Stainless Steel Pans: Patina Or No Patina?

Stainless steel pans are designed to resist rust and corrosion, but they can develop discolouration or patina over time. This is caused by a combination of oil remnants, carbon build-up, and the chemical reaction between chromium (a common component of stainless steel) and oxygen. While this patina is safe and can even act as a non-stick coating, some people may find it unsightly and want to remove it. There are various methods for doing so, including using specialised cleaning products like Bar Keepers Friend, or natural solutions like vinegar or baking soda.

Stainless steel pans can be seasoned to make them non-stick

To season your pan, start by washing it with dish soap and warm water. Rinse the pan thoroughly and let it air dry. Next, choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sesame, grapeseed, peanut, canola, or coconut oil. Pour about 2 tablespoons of the oil into the pan, then swirl the pan around to evenly coat the bottom and sides. Heat the pan over medium heat on the stove for 2 to 5 minutes, or until the oil begins to smoke. As soon as you see any smoke rising from the pan, immediately move it off the burner and turn off the heat. Let the oil cool for 30 minutes, then pour it out of the pan or soak it up with a clean paper towel. Wipe the remaining oil out of the pan with a paper towel using circular motions. You want a glossy sheen left in the base of the pan—that's your non-stick surface.

To keep your seasoned pan in good condition, always preheat it to medium for about 10 minutes before cooking. This will help your food heat more evenly and prevent it from burning and sticking. Avoid cooking anything in a seasoned pan on high heat. You can also minimize sticking by thawing frozen foods to room temperature before cooking them and making sure not to overcrowd the pan with too many ingredients. When you’re done cooking, gently wipe the pan with a dry paper towel. To prevent scratches, put a layer of paper towels in the bottom of the pan before stacking other cookware inside of it.

It’s okay to wash a seasoned pan with soap and water if it gets very soiled and greasy. You can also soak off stubborn gunk by boiling water in the pan for 5 minutes. When you’re done, wipe away any remaining residue and re-season your pan before using it again.

The discolouration on stainless steel pans is caused by a chemical reaction

Stainless steel is a compound, or alloy, made up of iron, carbon, and chromium. Iron and carbon are susceptible to rusting, or oxidation, but chromium is added to prevent this and give the alloy its "stainless" quality.

Despite its name, stainless steel can discolour and stain. Discolouration is typically due to a build-up on the surface of the pan. This can be caused by a few factors. Firstly, overheating oil in a stainless-steel pan can lead to a brown residue. Secondly, harsh chemicals in cleaning materials can cause discolouration. Thirdly, calcium and other minerals in water can cause a white build-up. Finally, high heat can cause a range of colours to appear on the pan.

The chromium layer that prevents rust is also the layer that causes rainbow discolouration on your stainless-steel cookware. When exposed to air, chromium creates a protective barrier. When this protective coat is exposed to high heat, discolouration occurs.

The discolouration is safe but can be removed with vinegar

Stainless steel pans are designed to resist rust, not to be stain-free. The discolouration that occurs on stainless steel pans is safe and can be left as is. However, if you prefer the look of shiny metal, you can remove the discolouration.

One way to remove discolouration from stainless steel pans is to use vinegar. White vinegar can be effective at removing light patina and mild rust from blades. It is made of acetic acid, which will react with the iron oxide and remove it from the surface of the blade.

To use this method, simply dip the blade into white vinegar and leave it there for about 5 minutes. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe the blade clean and get rid of any remaining vinegar. Alternatively, you can soak a paper towel or cloth in white vinegar and then apply it to the discoloured part of the knife. Just be sure to not leave the blade in contact with the vinegar for more than 5 minutes, as the acetic acid might corrode it.

Another option is to make a paste by mixing equal parts salt and white vinegar and stirring until the salt dissolves. Then, add white flour while continuously stirring until a toothpaste-like consistency forms. Dip a rag in the paste and spread a thin layer over the surface of the pan. Let the paste remain on the surface for 30 to 45 minutes, then rinse it off with water and dry the pan thoroughly with a microfiber rag.

While the discolouration on stainless steel pans is safe and can be left as is, if you prefer a shiny appearance, you can use vinegar to effectively remove it without having to spend a lot of time or money on specific cleaning products.

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular product for cleaning stainless steel pans

Stainless steel pans are notorious for being hard to keep shiny and clean. Grease and oil stains can be particularly stubborn, and it can take a lot of scrubbing with the rough side of a sponge to remove them. However, Bar Keepers Friend is a popular product for cleaning stainless steel pans and restoring them to their former glory.

Bar Keepers Friend is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that can be used on stainless steel items. It can easily remove rust, tarnish, mineral deposits, and tough stains from most surfaces. It also protects the surfaces of your pans, helping to prevent tarnishing and rusting in the future.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, wet the surface of the pan, then scrub. The product doesn't work up a lather, so you'll want to scrub with the faucet off, using just the moisture on the surface of the pan to turn the powder into a paste. If needed, add a splash of water to hydrate the powder. For very tarnished or greasy pans, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a soft sponge or rag.

It's important to note that Bar Keepers Friend is abrasive, so it's recommended to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin, especially if you're scrubbing a lot of pots. Additionally, be sure to rinse the product off the pan after a minute, and don't let it sit on the surface for longer than that.

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular solution for cleaning stainless steel pans, and many people have shared their successful experiences and impressive before-and-after photos online. It's an effective way to remove stubborn stains and restore the shine to your stainless steel pans.

Baking soda can be used as a substitute for Bar Keepers Friend

Stainless steel pans are designed to be rustless rather than stainless, as the chromium in the steel prevents iron from oxidising and rusting. However, discolouration and staining can still occur, especially if you cook with little oil and ensure the pan is hot before adding it.

Some people choose to let the patina develop, as it is purely cosmetic and can even be beneficial, creating a non-stick surface. However, if you want your pans to look like new, there are various products you can use to remove the discolouration. Bar Keepers Friend is a popular choice, but it does contain oxalic acid, which is toxic and corrosive. It also requires a lot of scrubbing to be effective.

Baking soda is a good alternative to Bar Keepers Friend. It is a mild abrasive that can be used to scrub away dirt, grime, and caked-on grease. It is also a multi-purpose product, with a wide range of uses beyond cleaning, including deodorising, cooking, baking, and boosting laundry detergent. It is also much safer than Bar Keepers Friend, with the Environmental Working Group (EWG) giving it an A for safety.

To use baking soda for cleaning, mix the powder with the recommended amount of water. This will help to remove grime from your dishes. You can also mix it with vinegar for extra cleaning power. However, it is important to note that baking soda may not be as effective as Bar Keepers Friend for removing tough, baked-on stains, and it will require more scrubbing.

Frequently asked questions