Soda

• Add cola: Start by pouring enough cola into the pan to cover the burnt areas.
• Let the soda simmer: Place the pan on the stove and bring the cola to a gentle simmer.
• Remove from heat: Once it has simmered for a while, take the pan off the heat.
• Scrape away the burnt oil: Use a spatula or a similar tool to scrape away the burnt oil or other burnt-on substances.

Additional Tips for Cleaning Stainless Steel Pans

• Always let your stainless steel pans cool down before cleaning them.
• Avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach or ammonia, as these can damage the surface.
• Avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh scrubbers, as they can scratch the pan.
• To prevent water spots, dry your pans immediately after washing.
• Bring refrigerated foods to room temperature before cooking to prevent sticking.
• Preheat your pan on a lower heat setting to prevent overheating and burning.

Frequently asked questions