Take a close look at the kitchen in any household and you will find that most of the utensils are made of stainless steel. This metal is so common as a cookware that it is hard to find a replacement for it. The reason for its widespread success lies in its durability and attractive shine. However, as attractive it looks, it offers a challenge in terms of maintaining that luster. Unlike non-stick pans, which are easy to wash and clean, stainless steel pans require a little more effort and care. Therefore, it is necessary that you follow a more consistent approach towards cleaning your utensils. This DIY guide will prove an invaluable resource for those who wish to learn how to clean their stainless steel pans.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Estimated Time: 15 Minutes
Resources Required:
1. Soap
2. Water
3. Scouring pad
4. Clean cloth
5. Club soda
6. Baking soda
7. Salt
8. Stainless steel polish (optional)
9. Vinegar
How to Clean Stainless Steel Pans:
1. Different kinds of stains need different techniques and cleaning materials. For those facing the problem of hard water stains, vinegar is the best possible option. Pour ½ a cup of vinegar into 4 cups of water. After boiling the solution for 15 minutes, let it cool down. Use this solution, along with a dish wash bar to scrub your utensil.
2. If you want to remove remnants of cooked food that are stuck at the bottom of pans and pots, you will also need baking soda. After giving your utensil a wash with tap water, pour the vinegar solution into it. When baking soda is sprinkled onto this solution, it would bubble. Let the mixture settle in for a couple of minutes and then pour it out. Proceed with usual washing. It would certainly bring back the shine of your stainless steel utensil.
3. For removing burnt food stains, you just need to let the utensil rest in boiling water for about 15 minutes. Most of the food should come off the surface after this. Any leftover stains can be easily removed by simple scrubbing.
4. If your stainless steel utensil is showing signs of aging at the bottom, it’s high time you employed a simple technique to bring back the original shine. This method involves pouring vinegar over the bottom of the pan and sprinkling table salt over it. One minute is all you need to let the blackened side react to this solution. Afterwards, simply rub the utensil with a sponge in a circular motion.
5. There are some other techniques for keeping your stainless steel pan shiny – Fill your spray bottle with ½ a cup of vinegar mixed with a couple of drops of dish soap. Mix this solution with warm water and spray it onto the utensil regularly for keeping them shiny and stain-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why has my stainless steel pan turned blue, and how do I clean it?
A. Overheating or letting a pan boil dry will cause bronze, blue or rainbow tints on the stainless steel surface. Although harmless, these tints can spoil the appearance of the pan. These can be removed by using a stainless steel cleaner.
Q. Why has my stainless steel pan developed a white film on the inside?
A. This is caused by minerals in water or from starch in food. Remove this film by rubbing a sponge that has been dipped in lemon juice or vinegar. Salt can cause white spots or pits to form on the surface of stainless steel which are difficult to remove. To avoid this, salt should be added to cooking water after it has come to a boil.
Q. How do I clean burnt stainless steel pans?
A. Firstly, soak the stainless steel pan in hot, soapy water. Soak the burnt stain as soon as possible, before it sets. Boil the soapy water in the pan for ten minutes. Then , scrub the stainless steel pan with a nylon scouring pad or non-abrasive detergent. Do not use steel wool or brushes as these can damage stainless steel or cause the pan to rust. If this does not work, move on to Step 3 – Clean the pan with a specialized cleaner designed for stainless steel. Use the product according to directions. Rub the utensil gently in the direction of the grain of the finish. This should remove the stain.
Quick Tips:
1. If you are using a steel wool soap pad on your pans, make it a point to rinse it thoroughly afterwards. Soap tends to hide in the small crevasses of the handles, etc.
2. To avoid ugly water spots, dry your pans with a soft cloth.
3. Clean your pans thoroughly after each use, so that there is no cooked residue left on it. Otherwise, the build-up can cause uneven distribution of heat. Moreover, you may scratch your pans and other stainless items if you try to remove an old residue quite vigorously.
Things to Watch Out For:
1. Bleach or ammonia react with the surface of stainless steel and corrode it. So, don’t use these cleaners as they will cause more harm than good.
2. Handle a hot pan with care while scrubbing it.
