What You Need
From searing steak to sautéing vegetables, stainless steel pans are prized for their durability and ability to handle high heat. That's why they're a favorite of home cooks and professional chefs alike. But all that cooking leaves behind grease, stuck-on food, and sometimes discoloration. Regular cleaning keeps your pans shiny and ready to cook.
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is a great choice for stainless steel pans. It's a powerful degreaser that cuts through cooking oils and stuck-on food, yet it's non-abrasive, so it won't scratch your pan's finish. It's also clean-rinsing, so no cleaner residue is left behind on your cookware. And because it's a concentrate, you can adjust the strength from everyday cleanup to extra-greasy messes.
What to avoid: Skip harsh chemicals and cleaning tools like metal scouring pads and steel wool, which can permanently scratch your pan's finish.
When in doubt about a surface, always spot test first.
For stubborn, burnt-on food, mix half a cup of All-Purpose Cleaner with half a cup of water and spray or pour the mixture onto the pan. Let the mixture sit on the pan for about 2 minutes, then use a soft-bristled brush to scrub any remaining burnt-on food. Rinse well with water after cleaning. Repeat if needed rather than switching to a metal scrubber.
Stainless steel can develop a rainbow-colored tint from high heat, or white, chalky spots from minerals in hard water. Neither affects how your pan cooks, but both can dull its shine. Use white vinegar to wipe the discolored spots and let it sit for about 30 seconds, then rinse off with water and dry.
Most stainless steel pans are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing helps keep them looking their best and prevents water spots. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions.
