Stainless Steel Cleaning: Removing White Marks

Stainless steel pots and pans are a staple in any cook's kitchen. This durable cookware heats up quickly and evenly, retains heat well, and doesn't require special utensils or tricky maintenance like cast-iron skillets, which require re-seasoning every so often. And since the material is non-reactive, you can cook just about anything in a stainless-steel pan without worrying about damaging the surface.

However, although stainless steel is designed to resist corrosion and rust, it's not impervious to burnt-on messes and discoloration. With everyday use come stains, water spots, and other stubborn marks, so it's essential to know how to clean stainless-steel pans properly.

The chalky white residue on your stainless steel cookware is caused by calcium and other minerals in your tap water. These stains are harmless, but hard to remove by hand or in the dishwasher. The best way to remove them is by boiling a solution of 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water for 1-2 minutes, then giving it a rinse.

To prevent water spots, always dry your pans immediately after washing. To remove water spots, dampen your pan and rub it down with a moist sponge and baking soda. Avoid cleaning methods that recommend using salt. Repeated cleaning with salt or salt water can lead to pitting in stainless steel.

How to remove white spots from stainless steel

White spots on stainless steel are usually caused by hard water, which is tap water with calcium dissolved in it. These chalky white spots are not harmful but can encourage bacterial growth. To get rid of these spots, you can try the following methods:

Method 1: Vinegar and Water

Mix one part vinegar and three parts water and bring this solution to a boil in the pan. Let it cool, then wash the pan with soap and water. You can also use this method to clean a stainless steel sink—simply spray lemon juice or vinegar on the sink, let it sit for up to 5 minutes, then sprinkle baking soda all over it. Rinse with clean water and towel dry.

Method 2: Baking Soda

Wipe the pan with a damp sponge sprinkled with baking soda to remove smaller water spots.

Method 3: Commercial Cleaner

You can use a commercial cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend to clean stainless steel pans, following the manufacturer's directions.

Preventing White Spots

To prevent white spots in the first place, always dry your cookware immediately after washing. When boiling a pot of water, add salt only after the water has reached a rolling boil to avoid pitting corrosion, which causes small, irreparable dents in the bottom of your pan.

How to clean stainless steel with vinegar

Vinegar is a mild acid that can be used to clean stainless steel items of dirt, grime, and fingerprint marks. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean stainless steel with vinegar:

Step 1: Mix vinegar and water

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. You can use any type of vinegar, including white, apple cider, or even specially-formulated cleaning vinegar. If your stainless steel is particularly dirty, you can use undiluted vinegar instead.

Step 2: Mist your stainless steel item

Spray the vinegar mixture onto your stainless steel item. You can also pour 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar onto a microfiber cloth and wipe down your item.

Step 3: Let the vinegar sit

Allow the vinegar to sit on your stainless steel item for about 10 seconds, or longer for tougher stains.

Step 4: Wipe off the vinegar

Use a clean, dry cloth, paper towel, or microfiber cloth to wipe off the excess vinegar. Make sure to wipe with the grain of the stainless steel to prevent streaking.

Step 5: Scrub gently

For stubborn stains, use a nylon scrubbing sponge or old toothbrush to gently scrub the surface. You can also use lemon juice or ketchup, as these products are slightly acidic and non-toxic.

Step 6: Repeat as needed

If your first round of cleaning didn't remove all the stains, repeat the procedure, concentrating the spray on tough stains and allowing the vinegar to sit for a minute before rubbing gently.

Step 7: Consult product manuals

Some stainless steel items may require special cleaning procedures, so be sure to read the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to ensure vinegar is safe to use.

Step 8: Use clean, lint-free cloths

Use clean, lint-free cloths when cleaning your stainless steel to avoid scratching or streaking. Suitable cloth types include microfiber, paper towels, or even an old piece of clothing.

Step 9: Avoid abrasive cleaning materials

Despite its name, stainless steel can stain. Avoid hard water, which can leave brown stains, as well as steel wool, scrub brushes, and abrasive cleansers, as these can scratch or stain your stainless steel items.

Step 10: Wipe with the grain

Always wipe and scrub your stainless steel items in the direction of the grain, which runs either horizontally or vertically. This will help prevent streaking and ensure a uniform finish.

How to clean stainless steel with baking soda

Baking soda is one of the most reliable cleaners for stainless steel appliances, including pots and pans. It is a popular household item and can be used to clean stainless steel in a few different ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean stainless steel with baking soda:

Step 1: Make a Baking Soda Paste

Mix two to three parts of baking soda with one part water to make a paste. The paste should be thick enough to adhere to the surface of your stainless steel item. The amount of paste you need will depend on what you are cleaning and how much of it is stained.

