Cleaning Stainless Steel: Removing Scale Build-Up

Stainless steel pans are a kitchen staple, but they can be a pain to clean. While stainless steel is designed to resist corrosion and rust, it's not impervious to burnt-on food, water spots, and discolouration. One of the most common issues is limescale or calcium deposits, which are caused by a buildup of hard tap water that contains a high amount of calcium or mineral sulfates. Luckily, there are several easy ways to remove limescale and calcium deposits from your stainless steel pans, including using vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, or commercial cleaners.

Using a water and vinegar solution

To remove scale buildup from your stainless steel pan, a water and vinegar solution is an inexpensive, natural, and easy way to get your cookware looking like new.

First, cover the deposits in your pan with vinegar. You can use distilled vinegar or, if you don't have any to hand, white vinegar. Apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, and other flavoured vinegars are not suitable as they contain sugar, which can burn into your pan.

Next, add water to the pan. The ratio of water to vinegar is important. You should aim for a 1:3 vinegar to water solution. If you are dealing with heavier deposits, you may want to use a 50:50 solution.

Now, place your pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Bring the water and vinegar solution to a boil. You can use a wooden utensil to agitate the solution as it heats up. Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and let the hot solution dissolve the deposits.

When the buildup has completely dissolved and the solution has cooled to room temperature, carefully pour it out. You can then rinse your cookware with soap and cold water, and dry it with a dish towel or soft cloth.

If you are dealing with heavier deposits, you can try discarding the solution and repeating the process, or you can leave the solution in the pan overnight before rinsing and drying as normal.

Boiling with vinegar and water

Firstly, fill your stainless steel pan with a mixture of one part vinegar and three parts water. Ensure that there is enough liquid to completely submerge the scale deposits. The vinegar helps to break down the tough mineral buildup, and distilled vinegar is the best option. Apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, and other flavoured vinegars are less suitable as they contain sugar, which can burn into your pan.

Next, place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Bring the mixture to a boil. As the water starts to boil, turn off the heat source and let the hot solution work to dissolve the scale. You can agitate the solution with a wooden utensil to encourage the process.

Once the scale buildup has completely dissolved and the solution has cooled to room temperature, carefully pour it out. You may then wish to rinse your pan with soap and cold water, and dry it with a soft cloth or dish towel.

If there is still some scale buildup remaining, you can repeat the process, or try refreshing the vinegar and water solution and boiling it again. Alternatively, you could leave the solution in the pan overnight before rinsing and drying as normal.

This method of boiling vinegar and water is a safe and effective way to remove scale buildup from your stainless steel pans, restoring their shine and keeping them in good condition.

Using commercial cleaners

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to remove limescale from your stainless steel pans, you may want to opt for a commercial cleaner. These products are designed to remove limescale from stainless steel without damaging the surface. Commercial cleaners usually come in spray bottles and are easy to apply. Simply spray the product liberally onto the affected area, leave it to sit for 10-15 minutes (or longer, depending on the instructions), and then wipe it away with a damp cloth.

Some commercial cleaners may require additional scrubbing or polishing, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully for the best results. For example, Bar Keepers Friend is a popular commercial cleaner that can be used to remove tough stains from stainless steel pans. It is more effective than baking soda at removing stubborn marks and can be used by sprinkling it onto the bottom of the pan to form a paste, which you then scrub into the scorched area with a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth before rinsing the pan with clean water.

Another commercial cleaner to consider is Carbon Off, which is recommended for removing stubborn burn marks and carbon build-up. Always remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any commercial cleaner, and take care to protect your hands with gloves if needed.

Removing tough stains

Tough stains on your stainless steel pans can be frustrating, but they can be removed with a little elbow grease and some common household ingredients. Here are some methods to help you get your pans looking like new again:

• For tough stains, you can use a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend. This cleaner is designed to remove tough stains without damaging your pans. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use, and always wear gloves to protect your hands.
• Another option for removing tough stains is to create a baking soda slurry. Add a small mound of baking soda to the centre of your pan and cover it with about 1/4 cup of water. Bring this mixture to a boil and let it simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool down enough to handle. Then, use a long-handled brush or a fresh scouring pad to scrub away the stains.
• For even tougher stains, you can try submerging your pan in a larger pot or roasting pan filled with water and baking soda. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil and let your pan cook for about 15 to 30 minutes. You should see the stains start to flake off. Remove the pan from the boiling water and create an abrasive slurry with more baking soda and water to scrub away any remaining stains.
• If you're dealing with limescale or hard water stains, a mixture of vinegar and water can help. Fill your pan with equal parts vinegar and water and place it on the stove. Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil for about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the solution sit in the pan for an hour. Then, discard the liquid and scrub your pan with a nylon scrubber, hot water, and a mild dish soap. Rinse and dry your pan with a dish towel.
• For lighter stains, a mixture of vinegar, lemon juice, and water can be effective. Mix equal parts vinegar or lemon juice with warm water in a spray bottle and spray it onto the stained areas. Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth. Repeat this process as needed until the stains are gone. For more stubborn stains, you can add baking soda to the mixture.

Preventing scale build-up

To prevent scale build-up, it is important to clean your cookware frequently and properly. Here are some tips to help you keep your stainless steel pans in top condition:

• Wash your pans with soap and water after each use. Avoid putting them in the dishwasher, as it is best to hand-wash stainless steel cookware.
• Dry your pans immediately after washing them. This is a crucial step in preventing water stains and hard water build-up.
• Avoid using harsh cleaning tools and chemicals such as steel wool, bleach, or oven cleaner, as these can damage the surface of your pans. Instead, opt for non-abrasive sponges or scrubbers.
• For heavier deposits, a diluted vinegar solution can be used. Bring equal parts vinegar and water to a boil in the pan, then let it cool before washing and drying as usual.
• To remove smaller water spots, wipe the pan with a damp sponge sprinkled with baking soda.
• Always allow your cookware to cool down before cleaning to avoid warping.
• To prevent food from sticking and make cleaning easier, preheat your pan before adding oil, and allow refrigerated ingredients to come to room temperature before cooking.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively prevent scale build-up and keep your stainless steel pans looking brand-new.

Frequently asked questions