Stainless Steel Pans: Dark Interior Mystery

Stainless steel pans are prone to discolouration, often turning dark due to overheating, boiling dry, or the presence of chlorides, salt, or calcium in the water. While harmless, these tints can spoil the appearance of the pan. To remove the discolouration, products like Barkeepers Friend, diluted vinegar, or a mild oxalic acid solution can be used with a non-abrasive sponge or pad.

Overheating or boiling dry

Overheating a stainless steel pan or letting it boil dry can cause pitting corrosion, which is when the surface of the metal erodes, leaving small discoloured dots on the pan that can't be removed. This happens in the presence of chlorides, like salt, and is caused by the chloride attacking the protective layer of chromium oxide on the pan, which usually makes it resistant to corrosion.

To avoid pitting corrosion, it's recommended that you always add salt to water after it has reached a rolling boil and that you avoid using salt water or salty food in your stainless steel pans. You should also avoid letting pans boil dry, and always thoroughly dry your pans after washing them instead of letting them air-dry.

Water residue

Calcium carbonate doesn't dissolve easily in water, which is why soap and water will not remove the deposits. It's also not soluble in oil, which is why it remains stuck even after cooking with oil in the pan.

To remove the white calcium deposits, you can use a mild acid such as vinegar and water or a product like Bar Keepers Friend (a mild oxalic acid). These products will dissolve the calcium deposits, leaving you with a shiny, clean stainless steel pan. Simply add equal parts water and vinegar to the pan and warm the mixture for a few minutes. Then, discard the liquid and wash and wipe the pan as usual.

To prevent water spots in the first place, be sure to dry your cookware immediately after washing. You can also try to prevent water spots by always drying your stainless steel cookware instead of letting it air-dry. Wiping off the pan will remove the salts instead of letting them bond to the metal. You can also rinse your pan with a dilute vinegar solution after washing to prevent water spots.

Mineral build-up

To effectively remove the mineral build-up, you need to use an acidic solution as calcium carbonate dissolves in acidic mediums. A simple and effective method is to mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio, heat this mixture in the pan, and then rinse and wipe the pan clean. Alternatively, you can use a mild oxalic acid product like Bar Keepers Friend, which will dissolve the calcium deposits.

To prevent mineral build-up in the future, there are a few precautions you can take:

• Avoid using high heat during cooking. Simmering instead of boiling will reduce the breakdown of minerals.
• Always thoroughly dry your stainless steel pan after washing instead of letting it air-dry. This will help wipe off the mineral salts before they bond to the metal.
• Rinse your pan with a dilute vinegar solution after washing to remove any residual mineral deposits.

Burnt-on food

Baking Soda and Water

This method is ideal if you want to avoid using harsh chemicals. Simply cover the base of your pan with water and sprinkle baking soda generously over it. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes. Gently scrub it with a plastic scrubber, and for tough burns, leave it for longer.

Commercial Cleaners

Commercial cleaners like Barkeeper's Friend are designed to clean stainless steel without scratching or damaging the surface. To use it, wet the pan and sprinkle the cleaner on the bottom to form a paste. Scrub the paste into the burnt food with a soft cloth or non-abrasive scrubber, then rinse the pan with clean water. Repeat the process if necessary.

Boiling Water

If you don't have any commercial cleaners, boiling water is a simple solution. Start by scrubbing away as much food as possible with a non-abrasive scrubber. Then, fill the pan with water and a bit of dish soap, ensuring the stuck-on food is completely submerged. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes before removing it from the heat and letting it cool. Finally, scrape the loosened food with a spatula.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

This method combines two common household ingredients: vinegar and baking soda. Fill the bottom of your pan with water, enough to cover the stuck-on food, then add 1 cup of vinegar and bring it to a boil. Remove from heat, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and briefly mix before emptying the pan. Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub away any remaining food particles.

Dish Soap and Water

Sometimes, a simple combination of dish soap and water is all you need. Add this duo to your pan and bring it to a simmer for a few minutes. Once it cools down, use an eco-friendly scrubber to remove the burnt-on food. If it's still stuck, try soaking the pan overnight.

Lemon and Salt

This method uses the power of citrus to tackle burnt-on food. Let a mixture of lime juice and salt sit in the pan for several minutes, then sprinkle in some more salt and scrub away. The burnt bits should lift away easily.

Cola

Cola is surprisingly effective at loosening burnt-on messes due to its high acidity. Pour some cola into your pan, simmer gently, and then scrape off the gunk with a spatula.

Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda

Rinse your dirty pot with hot water, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda generously over it. Add a few teaspoons of hot water to form a paste, and scrub with a crumpled piece of aluminum foil until all the burnt debris lifts off. Finally, rinse the pan with hot, soapy water.

Remember to always use non-abrasive scrubbers and sponges to avoid scratching your stainless steel pans, and with these methods, your pans should be looking good as new!

New stainless steel

Stainless steel is a hardy and durable cookware material. However, it is not immune to staining. New stainless steel cookware may develop a black or grey residue, which is caused by the mechanical polishing process used during manufacturing. This process sometimes leaves a residue that cannot be removed by hand or regular dishwashing.

To clean a new stainless steel pan with a black residue, you can try the following methods:

• Spread a small amount of olive oil on the inside of the pan, let it sit, then wipe it out, and wash with dish soap and hot water.
• Gently scrub the pan with a mixture of lemon juice and salt, then wash.
• Scrub the pan gently with a mixture of baking soda and warm water (a 1:1 mix).
• Use a product like Bar Keepers Friend and a non-abrasive cleaning pad. Wash with warm soapy water, then rinse and dry.

It is important to note that discoloration is usually not covered under product warranties. Additionally, allowing a pan to boil dry can cause serious damage to the product and cooking surface, property damage, or personal injury. Always avoid leaving a pan unattended and never let it boil dry.

Frequently asked questions