Stainless Steel Pan: Shining Tips

Stainless steel pans are a kitchen staple for many cooks due to their durability, quick and even heating, and low maintenance. However, despite their corrosion-resistant properties, they are not immune to burnt-on messes and discolouration. To keep your stainless steel pans looking brand new, it is important to know how to clean and maintain them properly. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve that shiny, spot-free finish.

Removing burn marks with baking soda

Baking soda is an effective, non-toxic, and biodegradable cleaner that can be used to remove burn marks from your stainless steel pan without scratching it.

Firstly, remove as much of the burnt food as possible from the pan. Then, deglaze the pan by adding a cup of water or a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. Boil this, then reduce to a simmer while you scrape the remaining food with a spatula or turner.

Next, add just enough warm water to the pan to cover the bottom. Pour in baking soda and stir it with the water to create a thick paste. A general guideline is to use 1 part water to 3 parts baking soda. Spread the paste over all the burned areas. Leave the paste for several hours or overnight, then use a cleaning brush to scrub the pan. Rinse the pan and inspect it. Repeat the process if necessary to remove any remaining burn marks.

You can also thin out the paste with a little extra water and put the pan on the stove until it boils. Don't leave it on the heat for too long. After it cools a little, scrub the pan with the brush.

If baking soda alone isn't enough, you can try pairing it with vinegar. Bring about 1/2 inch of vinegar in the pan to a boil and then simmer for about five minutes. Move the pan off the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. This will create a bubbling effect. You can dump the mixture and scrub the pan once it stops to get rid of the marks.

Getting rid of stuck-on food

• Soak the pan: Fill the pan with warm, soapy water and let it soak for several hours or overnight. This will help to loosen any stuck-on food. Then, drain the water and residue and scrub the pan with a good sponge. Repeat the process if necessary.
• Use baking soda: Baking soda is a simple, inexpensive, and non-toxic way to clean burnt stainless steel pans. Add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to the pan, along with enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool down enough to handle. Then, scrub away the buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash the pan with hot, soapy water.
• Try a commercial cleaner: For particularly tough stains, you can use a commercial cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel, such as Bar Keepers Friend. Follow the manufacturer's directions for use.
• Boil water and vinegar: If your pan has hard water stains, fill it with a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water and bring it to a boil. Let the mixture cool, then wash the pan with soap and water.
• Prevent food from sticking: To prevent food from sticking to your stainless steel pan in the first place, preheat the pan before adding oil or butter. Wait until the oil is hot before adding food. When cooking protein-rich foods like eggs or chicken, which are more likely to stick, allow them to come to room temperature before adding them to the pan.

Remember to always hand-wash your stainless steel pans and avoid using abrasive tools or harsh cleaners, as these can damage the surface. With proper care and maintenance, your stainless steel pans will stay looking brand new!

Cleaning with vinegar and water

Vinegar is an effective ingredient for removing any unsightly discolouration on your stainless steel pans, which is typically caused by overheating. To clean your pans with vinegar and water, follow these steps:

• Place half an inch of water in the stained pan.
• Add a cup of household vinegar and bring the solution to a boil.
• Turn off the heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda. Allow the solution to foam.
• When the solution is slightly cooled, scour the pan with a non-abrasive sponge. You can also allow the pan to soak in the solution for 15-20 minutes before scouring.
• Once the pan has cooled, rinse and dry it thoroughly to prevent water spots and stains.

You can also use a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to remove white calcium build-up stains. Boil this mixture in the affected pan, allow it to cool, then wash the pan as normal.

Using a soft sponge to scrub

To shine your stainless steel pan, you'll want to use a soft, non-abrasive sponge. Avoid steel wool or wire sponges, as these can scratch and damage the surface of your pan. Instead, opt for a sponge designed for stainless steel, such as a Scotch-Brite Dobie All-Purpose Cleaning Pad, or a 3M Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Scouring Pad. These sponges are soft enough that they won't scratch your pan but are still effective at removing tough, burnt-on food and stains.

To clean your stainless steel pan, first allow it to cool completely before washing. Then, fill your sink with hot, soapy water and let the pan soak for a few minutes to loosen any burnt-on food. You can also add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to the water to help break down tough messes. After soaking, use your soft sponge to gently scrub away any remaining food or stains. Be sure to scrub with the grain of the stainless steel, following the polish lines. Rinse the pan with warm water, then dry it immediately with a clean cloth or paper towel to prevent water spots from forming.

If your pan has tough, burnt-on stains, you can try using a commercial cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend. First, wet the pan and sprinkle the cleaner onto the bottom to form a paste. Then, use your soft sponge to scrub the paste into the burnt-on food. Rinse the pan with clean water and repeat the process if necessary.

For burn marks, you can also try using baking soda. Make sure your pan is completely dry, then sprinkle baking soda generously onto the bottom. You can use a dry cloth or your soft sponge to rub the baking soda into the burn marks. You can also add a little water to create an abrasive paste. Once you're finished, rinse away any excess baking soda and dry the pan.

With proper care and cleaning, your stainless steel pans will stay shiny and like new!

Drying with a clean towel

Drying your stainless steel pans with a clean towel is an important step in the cleaning process. Leaving your pans to air dry can cause water spots to form, so it's best to use a clean, absorbent towel to hand-dry your pans. This will help to keep the outsides of your pans shiny and spot-free.

After rinsing your pan with water, use a clean, dry towel to thoroughly dry the inside and outside of the pan. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, such as around the rivets, to ensure that no water spots form. If you have any grease or water spots that won't come off with a simple rinse and dry, you can try using a mild cleaner, such as vinegar, to wipe down the pan before drying it again.

It's important to use a lint-free or soft dish towel to dry your pans. This will help to prevent scratches on the surface of your stainless steel. Avoid using paper towels or abrasive sponges, as these can also scratch the surface of your pan.

Additionally, make sure to dry your pans as soon as possible after rinsing. Allowing your pans to air dry for too long can cause water spots to form, even if you use a towel to dry them afterward. So, have your towel ready before you start the rinsing process, and be prepared to dry your pans as soon as they are rinsed and free of any soap or cleaning solution.

Finally, if you want to add a little extra shine to your stainless steel, you can polish your pans with a stainless steel polish and a clean, soft cloth. This will help to remove any fingerprints or other marks and leave your pans looking brand new.

Frequently asked questions