How to Clean a Stainless Steel Frying Pan?

 
You have thus purchased a stainless steel new fried pan. Given plenty of cooking residue left on the pan, you now find yourself concerned about how to clean it. Let us first, then, discuss the reasons for the need of cleaning a stainless steel fried pan before learning how to clean a stainless steel frying pan.

Why Cleaning Right Is Important?

Okay so you got a shiny stainless steel pan yeah? They are great. They do not rust cook food even and they last long. But if you do not clean them well they can get messed up. Food starts sticking, you get ugly stains and burnt stuff just will not go away.

Stainless steel has got this thing called chromium in it. It stops the pan from rusting. But if you clean it wrong you mess up that protection. So cleaning right keeps your pan nice and shiny and it works better too.

Chef Thomas Keller says “A clean pan is your best friend in the kitchen.”

Point to ponder

Why clean a stainless steel pan properly?

It keeps the pan from rusting, stops food from sticking and makes it last longer.

Clean Your Pan Every Day

Cleaning your pan after every use is easy. Just follow these steps:-

1. Let It Cool:- Do not throw cold water on a hot pan it will bend and warp. Just let it cool down by itself.
   
   
2. Rinse with Warm Water:- Rinse the pan with warm water. This helps get rid of loose food bits.
   
   
3. Use Soap and a Soft Sponge:- Put some dish soap on a soft sponge or cloth. Do not use anything rough like steel wool as it will scratch up your pan.
   
   
4. Rinse Well:- Make sure all the soap is gone. No one wants soap in their food.
   
   
5. Dry Right Away:- Wipe the pan dry with a towel. If you leave it wet you will get water spots especially if your water is hard.

Point to ponder

How to clean after every use?

Rinse with warm water scrub with soap and a soft sponge then dry it.

Get Rid of Stubborn Stains and Burnt Food

Sometimes stuff gets burnt onto your pan or leaves stains that are hard to clean. Here is what to do:-

1. Soak It:- Let the pan soak and infuse in warm soapy water for 15 to 30 minutes to loosen the grease.
   
   
2. Use Baking Soda:- Mix baking soda with water to make a paste. Rub it on the stains with a soft cloth.
   
   
3. Try Vinegar for Burnt Food:- Pour some vinegar on the burnt spots and heat the pan. Once it starts boiling, take it off the heat and scrub.
   
   
4. Use Special Cleaner:- If nothing works get a stainless steel cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend. It is made for tough stains and will not scratch your pan.

Point to ponder

How to remove burnt food?

Soak use baking soda vinegar or a special cleaner.

Remove Discoloration

Your pan might get weird rainbow colors or blue tints if it gets too hot. Here is how to fix it:-

1. Vinegar Mix:- Wipe the pan with a mix of vinegar and water.
   
   
2. Use Stainless Steel Polish:- Rub the polish into the pan then buff it out.
   
   
3. Boil with Vinegar:- Fill the pan with water, add vinegar and boil it. This should get rid of the discoloration.

Point to ponder

Why does my pan have rainbow colors?

It is from overheating. Clean with vinegar or polish to fix it.

Long Term Care

Want your pan to last a long time? Do this:-

1. No Metal Utensils:- Use wooden or plastic utensils so you do not scratch the pan.
   
   
2. Store It Right:- Keep it dry. Put a cloth between pans if you stack them to avoid scratches.
   
   
3. Deep Clean Sometimes:- Use a stainless steel cleaner or baking soda paste to keep it shiny.
   
   
4. Season the Pan:- Sometimes rub a bit of oil on it and heat it up. It helps with sticking.

Point to ponder

How to keep my pan in good shape?

Use non-metal utensils, store it properly and clean it well.

Do not Make These Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes:-

1. No Harsh Chemicals:- Do not use bleach or strong stuff. They will mess up your pan.
   
   
2. No Abrasive Scrubbers:- Things like steel wool can scratch your pan making it dull.
   
   
3. Do not Clean When Hot:- Let the pan cool before washing. Sudden temperature changes can warp it.

Point to ponder:-

What to avoid when cleaning?

No harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers or cleaning while hot.

Why care for my pan?

It will last longer, stay shiny and cook better.

Summary: Keep Your Pan in Good Shape

If you take care of your stainless steel pan it will take care of you. Clean it daily deal with stains quickly and store it right. The more you will take care of these utensils that help you cook magic for your loved ones, the lesser wastage of effort, time and money to replace them again and again. With these tips and your pan will keep cooking great food for years.