Revive Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless steel is a common choice for cookware because it's durable, non-reactive, and resistant to corrosion and rust. However, it's not impervious to burnt-on messes and discolouration. With everyday use, stains, water spots, and other stubborn marks can appear, so it's important to know how to restore stainless steel pots and pans to their former glory.

Removing burnt food with boiling water

Step 1: Initial Scrubbing

First, use a non-abrasive scrubber to remove as much of the burnt food as possible. It is important to avoid using mechanically abrasive scrubbers like steel wool, as they can scratch the stainless steel and make it vulnerable to corrosion.

Step 2: Add Soap and Water

Fill the pot or pan with water and add a bit of dish soap. Ensure that the stuck-on food is completely submerged in the soapy water.

Step 3: Boil the Water

Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. The heat from the water will help loosen the leftover food, making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Remove from Heat and Cool

Take the pot or pan off the burner and let it cool down. This step is crucial, as you don't want to burn yourself when handling the pot or pan.

Step 5: Scrape the Food

After cooling, the food should be loosened enough to be easily scraped off with a spatula or a wooden spoon. If needed, you can use a non-abrasive scrubber to help remove any remaining bits.

Step 6: Repeat if Necessary

If there is still some burnt food stuck on the pot or pan, simply repeat the above steps. This method is gentle yet effective and can be repeated until your cookware is restored to its original condition.

Additional Tips:

• Always allow your stainless steel cookware to cool down before cleaning to avoid thermal shock, which can cause warping.
• For tougher stains, you can add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to the water before boiling. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help break down stubborn burnt food.
• Remember to always dry your stainless steel pots and pans immediately after washing to prevent water spots and maintain their shine.

Removing burnt food with vinegar and baking soda

Vinegar and baking soda are both effective cleaning agents for removing burnt food from stainless steel pots and pans. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use them together:

• Fill the pan with water: Ensure the water level is high enough to cover the stuck-on food.
• Add vinegar: Pour in one cup of vinegar and bring the water to a boil.
• Remove from heat: Once the water is boiling, take the pan off the heat.
• Add baking soda: Add two tablespoons of baking soda to the pan. This will cause a fizzing reaction. It is recommended to do this over the sink as the reaction can be quite vigorous.
• Mix: Briefly mix the contents of the pan.
• Empty the pan: Pour out the liquid, but do not dry or wipe the pan just yet.
• Scrub the pan: Use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to remove any remaining food particles. You can also use a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If necessary, add more baking soda as you scrub.
• Rinse and dry: Once all the burnt food has been removed, rinse the pan with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

Additional Tips:

• It is important to always use non-abrasive tools when cleaning stainless steel to avoid scratches and damage.
• For lighter stains, baking soda can be used on its own as a powdered cleaner.
• For tougher stains, a commercial cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend can be used in place of baking soda.
• To prevent water spots, always dry your stainless steel pots and pans immediately after washing.

Removing burn marks with baking soda

First, 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. For a full pot, Arm and Hammer recommend 1 cup of baking soda. You can also add a small amount of water to the baking soda to make a paste.

Next, use a dry cloth to rub the baking soda into the burn marks. Ensure you rub in the direction of the polish lines (also known as the grain lines) of the stainless steel. This will help you avoid scratching the surface.

Once you are satisfied, rinse off any excess baking soda and dry the pan. If the burn marks are particularly stubborn, you can add more baking soda and repeat the process, or try leaving the baking soda on for several hours or even overnight.

If you have gentle dish soap available, you can also make a paste using baking soda and dish soap. Apply this paste to any affected areas and leave it on for several hours before washing and drying your pan as normal.

For an even more intensive treatment, you can try boiling water and baking soda in the pan. Add a small mound of baking soda to the centre of the pan and cover with about 1/4 cup of water. Bring this to a boil and let it simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool before scrubbing away buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and washing in hot, soapy water.

Removing water spots

Water spots on stainless steel are typically caused by hard water, which contains higher-than-average traces of dissolved magnesium and calcium. These minerals leave behind white smudges when the water evaporates. While hard water is not harmful to humans, it can damage your household items over time.

