Stainless Steel Stains: Why?

All-Clad stainless steel pans are designed to resist stains, but hard water, overheating, using harsh cleansers, and food buildup can cause changes in the appearance over time. Luckily, there are several ways to remove stains and discolouration from your pans.

Firstly, it's important to identify what the stain is. Is it burnt food, a rainbow hue, or pitting? Once you've identified the type of stain, you can choose the best method for removing it.

For example, if you're dealing with burnt food or oil, you can try adding a few spoonfuls of baking soda to your pan, along with enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring this to a boil and let it simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Then, scrub away the buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash the pan with hot, soapy water.

If you're dealing with rainbow-coloured discolouration, this is likely caused by overheating the pan. To remove this type of stain, simply splash some vinegar into the pan and wipe the area with a soft sponge before rinsing and drying the pan fully.

For white stains or water stains, you can try using a product like Bar Keepers Friend, which is a mild oxalic acid that will dissolve away the calcium deposits. Alternatively, you can add equal parts water and vinegar to your pan, warm the mixture for a few minutes, discard the liquid, and then wash and wipe the pan.

Remember to always dry your All-Clad pans thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots and rust.

How to prevent staining

To prevent staining on your All-Clad stainless steel pan, it is important to follow the correct cleaning and maintenance procedures. Here are some detailed instructions to help you keep your pan looking like new:

• Always allow your pan to cool down before cleaning. Never immerse a hot pan in cold water as this can cause permanent warping.
• Rinse off excess food with warm water.
• Soak the pan in warm, soapy water.
• Wash with a non-abrasive scrubber and warm, soapy water. Avoid using steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach, as these can damage the surface.
• Wipe dry immediately with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
• To prevent scorch marks, ensure there is enough fat or liquid in the pan and that the pan is hot before adding any liquid.
• Preheat your pan on low to medium heat for 2-3 minutes before adding oil, fat, or food. This will help prevent burns and reduce the risk of overheating, which can cause discoloration.
• Move the food around frequently with a spoon or tongs to prevent it from sitting at the bottom of the pan and burning.
• When cooking pasta or similar dishes, add salt only after the water has come to a boil. Salting the water before boiling can cause "pitting corrosion," which leaves tiny, irreparable dents in the bottom of the pan.
• Always heat your pan before adding oil, and then add the food once the oil is hot. This creates a temporary non-stick surface.
• Allow cold foods, such as meat, chicken, or fish, to come to room temperature before cooking. Cold food is more likely to stick to a hot pan, and it can cause the steel to contract.
• To test if your pan is hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water into the pan. If the water forms a ball that glides across the surface, your pan is ready.
• Do not rush the preheating process by using high heat. Stainless steel is effective at holding heat, so preheating on high can lead to overheating.
• Clean your pan after each use, even if it doesn't look very dirty, to avoid a buildup of grease and food residue.
• To remove chalky white spots caused by calcium buildup, bring a solution of vinegar and water (1:3 ratio) to a boil in the pan, then wash and dry as usual.
• For general buildup, fill the pan with hot soapy water and let it soak for a few hours before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge.
• For stuck-on food bits, scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge, then fill it with enough soapy water to cover the food and bring it to a boil. The food should come off easily.
• To remove discoloration, especially the common rainbow-coloured stains caused by overheating, add a little vinegar to the pan and wipe it with a soft sponge before rinsing and drying.
• To prevent water spots, dry your pan as soon as possible after washing.

Removing white stains

White stains on your All-Clad stainless steel pan are likely due to hard water, which has high levels of calcium. Regular exposure to hard water can result in white stains on your stainless steel. If your water supply has a high iron content, it may give your pans a reddish hue.

Method 1: Bar Keeper's Friend

Bar Keeper's Friend is a popular and effective cleaning product for removing tough stains from stainless steel. It is a powdered cleaner that can be used to scrub off stains without damaging your pan. Here are the steps to use it:

• Sprinkle Bar Keeper's Friend on the stained areas of your pan.
• Add a small amount of water to create a paste.
• Use a non-abrasive sponge or scrub pad to gently scrub the stains, following the direction of the grain in the metal.
• Rinse the pan with water and dry it thoroughly with a lint-free, absorbent towel.

Method 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar

This method combines the power of baking soda and vinegar to remove tough stains. Here are the steps:

• Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar to form a thick paste.
• Apply the paste to the stained areas of your pan.
• Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the gentle acid in the vinegar to lift out the stains.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge to rub the stain gently, following the direction of the grain in the metal.
• Rinse the pan with water and dry it thoroughly.

Method 3: Boiling Water and Baking Soda

This method is useful for removing tougher stains that climb up the sides of your pan:

• Add a small mound of baking soda to the center of your pan.
• Pour in enough water to cover the baking soda (about 1/4 cup of water).
• Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil.
• As the water boils and evaporates, it will leave a film of baking soda on the walls of the pan.
• Once most of the water has boiled off, turn off the heat.
• Use a long-handled brush or scouring pad to scrub off the stains.
• Rinse the pan with water and dry it thoroughly.

General Tips:

• Always dry your All-Clad pan immediately after cleaning to prevent water spots and rust.
• Avoid using harsh oven cleaners, chlorine bleach, or abrasive steel wool on your stainless steel pan, as they can damage the surface.
• Always follow the care and cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the best results and maintain the quality of your All-Clad pan.

Removing pitting

Pitting is not a stain but an erosion of the surface of the metal. It occurs in the presence of chlorides, like salt, and chlorine. To avoid pitting, it is recommended to add salt only after water has come to a boil. This is because, at that temperature, there isn't enough oxygen in the water for the reaction to occur.

