How to Clean Stainless Steel Pans the Right Way Remove discoloration and stuck-on food from your stainless steel pans with these expert-approved tips. In This Article View All In This Article Materials Needed Cleaning Stainless Steel Pans Removing Burnt Food Removing Discoloration Preventing Scorch Marks Storing Stainless Steel Cookware Frequently Asked Questions Close Credit: Firmafotografen / Getty Images Durable and excellent at conducting heat, stainless steel pans are a kitchen essential. This type of cookware is also extremely versatile and can do everything from sear to sauté. The only downside? Over time, stainless steel pans can build up with burnt-on food and discoloration from frequent use. But with some guidance from experts and the right cleaning supplies, you'll be well on your way to returning your stainless steel pans to their former glory. Wendy Dyer, international product director at All-Clad, a manufacturer of cookware Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority, a cleaning company that is committed to using products that are safe for the environment How to Clean a Cast-Iron Skillet Materials Needed Make sure you have these basic cleaning supplies on hand before getting started. Non-abrasive sponge Dish soap Baking soda Vinegar Microfiber towel How to Clean a Stainless Steel Pan Always let your stainless steel pan cool down before running it under cold water, as the temperature shock can cause permanent warping, says Wendy Dyer, international product director at All-Clad. Once the pan is fully cooled, you can begin cleaning it. Rinse off excess food with warm water.Soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. Scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge and warm, soapy water.Wipe dry immediately with a microfiber cloth. How to Remove Burnt Food From Stainless Steel Pans If you still have bits of burnt food stuck on your stainless steel pan, try this technique, which Dyer says will help loosen food particles from the surface. Sprinkle the surface of your pan generously with baking soda.Fill the pan with enough water to cover the stuck-on food.Bring it to a boil.Pour out the dirty water.Clean with warm, soapy water.Wipe dry with a microfiber towel. How to Remove Discoloration From Stainless Steel Pans Stainless steel pans can often acquire some discoloration, which is often caused by overheating. While these stains won't come out with regular dish soap, a little vinegar will do the trick. Pour some vinegar into your pan and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse with cold water. Wipe dry with a microfiber towel. To prevent discoloration in the future, consider using wooden or silicone utensils when cooking with stainless steel pans. These materials are less likely to scratch the surface compared to metal utensils, which can cause imperfections that may lead to stains over time. How to Prevent Scorch Marks on Stainless Steel Pans There are two easy ways to prevent a pan from scorching. First, always ensure there is enough fat or liquid in the pan and that the pan is hot before adding any liquid. "Heat up your stainless-steel pan on low to medium heat for two to three minutes before adding oil, fat, or food—this will help prevent or reduce burns," says Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority. The other way to prevent scorch marks in a stainless steel pan is to move the food around frequently with a spoon or tongs. This way, the food won't have a chance to sit at the bottom of the pan and will ultimately cook more evenly. How to Store Stainless Steel Cookware Keep your stainless steel pans safe from scratches by storing them properly. "I love to keep my stainless-steel pans in an easy-to-reach cabinet," says Stapf. "A tip when stacking these stainless-steel cooking items: add cookware protectors between each to avoid scratching their surfaces." Frequently Asked Questions How often should I wash a stainless steel pan? Though it may be common sense, some people simply wipe the stainless steel pans instead of washing them thoroughly. Even if it doesn't have any food residues, you should wash your stainless steel pans and pots right after each use to avoid grease buildup. Are stainless steel pans hard to take care of? Stainless steel pans can tolerate once-in-a-while deep cleaning, as in, leaving them overnight in soapy water, for example. But if you're constantly exposing them to harsh or abrasive chemicals to clean them, they may lose their functionality sooner. This is why many people prefer non-stick cookware (or even cast iron) over stainless steel pans, as the latter isn't exactly easier to clean (without causing corrosion or damage) for everyday use. Explore more: Food & Cooking