Stainless Steel Pan Discoloration: Why?

Stainless steel pans are a staple in any cook's kitchen. This durable cookware heats up quickly and evenly, retains heat well, and can be used to cook just about anything. However, despite being designed to resist corrosion and rust, stainless steel pans are not impervious to burnt-on messes and discolouration. With everyday use come stains, water spots, and other stubborn marks, so it's important to know how to clean stainless-steel pans properly.

There are many reasons why the bottom of your stainless steel pan might be discoloured. It could be due to overheating the pan, which can cause a rainbow-like stain known as heat tint. This is purely an aesthetic issue and does not affect the performance of the pan. To remove the stain, you can use diluted white vinegar, lemon juice, or a commercial stainless steel cleaner. Simply apply the cleaner to the pan, scrub with a non-abrasive sponge, and then rinse and dry the pan.

Another reason for discolouration could be foodstuffs with colouring, like turmeric. To remove these stains, you can use baking soda, which is ideal for absorbing stains and coloration. Simply sprinkle some baking soda on a sponge and rub the affected area. Let it stand for a couple of hours before washing and drying as usual.

Additionally, the bottom of your stainless steel pan may be discoloured due to burnt-on oil or fat. This can happen when oil or fat is overheated or when food is cooked without pre-heating and oiling the pan first. To remove these stains, you can try using vinegar mixed with baking soda or salt.

Finally, discolouration could be caused by calcium deposits in tap water or dishwasher tablets. To remove these cloudy stains, boil a mixture of diluted vinegar and water in the pan, then let it cool and wash and dry as usual.

How to remove white spots caused by calcium deposits

White spots on stainless steel pans are caused by mineral deposits left in the pan after boiling water. These deposits are usually made up of calcium carbonate, which does not dissolve easily in water, oil, or soap and therefore requires a more acidic medium to dissolve.

Using Vinegar and Water

Create a solution with equal parts vinegar and water. You can use any type of vinegar, such as distilled, apple cider, or rice vinegar, except for flavoured vinegars as they contain sugar which can burn into your pan. Cover the deposits with this solution and heat it up on the stove. Once the solution starts to boil, turn off the heat and let it cool. The hot solution will dissolve the deposits. You can agitate the solution with a wooden utensil to speed up the process. Once the deposits have dissolved, pour out the solution, rinse the pan with soap and cold water, and dry it with a soft cloth.

Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

Fill a plastic bowl with equal parts baking soda and white vinegar. Thoroughly mix the ingredients and spread the mixture directly over the calcium deposits. Keep the mixture on for at least 30 minutes. Then, scrub the deposits with a nylon scouring pad until they are removed. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a clean cloth.

Using Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a mild oxalic acid that will dissolve the calcium deposits. Add equal parts water and product to the pan and warm the mixture for a few minutes. Then, discard the liquid, wash, and wipe the pan.

Using Bon Ami

Bon Ami is a cleaning product that can be used to remove the white spots. Use it with some elbow grease and scrub the deposits with a scrubby sponge.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar and Aluminium Foil

For this method, use apple cider vinegar instead of distilled vinegar as it has a higher acidity. Scrunch up some aluminium foil and use it as a scrubber to remove the deposits.

How to remove pitting caused by salt

Unfortunately, once pitting occurs, it cannot be reversed or removed. However, pitting does not affect the performance of your cookware, and you can take steps to prevent it from spreading.

To prevent pitting, only add salt to water once it has come to a boil. This way, the salt dissolves in the hot water and does not settle at the bottom of the pan, preventing the reaction from occurring. If you are salting food in a cold pan, ensure both the pan and the ingredients are hot so that the salt melts on contact. If you are finishing a dish with salt, do so once it is plated, not in the pan.

Additionally, avoid using abrasive cleaners that contain bleach to clean your stainless steel cookware. Instead, opt for dish soap or powdered cleaners. Dry your pans immediately after washing them, as letting water droplets sit can lead to chalky, white spots called calcium deposits. These can be removed by boiling a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water in your cookware, then cooling, rinsing, and drying the pan.

How to remove rust

Don't panic! Your stainless steel pan is not ruined. Minor rust deposits are easily treated and removed. Here are some methods to remove rust from your pan:

The Salt Scrub Method

This method is best for minor rust spots. Simply pour a little coarse salt and oil onto the rust spot and scrub in a circular motion until the rust is removed. Then, wash, dry and re-season the pan.

The Scour Method

This method is best for minor to significant rust. Choose an abrasive scrubber suitable for the amount and severity of rust. This can range from an abrasive scouring pad to steel wool or even sandpaper. Scrub in a circular motion until the rust is removed. Then, wash, dry and re-season the pan.

