If you’ve started looking for a brand-new stainless steel pan set, don’t toss out your current ones just yet. There are many ways to give your pans a glow up. Whether your pans have become burnt and rusted, we’ve gathered some ways to revive your dull, lifeless-looking cooking pals.
Read on for everything you need to know from cleaning methods and maintenance tips, to eco-friendly ways and products to bring your pans back to life.
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How Do You Clean Stainless Steel Pans?
Even professional grade stainless pans need a little love if they’ve been overused. Fortunately, there are foolproof ways of cleaning your pans. Here are a few tips to follow:
Use a Mild Detergent
Mild detergent like dish soap and warm water is a simple yet reliable cleaning method. It helps keep your stainless steel pans clean from grease, dirt and grime without damaging the surface.
Use Specialized Stainless Steel Cleaners
If your burnt pans are a bit more stubborn, try your hand at specialized stainless steel cleaning products that target tough rust and grime. These are available in sprays, powders, mixtures, wipes and creams. These products not only remove rust and grime but also stains, fingerprints and smudges. Just be sure to wear protective dishwashing gloves or non-latex gloves to prevent skin contact.
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Natural Remedies
If specialized cleaning products are not your cup of tea, baking soda and vinegar are natural cleaners that are milder and more eco-friendly.
The Baking Soda Method
- Warm up your pan and pour a quarter cup of baking soda for small pans, or half a cup of baking soda for larger pans. Add one to two cups of hot water to the pan. Let it simmer until the water is reduced but not completely evaporated and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes, creating a paste.
- Next, gently scrape the bottom with a soft brush, sponge or silicone scraper.
- Rinse the pan with warm water and soap and dry thoroughly.
The Vinegar Method
- Heat your pan and add equal parts of white vinegar and hot water together. Make sure the vinegar and the water solution cover the burnt area of your pans.
- Let the vinegar and water boil until you notice the burnt sections start softening. Gently start scraping the pan until the burnt-on food is lifted.
- Empty your pan and wash it with hot, soapy water. You can wipe the pan with grain before drying completely. (PS: always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks and to maintain finish) Vinegar is also an excellent option for removing stains and fingerprints, so your pans look good as new!
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How Do You Maintain Your Stainless Steel Pans?
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning using a mild dish soap or mild mixture helps prevent dirt, grime and residue from damaging the pan’s surface. The more regularly the cleaning, the longer your stainless steel pans will maintain their shine and life.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia and other strong acids. These can damage the protective layer on top of your pans. Heavy industrial cleaners can wear away and damage your burnt pans even more.
Thoroughly Dry Your Pans
After cleaning your stainless steel pans, make sure to dry them thoroughly and completely to prevent water spots and possible corrosion.
Apply a Stainless Steel Protector to Your Pans
To maintain their shine and prevent rust, apply a protective coating of stainless steel protector or food-grade silicone spray to create a barrier against corrosive elements. This will help maintain the integrity of the stainless steel surfaces.
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What Other Eco-Friendly Products to Use?
There are many kinds of eco-friendly products you can get your hands on that will work just as well as detergents and mixtures. Here are some great options that deliver results and are much healthier:
Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
Aside from vinegar and baking soda, olive oil and lemon juice can also be great natural, non-toxic methods. Mix equal parts lemon juice and olive oil. Dab the mixture on the burnt areas of the pan and gently scrub the areas using a non-abrasive sponge, brush or microfiber cloth. The lemon will also give your pans a nice fresh scent.
Reusable Cloths
Reusable cleaning cloths help reduce waste and are much more eco-friendly than regular paper towels. Instead of using paper towels to wipe or dry off your pans, opt for reusable cloths to help with restoring shine.
