How to Clean a Stainless Steel Pan: Four Messes

Short answer: How to clean a stainless steel pan: match the method to the mark. Simmer water with a little dish soap for stuck-on food, follow with a baking soda paste for burnt-on residue, and use white vinegar on a soft cloth for rainbow heat tint and white mineral spots. Let the pan cool a little first, keep steel wool away from it, and stop when the mark is gone.

Diagram matching four marks on a stainless steel pan (stuck-on food, burnt-on residue, rainbow heat tint and white spots) to the cleaning method for each Diagram

How to clean a stainless steel pan, mark by mark

Stainless steel shows its history. Chantal notes that oil polymerizes, minerals from water leave spots and high heat can create discoloration, and that none of this means the pan is damaged. Most of the time it just needs the right kind of attention.

Before you start

Let the pan cool slightly. Chantal says moving a very hot pan straight into cold water can cause warping over time, especially with repeated temperature shock.
Wash it once it is warm rather than hot. Chantal suggests hot water, a soft sponge and a gentle dish soap for routine care.

How do you get stuck-on food off a stainless steel pan?

A pan with browned bits does not always need brute force, and Chantal says aggressive scrubbing can roughen the finish or just spread residue around.

Fill the pan with enough water to cover the stuck area and add a small amount of dish soap.
Bring it to a gentle simmer on the stove for several minutes, then take it off the heat.
Lift the softened residue with a wooden spoon or a non-abrasive scraper.
Wash as usual.

If patches remain, Chantal suggests a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the area, let it sit briefly and rub gently with a soft sponge or non-abrasive pad.

How do you clean a burnt stainless steel pan?

Burnt-on stains call for more patience. Start with the simmer method above, because Chantal says it often removes more than you expect.

If a dark, baked-on layer remains, sprinkle baking soda generously over the damp surface.
Add just enough water to make a thick paste and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
Scrub in circles with a non-abrasive scrubber, adding a little more baking soda as needed.
For particularly stubborn marks, simmer water with a few spoonfuls of baking soda in the pan, let it cool slightly, then scrub gently and wash thoroughly.

GreenPan's guide gives the same paste and says to let it sit for 15–30 minutes. For heavier burns, GreenPan says to fill the pan with water and add a tablespoon of baking soda, then bring to a boil and simmer for 10–15 minutes. GreenPan also says to scrub in the direction of the grain, the faint lines in the steel, to keep the finish and avoid micro-scratches.

How do you remove rainbow stains from stainless steel?

The rainbow sheen can look dramatic, but Chantal says it does not mean the cookware is ruined. To restore the finish, use a soft cloth or sponge and a splash of white vinegar, then rinse well, wash with soap and dry completely.

Made In's rainbow-stain guide describes the same approach: cover the stain with diluted white vinegar, work it with a soft sponge or cloth, then rinse and dry, and repeat if needed. Made In's care guide says these impermanent stains are purely aesthetic and do not affect the pan's performance.

How do you remove white spots from a stainless steel pan?

Hard water is usually the cause. Chantal says mineral deposits from tap water can leave white spots or a chalky film, especially if pans are left to air dry.

Wipe the area with a soft cloth and a little white vinegar, or soak the pan briefly in a mixture of water and vinegar.
Wash, rinse and dry right away.

What to avoid

Steel wool. Chantal says very harsh steel wool can scratch the surface. Made In's care guide also says to avoid steel wool and similar harsh scrubbers.
Chlorine bleach and highly caustic cleaners. Chantal says these are best avoided because they can damage stainless steel over time. Made In's care guide adds that bleach is corrosive and can damage the protective chromium oxide layer on stainless steel cookware.
Oven cleaner. Chantal says it is often more aggressive than necessary for cookware.
Cold water on a hot pan. Let it cool slightly first.

FAQ

Is a rainbow tint or white spot a sign my pan is ruined?

No. Chantal says discoloration and mineral spots do not mean the pan is damaged. Made In says these impermanent stains are purely aesthetic and have no effect on the pan's performance. You can leave a mark that does not bother you.

Can I use baking soda on a stainless steel pan?

Yes. Chantal describes a baking soda and water paste, and a simmer with a few spoonfuls of baking soda for burnt-on residue. Both use a non-abrasive scrubber.

Can I put a stainless steel pan in the dishwasher?

It depends on the pan's care instructions. Chantal says that even when a piece is labeled dishwasher safe, hand washing often preserves the finish better. Made In recommends handwashing even if a pan is labeled “dishwasher-safe.” Dishwashers can damage the finish and promote warping over time.

Can you use steel wool on a stainless steel pan?

It is best avoided. Chantal says very harsh steel wool can scratch the surface, GreenPan lists steel wool and harsh scouring pads among things to avoid, and Made In says to avoid steel wool or similar harsh scrubbers.

When should I stop scrubbing?

Stop when the mark is gone. If it does not shift after the method for that mark, check the care instructions for your pan or ask the maker rather than reaching for a harsher cleaner.

Method and sources

We took the steps from manufacturers' published care guides and did not test them ourselves. Care advice differs between makers, so check the instructions for your own pan first. Sources:

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Pan: Fixes for Four Common Marks