Step 2: Apply the Paste

Apply the baking soda paste to the stainless steel item, focusing on the most stained areas first. You may not need to cover the entire surface.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Let the paste sit on the stainless steel for 15 to 20 minutes. This will allow the baking soda and water to break down tough stains and baked-on food.

Step 4: Wipe the Paste

Use a damp cloth to wipe the paste off the stainless steel, wiping in the direction of the grain for best results. You may feel some resistance if you wipe against the grain.

Step 5: Remove Excess Residue

Use a dry cloth to remove any excess baking soda residue. You can also spray the stainless steel with a vinegar and water solution to give it a beautiful shine.

Alternative Method: Boil Water and Baking Soda in the Pan

This method is ideal for pots and pans with grimy buildup. Here's what to do:

• Place about two cups of water, vinegar, and one to two tablespoons of baking soda in the pan.
• Set a lid on the pan and bring it to a boil.
• Once boiling, let it continue for three to five minutes before removing from the heat.
• Allow the pan to cool for at least 15 minutes.
• Once cooled, dump the contents of the pan and rinse with warm or cool water.
• Wipe the pan with a dry microfiber cloth.

Tips for Cleaning Stainless Steel with Baking Soda

• Use distilled water if available, as hard water can be rougher on stainless steel.
• Clean your appliances with a soft microfiber cloth to avoid wearing down the finish or scratching the appliance.
• Polish the stainless steel with a vinegar and water solution (1:1 ratio) after cleaning to give it a beautiful shine.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners, and stick to cleaners made for stainless steel, glass cleaner, or acetone.

How to clean stainless steel with commercial cleaners

To clean stainless steel with commercial cleaners, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the Stain

Before you begin, it's important to identify the type of stain you're dealing with. Common stains on stainless steel include water stains, burnt food, discolouration, and pitting. Knowing the type of stain will help you choose the most effective cleaning method.

Step 2: Choose the Right Commercial Cleaner

When selecting a commercial cleaner, opt for a gentle yet effective product specifically designed for stainless steel, such as Barkeeper's Friend. These cleaners are formulated to remove stains without scratching or damaging the surface. For stubborn burn marks and carbon buildup, you may need a more powerful cleaner like Carbon Off.

Step 3: Prepare the Surface

Before applying the commercial cleaner, ensure that the stainless steel surface is clean and dry. If there are any food remnants or residue, use a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive scrubbing pad to remove them.

Step 4: Apply the Commercial Cleaner

Follow the instructions on the commercial cleaner's packaging. Typically, you'll need to moisten the surface, apply the cleaner, and scrub it into the stain using a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth. Rinse the surface with clean water afterward. Repeat the process if necessary.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once you've removed the stain, thoroughly rinse the stainless steel surface with clean water to remove any residue from the commercial cleaner. Dry the surface completely using a clean, soft cloth or a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and maintain the appearance of your stainless steel items.

Additional Tips:

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using commercial cleaners.
• Avoid using abrasive scrubbers like steel wool, which can scratch the surface of your stainless steel items.
• For burnt-on food, you can also try using boiling water or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda before resorting to commercial cleaners.
• To maintain the shine of your stainless steel items, consider using a stainless steel cleaner or polish after cleaning.

How to prevent white spots on stainless steel

Stainless steel is a durable and long-lasting material that is widely used for cookware and appliances. However, it is not immune to staining and discolouration. White spots on stainless steel are often caused by hard water, which is tap water with calcium dissolved in it. To prevent white spots on stainless steel, you can follow these tips:

• Prevent spots on your stainless steel cookware by towel-drying it after each wash. Unsightly water spots form when you air-dry stainless steel.
• To prevent oil buildup on stainless steel cookware, always heat your pan first, add and heat oil, then add food.
• When boiling a pot of water, add salt after it has reached a rolling boil. If you salt the water before it boils, pitting erosion can occur, leaving tiny but unfixable pits in the bottom of your stainless steel pot.
• Avoid wiping against the grain or in circles, as this can leave streaks.
• If your tap water is hard, consider cleaning with filtered or distilled water, as hard water may leave spots due to its high mineral content.
• Do not use any cleaning solutions with ammonia, chlorine, or bleach, as these chemicals can react with stainless steel and damage the finish.
• Oven cleaner is for ovens, not pans. It can remove the protective coating from your cookware.
• Always dry your stainless steel cookware after washing to prevent water spots.

Frequently asked questions