To remove pitting, you can try the following:

• Using a metal polish.
• Using wet/dry sandpaper with a light oil such as WD-40.
• Using a small sanding block with a compressible material, such as a mouse pad, between the block and paper.
• Starting with 220 or 340 grit sandpaper and progressing to finer papers to polish.
• Using an aluminium foil and water to create a "sucking out rust" effect.
• Using mineral spirits or alcohol and a good oil wipe down after using the aluminium foil and water method.

It is important to note that pitting cannot be completely removed, and these methods will only reduce its appearance. Additionally, these methods may not be suitable for all surfaces, and it is important to exercise caution to avoid damaging the finish or integrity of the item.

Removing rust

Stainless steel is a popular and resilient finish for kitchen appliances, but it can still be susceptible to rust and stains. The chromium film on stainless steel appliances protects them from rust, but if this gets damaged, rust can occur. Luckily, there are several ways to remove rust from stainless steel.

Firstly, it's important to check the instructions issued by the manufacturer, as not all steel finishes can be cleaned in the same way. It's also important to avoid using steel wool or brushes, as these can scratch the surface and create more rust.

Baking Soda and Water

One method is to create a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 cups of water. Baking soda is a non-abrasive way to remove rust and stains from stainless steel without compromising the integrity of the surface. Wipe the solution on the stain using a toothbrush, then rinse and wipe with a wet paper towel.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is another effective way to remove rust from stainless steel. As it contains acetic acid, vinegar can break down rust, debris, dirt, and stains. Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar, apply it to the surface, and then wipe it down with a soft cloth or paper towel. Finally, rinse the surface with water.

Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

The acidity of lemon juice also helps to break down rust. Mix equal quantities of lemon juice and baking soda to create a paste, then apply the paste to the surface and scrub with a damp sponge. If the rust remains, apply more paste and leave it for 15-30 minutes before scrubbing again.

Commercial Rust Removers

For stubborn rust, commercial rust removers can be used. These products are designed to tackle rust on metal surfaces. Always wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, when using these products, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

WD-40

If you have some WD-40 to hand, this can be sprayed onto the rusty area and left for a couple of minutes before being wiped away with a gentle cloth.

Salt and Lemon

Lemon juice and salt can also be combined to create a potent mixture for removing rust. Sprinkle salt over the rusty area, then squeeze lemon juice over the salt. Allow the mixture to sit for a few hours, then scrub the rust away with a scouring pad or brush.

Potato and Dish Soap

A surprising but effective method is to cut a potato in half, dip the cut end in dish soap, and rub it over the rusty area. The oxalic acid in the potato helps to break down the rust. Leave the juice to sit for a few hours before rinsing.

Citric Acid Solution

Citric acid is a natural and mild acid that is effective for rust removal. Mix it with hot water to create a solution, then submerge the rusty item. Leave it to sit for several hours or overnight for more severe rust. After soaking, scrub away the loosened rust with a brush or scouring pad.

Sandpaper

For severe rust that has deeply penetrated the metal surface, sandpaper or a metal brush may be necessary. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper to remove most of the rust, then switch to a finer grit to smooth the surface. This method is labour-intensive but effective for heavily rusted surfaces.

Preventing Rust

To prevent rust from forming, regular cleaning and drying of metal objects is essential, especially after exposure to moisture. Applying a protective coating, such as paint or a specialised sealant, can also help to reduce the risk of rust formation. Regular inspection and maintenance of metal objects can prevent the onset of severe rust.

Removing heat tint

Heat tint occurs when the natural oxide layer on the surface of stainless steel thickens due to heat during welding. Chromium is drawn to the surface of the metal, making it richer, while the layers underneath contain less chromium. The colours formed are due to a light-interference effect, with optical path-length differences causing light to be reflected between the oxide/metal interface and the surface of the oxide film. The Drinking Water Inspectorate Code of Practice states that to achieve optimum corrosion performance of stainless steel, all weld heat tints deeper in colour than a pale yellow shall be removed by mechanical dressing followed by acid pickling of the joint.

There are several methods to remove heat tint from stainless steel. One common method is to use brush-on gels and pastes, immersion acid or spray pickling, and the electrolytic method. All of these methods utilise nitric acid, which leaves the stainless steel surface in a passive condition; this process is called passivation. However, nitric acid treatments alone may not be sufficient to remove enough metal from the surface, so a combination of finishing treatments can be used, including mechanical treatments such as grinding and abrading before passivation. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using strong acids to avoid pitting damage.

Another effective method to remove heat tint is electropolishing, which removes the outer skin of the metal and exposes the base metal, leaving the part passive and with an aesthetically pleasing finish. Electropolishing is a chemical process that improves corrosion resistance, the microfinish, cycle life, and leaves the part with an ultraclean surface.

For lighter shades of discoloration, the electrochemical method is effective as it removes oxides from the surface and restores the anti-corrosive passive layer. Brushing and grinding can also be used to remove discoloration, but it may not guarantee proper repassivation. For darker discoloration, electrochemical cleaning and passivation can provide excellent results, but the potency of the machine used is an important factor to consider.

For a simple household solution to clean discoloured stainless steel, wash the stainless steel using a soft cloth dipped in hot water with a few drops of dishwashing soap dissolved in it. Dry the object with a towel, then dip a soft cloth in vinegar and rub it over the surface of the stainless steel. Continue rubbing vigorously until no more streaks come off. If stains remain, pour a small amount of club soda over a clean, soft cloth and rub vigorously over the surface until all traces of heat damage are removed. Finally, pour a small amount of olive oil onto a dry, soft cloth and rub it into the surface of the stainless steel to provide additional protection from heat damage and remove any remaining streaks.

Frequently asked questions