Stainless Steel Savior: Removing Stains From Pots And Pans

Stainless steel pans are a kitchen staple for many, thanks to their durability, quick and even heating, and non-reactivity to food. However, despite being designed to resist corrosion and rust, they are not impervious to burnt-on messes and discolouration. With everyday use, stains, water spots, and other stubborn marks can build up, so it's important to know how to clean stainless steel pans properly. Here are some tips to keep your stainless steel cookware looking brand new.

Removing burn marks with baking soda

Firstly, ensure your pan is completely dry. Flip the pan over and sprinkle baking soda evenly over the bottom of the pan. The amount of baking soda will depend on the size of your pan and the extent of the burn marks. Use a dry cloth to rub the baking soda into the burn marks. You can add a small amount of water to the baking soda to make a paste if you prefer.

For more stubborn burn marks, create a mixture of baking soda and water. A general guideline is to use 1 part water to 3 parts baking soda. You can also add a little extra water to thin out the paste. Spread the baking soda paste over all the burned areas. Wait for several hours or even overnight. Then, use a cleaning brush or a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the pan. Rinse the pan and inspect it. Repeat the process if necessary to remove any remaining burn marks.

You can also pair baking soda with other household ingredients to remove burn marks. For example, add equal parts water and vinegar to your pan and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce to a simmer while you scrape the pan with a spatula or turner. Alternatively, add vinegar to your pan and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, remove from the heat and add in a few tablespoons of baking soda. This will create a bubbling effect. Once the bubbling stops, dump the mixture and scrub the pan to remove the burn marks.

When removing burn marks with baking soda, it is important to remember to avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh scrubbers. These can permanently damage the surface of your stainless-steel pan. Always use a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth instead. Additionally, always allow your cookware to cool down before cleaning and avoid immersing a hot pan in cold water as this can cause warping.

Removing burn marks with baking soda and dish soap

• Start by ensuring your pan is completely dry. Turn the pan over and sprinkle baking soda evenly over the bottom.
• Use a dry cloth to rub the baking soda into the burn marks. You can add a small amount of water to the baking soda to create a paste if you prefer.
• Next, make a paste using gentle dish soap and baking soda. Apply this paste to the affected areas and leave it on for several hours.
• Once the paste has been left to work its magic, simply wash the pan thoroughly and dry it as you normally would.

This method is a great way to remove stubborn burn marks without causing any damage to your stainless steel cookware. Baking soda is an effective cleaner that won't scratch your pans, and when combined with gentle dish soap, it creates a powerful cleaning paste.

You can also try using baking soda with other ingredients such as lemon juice or vinegar to remove burn marks. Additionally, for routine cleaning, dish soap and warm water are usually sufficient.

Removing burnt oil with soda

• Add cola to the pan: Ensure you pour enough cola into the pan to cover the burnt areas.
• Let the soda simmer: Place the pan on the stove and bring the soda to a gentle simmer.
• Remove from heat: Once the soda is simmering, take the pan off the heat.
• Scrape away burnt oil: Use a spatula or similar tool to scrape away the burnt oil or other burnt-on substances.

This method is a surprising yet effective way to remove burnt oil from stainless steel pans. The acidic properties of the cola help to break down the burnt oil, making it easier to remove. It is important to note that this process should only be used on stainless steel and not on non-stick pans, as it may damage the non-stick coating.

Removing discoloration with vinegar

Vinegar is an effective ingredient for removing discoloration from your pans, which is typically caused by overheating. To remove discoloration with vinegar, simply wash your pan with vinegar and rinse with water.

For unsightly blue or rainbow hues on your pan, add some vinegar to the affected area and scrub with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge. Rinse off the vinegar with clean water and dry your item.

For small white water spots, combine one part vinegar with three parts water in the pan and bring it to a boil on the stove. Let the solution cool before washing out the pan with soap and water, then dry it.

White calcium build-up stains can also be removed by boiling a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water in the affected pot or pan. Allow the mixture to cool, then empty the pan and wash as normal.

Removing discoloration with tomato sauce

If you're looking to remove discolouration from your stainless steel pots and pans, tomato sauce is an effective solution. The acidity of the tomatoes is what helps to eliminate discolouration.

To use this method, fill your pot or pan with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, ensuring that all the affected areas are completely covered. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, adding water if necessary. Then, remove the sauce and rinse the pan clean. Alternatively, you can leave the tomato sauce in the pan overnight without simmering.

This is a great method to use if you have leftover tomato sauce in your kitchen.

Frequently asked questions