Using Vinegar

For this method, you will need vinegar, water, a sprayer bottle, and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. First, fill the spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water. Rinse out your stainless steel item with plain water, then spray the vinegar solution directly on the water stain and let it sit for about five minutes. Then, take your cloth or paper towel and gently wipe the sprayed area in the direction of the stainless steel's grain. Repeat this process until the stain has been removed.

Using Rubbing Alcohol

This method requires rubbing alcohol (also called isopropyl alcohol) and a soft cloth or paper towel. Apply a generous amount of the alcohol to the cloth or towel and gently rub the water stains, always working in the direction of the stainless steel's grain. The alcohol will evaporate, so you don't need to worry about rinsing afterward.

Using Olive Oil

If water stains have affected the shine of your stainless steel, you can restore it with olive oil. Apply a small amount of olive oil to a soft cloth or paper towel and rub it onto the stain, following the direction of the grain. Then, wipe the surface again with a clean, dry cloth to remove any residual oil.

Using Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

This method is especially useful for horizontal surfaces. Sprinkle the area with a thin layer of lemon juice and let it sit for about five minutes. Next, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on top—the mixture will start to fizz. Wipe the area down with a clean cloth or paper towel, rubbing in the direction of the grain. You may need to add more lemon juice as the baking soda dissolves. Finally, wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth and let it air dry.

Using Commercial Cleaners

Commercial stainless steel cleaners, such as Bar Keepers Friend or Method, can also be used to remove water spots. Follow the directions provided with the cleaner, and remember to wear gloves if necessary to protect your hands.

Removing discolouration

Using Commercial Cleaners

Commercial cleaners such as Bar Keepers Friend or Brillo Cameo are effective in removing tough stains from stainless steel. These powdered cleaners are designed to clean without scratching or damaging the surface. Sprinkle the powder on the bottom of the pan, add some water to form a paste, and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth. Rinse the pan with clean water and repeat the process if necessary.

Boiling Water and Baking Soda

For this method, add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to your scorched pan and enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and wait for the pan to cool down before scrubbing away the buildup with a non-abrasive sponge. Finally, wash the pan with hot, soapy water.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Fill the bottom of your pot or pan with water to cover any stuck-on food. Then, add one cup of vinegar and bring the water to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, remove from the heat and add two tablespoons of baking soda. Briefly mix the solution and empty the pan. Use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to rid the pan of any remaining food particles.

Vinegar and Water

Wash your pan with vinegar and rinse with water to remove discolouration caused by overheating. For white calcium build-up stains, make a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water and boil in the affected pot or pan. Allow the mixture to cool, then empty the pan and wash it as usual.

Tomato Sauce

Fill the pot or pan with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes until the discoloured areas are completely submerged. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, adding water if necessary. Remove the sauce and rinse the pan clean. Alternatively, you can leave the tomato sauce in the pan overnight without simmering.

Shaving Cream

Apply shaving cream to a microfiber towel and use it to wipe down the discoloured areas. This method has been anecdotally proven to be effective in removing stains.

Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil

Apply a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil to a soft cloth and rub it in the same direction as the grain of the stainless steel. This will restore the shine and remove discolouration.

Barkeeper's Friend and Water

Create a paste by mixing Barkeeper's Friend with water. Very gently wipe the paste onto the discoloured areas, ensuring that you follow the grain of the steel. Rinse it off completely with plain water and buff it dry with a clean, dry cloth.

WD-40

Spray some WD-40 onto a paper towel and polish your stainless steel items. This will make them look new and also leaves a pleasant smell.

Other Tips:

• Always dry your cookware immediately after washing to prevent water spots.
• To remove smaller water spots, dampen your pan and rub it with a moist sponge sprinkled with baking soda.
• Avoid using harsh scrubbers like steel wool, as they can scratch the surface and make it vulnerable to corrosion.
• Avoid cleaning with tap water, as the minerals in it can leave white spots when the steel dries. Instead, use distilled water.

Frequently asked questions