Do you own a stainless steel pan? Lucky you! After use, you can easily pop it in the dishwasher. However, rinse it afterwards with sparkling mineral water and dry it immediately to prevent annoying water stains. To extend the lifespan of your pan, we recommend washing your stainless steel pan by hand. That way, you’ll also have a little bonding moment with your pan after cooking. Curious how to do it? We’ll walk you through it step by step so your stainless steel pan stays clean and shiny.
What should you absolutely not do?
Before we share our cleaning routine, it’s best to first read what not to do. This way, you can avoid common mistakes and keep your pan looking its best for longer.
Never put your hot pan directly under or in cold water. This may cause it to warp. And you don't want that. Instead, always let it cool down slowly before cleaning it.
Above all, do not use a scouring pad. Although you can get rid of caked-on residue well with them, they cause scratches on your pan.
Never use ammonia or bleach. These products react with the metal, which can cause it to rust.
Don't let your stainless steel pan air dry. This may cause water spots. Ideally, dry your pan by hand. Well, using a tea towel. You understand.
Proper care = years of cooking pleasure
A stainless steel pan is built to last a lifetime, provided you treat it well. Avoid abrasive products, always dry it thoroughly and polish it occasionally. That’s how you keep it looking as good as new.
Common stains on your stainless steel pan
Even with proper care, your stainless steel pan may develop some stains over time. Don’t worry! This is completely normal and part of regular use. Below you’ll find the most common types of stains and their causes.
Your pan has water stains
If you don’t dry your stainless steel pan properly after washing, water stains can appear. These are caused by minerals left behind as water evaporates, dulling the pan’s shine.
Solution: Rinse the pan with sparkling water and dry it immediately.
Brown spots on stainless steel
When cooking with oil, brown discolouration may appear. This is normal and doesn’t affect your pan’s quality or performance, although it may look a bit dull.
Solution: Use a little washing-up liquid and a soft sponge to polish the stains away.
You can safely put your stainless steel pan in the dishwasher, but to make it last longer, it’s best to hand wash it regularly. In the video below, David shows you how. Prefer reading? Scroll down for the full step-by-step guide for both dishwasher and hand washing.
How to keep your stainless steel pan shiny after dishwashing
A stainless steel pan is dishwasher-safe! Still, there are a few things to keep in mind to maintain its shine. Follow these steps to make sure your pan comes out sparkling clean and spot-free.
- Let the pan cool down
Never place a hot pan directly in the dishwasher. Allow it to cool first to avoid warping.
- Rinse off food residues
Before putting the pan in the dishwasher, rinse away any food or grease with warm water. This prevents residues from baking on or causing stains during the cycle.
- Place the pan upside down
Position the pan face down so water can drain easily. This helps it dry more evenly and prevents moisture build-up.
- Choose a gentle dishwasher programme
Use a standard or eco cycle, without high heat or intensive cleaning. Excessive heat can dull the stainless steel finish.
- Remove the pan immediately after washing
Don’t leave the pan in the warm dishwasher after the cycle ends. Steam can cause water stains.
- Rinse with sparkling water if needed
Noticed some marks or limescale? Rinse the pan with sparkling water such as Perrier. The bubbles help lift any remaining limescale.
- Dry thoroughly with a tea towel
Finally, dry the pan straight away with a clean, soft tea towel. This prevents water stains and keeps the stainless steel shiny.
How to give your stainless steel pan a proper hand wash
The dishwasher is convenient, but hand washing is better. With just a few easy steps, you can keep your stainless steel pan clean, shiny and in top condition.
- Let the pan cool down
Never put a hot pan directly under cold water. Let it cool slightly to prevent warping.
- Time to wash!
Use warm water, a little washing-up liquid and a soft brush or sponge. Avoid scouring pads, steel wool or harsh cleaners like ammonia or bleach, as these can damage the surface.
- Tackle stubborn stains
Still have burnt-on food or brown spots? Fill the pan with a bit of water and add a spoon of baking soda or a splash of vinegar. Bring to the boil, let it soak, and gently scrub with a soft sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly
Rinse the pan well with clean water to remove all soap or vinegar residues.
- Store completely dry
Dry the pan immediately with a tea towel. If you let it air dry, water spots may form. Make sure it’s completely dry before storing.
Extra cleaning tips for your stainless steel pan
A stainless steel pan is easy to maintain, but not indestructible. Encounter stubborn stains or burnt bits? These extra tips will help you get your pan sparkling clean again.
Scrub with baking soda
If your pan has heat damage, baking soda can help. To remove burnt marks, add a little water with some soda or vinegar to form a paste. Gently scrub with a sponge and your stainless steel pan will look as good as new!
Clean your pan while cooking
Save time washing up by cleaning your pan as you cook. Make a sauce in the same pan used for frying. Remove excess fat with kitchen paper, then add a little water, stock or wine. Stir to loosen the juices and enjoy a quick gravy with a clean pan!
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure the pan has cooled down first. Then clean it with warm water and a dish brush or non-scratch sponge. The great thing about stainless steel is that you can safely use washing-up liquid.
Got burnt-on food stuck to your pan? Let it soak for a few hours (or overnight for tough residues) in warm water with a bit of washing-up liquid. Then pour the water out and gently scrub with a non-scratch sponge. Always avoid steel wool or scouring pads to prevent scratches.
