Stainless steel pans are renowned for their durability , healthy cooking , and resistance to high temperatures . However, they can sometimes be intimidating when stains or residue become ingrained.
Good news: stainless steel is one of the easiest materials to clean , especially when you know the right methods.
👉 Want to know why stainless steel lasts so long? Check out our article:
Which pan lasts a lifetime? Why stainless steel is unbeatable for longevity
In this article, discover 5 quick and effective tips to maintain your stainless steel pan effortlessly… and without harsh products.
1. Express cleaning with hot water – for everyday use
For easy cleaning after cooking:
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Let the pan cool for a few seconds.
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Pour a little hot water into the bottom.
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Add a drop of mild dishwashing liquid.
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Rub with a non-abrasive sponge .
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Rinse and dry immediately .
👉 Drying is essential to avoid watermarks and preserve the natural shine of stainless steel.
2. The “cleaning de-icing” technique – ultra-fast
If your pan has stuck-on residue:
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Put it back on the heat with a little water.
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Heat until simmering.
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The residue will peel off effortlessly .
This method is perfect for preserving the stainless steel surface and avoiding excessive friction.
3. Baking soda – the stain-fighting weapon
Bicarbonate is effective against:
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rainbow spots,
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burn marks
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limestone,
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the tarnished areas.
How to do it?
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Moisten the pan.
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Sprinkle with bicarbonate .
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Leave on for 2 minutes.
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Rub with a soft sponge.
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Rinse.
If your pan is burnt , you can follow our complete guide:
Burnt stainless steel pan: how to fix it?
4. White vinegar – the ally for instantly restoring shine
White vinegar naturally dissolves:
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traces of limestone,
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mineral deposits,
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the dull sails.
Procedure :
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Apply a little vinegar to a microfiber cloth.
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Gently rub the surface.
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Rinse and then dry.
The result: a shiny and sparkling pan, almost like new.
5. Deep cleaning – for stubborn stains
In case of significant burns or accidental overheating:
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Add a little water to the bottom.
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Pour in a spoonful of baking soda.
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Bring to a boil for a few minutes.
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Let it cool.
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Rub gently.
This method allows you to remove residue without scratching the stainless steel and gives your pan a second life.
Bonus tips to keep your stainless steel pan spotless
✔ Always dry your pan after rinsing
Avoids 100% of watermarks.
✔ Use a soft sponge
Never use a metal sponge.
✔ Avoid harsh limescale removers
Useless and potentially harmful.
✔ Heat the pan before adding the fat
The best prevention against food sticking.
🔍 Why is stainless steel so easy to maintain?
Thanks to its natural passive layer , stainless steel regenerates automatically, does not rust, and withstands extreme temperatures. This is what allows a stainless steel pan to last a lifetime , unlike non-stick pans which deteriorate in just a few years.
👉 To equip yourself at reduced prices, discover our collection:
The Imperfect Ones – affordable stainless steel pans
👉 Or explore all our ranges:
All HEALTHY collections
❓ FAQ – Cleaning and maintenance of a stainless steel pan
How to clean a stainless steel pan without scratching it?
To avoid scratches, always use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
Absolutely avoid metal sponges and harsh abrasive products.
A mixture of hot water and dishwashing liquid is sufficient for 90% of cleaning tasks.
For tougher stains, opt for baking soda , which is effective but not aggressive to stainless steel.
How to remove rainbow stains from a stainless steel pan?
These colored spots are simply due to overheating of the stainless steel .
To make them disappear:
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Moisten the pan.
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Sprinkle with baking soda .
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Rub gently.
You can also apply a little white vinegar to restore shine.
How to salvage a burnt stainless steel pan?
If the bottom is burnt, there's no point in forcing it.
The best method is to:
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Pour a little water into the bottom.
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Add a spoonful of baking soda .
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Bring to a boil for 2 minutes.
The residue will peel off easily.
For a complete guide, see our dedicated article:
👉 Burnt stainless steel pan: how to fix it?
Why does my stainless steel pan stick?
A stainless steel pan only sticks when it is not hot enough .
Simple tip:
➡️ Place a drop of water in the pan.
➡️ If it “dances”, the pan is at the right temperature.
Only then should you add the fat and then the food.
This greatly reduces the risk of snagging.
What natural products can be used to clean a stainless steel pan?
The best natural products for stainless steel are:
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Baking soda (stain and burn remover)
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White vinegar (for shine and limescale removal)
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Lemon (deodorizes and adds shine)
These solutions are effective, economical and perfectly compatible with stainless steel.
Can I put my stainless steel pan in the dishwasher?
Yes, most stainless steel pans are dishwasher safe.
However, we recommend hand washing to preserve the shine and avoid marks left by hard water.
Manual drying is always recommended for a flawless stainless steel finish.
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5 simple tips to quickly clean your stainless steel pan