How to Clean Stainless Steel Pans and Remove Stains

We share tips for cleaning stainless steel pans with stuck-on, burnt foodminus tons of scrubbing.

Always let the pans cool before washing them.

The high temperatures that got you into this mess in the first place can help loosen up stuck-on food.

When a drop of water sizzles in the pan, pour in about one cup of water.

Be careful with this step.

It will create some steam and may bubble up, which could burn your face or other exposed skin.

The heat and steam should have loosened it up for easier removal.

Add a squirt of dish soap to the pan.

Then, use a long-handled brush to remove any remaining food bits and break down the oil.

Step 4: Wash Pan

Move your stainless steel pan to the sink.

At this point, most of the grime should simply rinse away.

Rinse the pan thoroughly to remove all soap.

Dry it off completely with a microfiber towel before putting it away.

Add vinegar to your stainless steel pan.

Wipe the stained spots using a soft sponge.

Be sure to clean it thoroughly so no vinegar residue is left behind.

Rinse the pan with warm water.

Dry it completely before using or storing it.

This helps prevent water spots from forming.

Also, salt your water after it’s boiling.

Try this trick to remove burn marks and other stubborn stains from stainless steel pans.

Look for signs of warping, rust, or severe scratches.

Warping can stop stainless steel pans from sitting flat on the stove and heating evenly.

Finally, rust stains are different than discoloration as they can affect your food and cause health issues.

Scratches on stainless steel pans are generally harmless.

This varies by manufacturer and product quality.

Luckily, though, the amount of metals leached was shown to be below allergy-inducing levels.