How to Clean Stainless Steel Pans (Burnt, Stained, or Rainbowed)

Stainless steel is the easiest pan to rescue. Almost nothing you do in a normal kitchen will ruin it. Use this order of operations, gentlest first.

Everyday cleaning

• Let the pan cool down before it touches water. Plunging a very hot pan into cold water can warp it.
• Wash with warm soapy water and a non-scratch sponge.
• Dry right away to avoid water spots.

Stuck or burnt-on food

• Add an inch of water, bring it to a simmer for a few minutes, and scrape gently with a wooden spatula. The fond lifts off.
• For stubborn spots, make a paste of baking soda and a little water, let it sit, then scrub.
• For the toughest residue, use a powdered cleanser made for stainless steel (Bar Keepers Friend is the classic) with a damp sponge, then rinse well.

Rainbow or blue discoloration

That rainbow sheen is heat tint, a thin oxide layer from high heat. It is harmless. A splash of white vinegar or a stainless cleanser removes it in seconds.

Chalky white spots

Those are mineral deposits from hard water or salty water. Simmer a 1:3 mix of white vinegar and water, then wash as usual. Adding salt to water only once it is boiling also helps prevent tiny pits.

Dishwasher: yes or no?

Most fully clad stainless is labeled dishwasher-safe, but hand washing keeps polished finishes brighter and protects any exposed aluminum edges. Check each product listing.

Prevention beats scrubbing. Learn how to cook on stainless without sticking and you will rarely need anything stronger than soap.

Cleaning method by problem

Deep-clean routine for a badly burnt pan

1. 1Scrape out loose debris once the pan is cool enough to handle.
2. 2Cover the burnt area with water, add a tablespoon of baking soda and bring it to a simmer for 10 minutes.
3. 3Scrape with a wooden spatula while it simmers.
4. 4Pour out, let cool slightly, then scrub with a paste of baking soda or stainless cleanser.
5. 5Rinse thoroughly and repeat if needed.
6. 6Dry and buff with a soft towel.

Cleaning the outside and the bottom

Exterior marks usually come from grease that has baked on. Use a stainless cleanser paste and a non-scratch pad. On brushed finishes, scrub in the direction of the grain. The bottom of the pan can carry discoloration from the burner; it doesn't affect cooking, but the same paste lifts it.

Daily habits that make cleaning easy

• Deglaze right after searing. Wine, stock or water dissolves fond and turns cleanup into a sauce.
• Soak only briefly in warm water. Long soaks aren't needed.
• Dry immediately to prevent water spots.
• Don't let salt sit in cold water.

Cleaning products: what's safe on stainless

Dishwasher or hand wash?

Many clad stainless pieces are labeled dishwasher safe, but detergents can dull polished exteriors and harsh cycles can discolor them over time. Hand washing takes a minute and keeps pans looking their best. If you use the dishwasher, remove pans promptly and towel-dry them to avoid spots.

Keeping copper bands and brushed finishes looking new

On Copper Core, use a copper cleaner on the exposed band if you like it bright. Darkening is cosmetic. On brushed finishes like D5 brushed, scrub along the grain lines to keep the satin look even.