The Vinegar Method

This method is best for heavy interior rust. Bring equal parts water and vinegar to a boil over medium heat. Pour out the mixture and scrub the pan with soap and hot water. Then, dry and re-season the pan.

The Baking Soda Method

Rinse your pan with water and cover the pan with baking soda. Let the baking soda sit for an hour or more on the pan. Then, use a scouring pad to rub the rust off. Finally, wash the pan and dry it with a towel.

General Tips to Prevent Rust Formation

• Do not put your pan away when it is wet.
• Dry the pan by hand and then put it on your stove over low heat to ensure all remaining water has evaporated.
• Lightly coat the inside of the hot pan with a high smoke point oil to form a thin layer.
• Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool.
• Wipe away excess oil and store the pan.

How to remove heat tint

Discoloured stainless steel is simple to clean. The discolouration, or heat tint, is caused by a combination of chromium and oxygen mixing with air and high heat. While it may look unsightly, it is completely safe and does not affect the performance of the pan.

Using a commercial cleaner

If you have a commercial cleaner, such as Make It Like New Cleaner, simply create a paste with some water and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.

Using Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a mild oxalic acid that can be used to dissolve away calcium deposits. Mix it with some water and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.

Using vinegar and water

Add diluted white vinegar to your pan and use a soft sponge to work the vinegar into the interior of the pan. Rinse and dry the pan with a dish towel.

Using club soda

Pour a small amount of club soda over a clean, soft cloth and rub vigorously over the surface of the metal until all traces of heat damage are removed.

Using baking soda

Add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to your pan, along with enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring this mixture to a boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and wait for the pan to cool down before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge and washing in hot, soapy water.

Using olive oil

Pour a small amount of olive oil onto a dry, soft cloth and rub the oil into the surface of the stainless steel. Remove any excess oil with a dry cloth before storing the pan.

Using lemon juice and salt

Gently scrub the pan with a mixture of lemon juice and salt, then wash with soap and water.

Using borax or baking soda

Wipe the pan with vinegar, citrus fruit, or baking powder and a little water to clean the oxidation.

Cooking a tomato-based dish

The acidity in a tomato-based dish will help to remove the heat tint.

Preventing heat tint

To prevent heat tint, avoid overheating your pan. Allow refrigerated ingredients to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking, preheat your pan before adding oil, and wait for the oil to heat up before adding food.

How to remove burnt-on food

Burnt-on food can be a real pain to remove, but there are several methods you can try to get your stainless steel pans looking like new again. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive steps to help you remove that stubborn burnt-on food:

Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar

This method combines the power of baking soda and vinegar to break down tough burnt-on food. Here's what you need to do:

• Fill your pan with equal parts water and vinegar.
• Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and remove from heat.
• Let the mixture soak for up to 15 minutes.
• Discard the liquid and use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining bits.
• If spots remain, make a paste with baking soda and a little water, apply it to the pan, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Method 2: Dishwasher Tablet

If you have a dishwasher tablet handy, this method can be a quick and effective way to clean your burnt pan:

• Cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it up on low heat.
• Remove the pan from the heat and scrape a dishwasher tablet across the burnt areas.
• Rinse the pan with warm soapy water to remove any remaining residue.

Method 3: Boiled Lemons

This natural method uses the power of lemons to help loosen burnt-on food:

• Quarter two or three lemons and place them in your pan.
• Fill the pan with enough water to cover the lemons.
• Bring the water to a boil for 5-10 minutes or until you see food particles floating to the surface.
• Remove the lemons and discard the water.
• Use a scouring pad or brush to remove any leftover bits, then rinse the pan.

Method 4: Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda

This method combines the abrasiveness of aluminum foil with the cleaning power of baking soda:

• Rinse your dirty pan with hot water and then drain it.
• Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda generously into the pan.
• Add a small amount of hot water to form a paste with the baking soda.
• Use a crumpled piece of aluminum foil to scrub the pan until all the burnt food is removed.
• Rinse the pan with warm soapy water to finish cleaning.

Method 5: Commercial Cleaner

If all else fails, you can try using a gentle commercial cleaner designed for stainless steel, such as Bar Keeper's Friend:

• Moisten the pan, making sure the burnt areas are saturated.
• Sprinkle the cleaner onto the bottom of the pan to form a paste.
• Scrub the paste into the burnt areas with a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth.
• Rinse the pan with clean water.
• Repeat the process if necessary.

Remember to always use non-abrasive tools when cleaning stainless steel to avoid scratching or damaging the surface. With a bit of elbow grease and the right techniques, you can effectively remove burnt-on food from your stainless steel pans!

Frequently asked questions