Removing a Burn Stain from Stainless Steel Cookware

Although the name says "stainless," we have all experienced the pain of trying to clean burn stains from stainless steel cooking utensils. Stainless steel is a material that is easily scratched, and once scratched more susceptible to burn stains.

There are several options when it comes to cleaning burn stains from your stainless steel pots and pans. So which ever of the following choices you employ, refrain from using any steel wool or harsh abrasives. By following these simple methods your stained steel can become stainless once again.

1. Using a nonabrasive cleanser such as Bar Keepers Friend, which you can get from any local grocery store for under $4, works quite well. Simply heat up a mixture of the cleanser (roughly three tablespoons) and water to boiling and let sit for about five minutes. Remove from heat and scrub using a nonabrasive sponge or wash cloth.
2. Similar to the previous is another cleanser that is safe to use on any surface, called Greased Lightning, which again you can get from any local grocery store for about $2 to $6. With this method all that you are required to do is spray the cleaning solution on the burned area and let it set for about three to eight minutes. After the time has passed, wipe off the cleanser with a dry sponge. Repeat as necessary.
3. Fill the pot or pan with a half-and-half solution of white vinegar and water. Cover and then heat to a gentle boil and leave there for about ten minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit overnight. The offending stain should be gone by morning.
4. Another popular method is to use oven cleaner on the burnt areas. This option will require a bit of elbow grease to complete, but seems to work quite well. Simply spray the oven cleaner onto the burn and using a non-abrasive cloth or scrubby to wipe off the burn.

Whatever method you use to remove the stain, be sure that you wash the cookware with regular soap and water before cooking. This ensures that all of the cleaning solutions are removed.