The best way to clean a stainless steel pan
Let the pan cool, wash with hot water and dish soap, then simmer 1 cup water for 3–5 minutes to release stuck food. Use a stainless-safe oxalic-acid cleanser only for remaining stains and follow its label.
On this page
Start with the gentlest step and escalate only where residue remains. Stainless steel tolerates more cleaning than nonstick, but abrasive tools can still scratch the finish.
Which method should you use?
Materials and equipment
1 uncoated stainless-steel pan
Materials
Equipment
- Non-scratch sponge
- Wood or silicone scraper
- Dry towel
- Stove and heat-safe mitt
For uncoated stainless steel. Do not apply this simmer treatment to nonstick coatings or assume it is suitable for aluminum surfaces.
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Safety boundaries
- Let cookware cool before adding water.
- Never mix cleaning products or combine acids with chlorine bleach.
- Rinse cleanser completely and wash once more with dish soap before cooking.
Cool, wash, deglaze, then spot-treat
Cool
Let the pan cool until warm but safe to handle, about 10 minutes.
Look for No active sizzling; handle is safe.
10:00 suggested timingWash
Use hot water, 1 tsp dish soap, and a non-scratch sponge.
Look for Loose grease is gone.
Deglaze
Add 1 cup water and simmer 3–5 minutes; scrape gently with wood or silicone.
Look for Stuck food releases in flakes.
4:00 suggested timingRinse and dry
Wash once more, rinse completely, and towel-dry immediately.
Look for No residue or cleaner film.
Fix common problems
Plunging a very hot pan into cold water, which can warp the base through thermal shock.
Burnt protein remains? Add 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon baking soda, simmer 5 minutes, cool, then loosen with a non-scratch pad.
Rainbow heat tint remains? Apply a manufacturer-approved stainless cleanser briefly, rinse thoroughly, and dry.
Common questions about this method
Is rainbow discoloration burned food?
It can be a cosmetic heat tint. Clean food residue first, then consult the manufacturer’s care instructions for any remaining discoloration. Do not jump straight to a harsher abrasive.
Can I combine a cleanser with vinegar or bleach?
No. Use one product at a time, exactly as labeled. Rinse thoroughly and wash the pan before cooking again; mixing cleaners can create hazardous reactions.
Other methods, in full
Open any method to read its preparation and steps side by side with your current choice.
For burnt residueAbout 20 min
On a cooled, uncoated stainless-steel pan, add 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon baking soda, then simmer for 5 minutes. Let it cool before loosening residue with a non-scratch pad or wooden scraper. Finish with dish soap, a thorough rinse, and drying; do not combine cleaners.
Preparation
1 uncoated stainless-steel pan
Materials
- Dish soap
- 1 cup water, or enough to cover residue
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
Equipment
- Non-scratch sponge
- Wood or silicone scraper
- Dry towel
- Stove and heat-safe mitt
For uncoated stainless steel. Do not apply this simmer treatment to nonstick coatings or assume it is suitable for aluminum surfaces.
Cool
Let the pan cool fully.
Look for Safe to handle.
Simmer solution
Add 1 cup water and 1 Tbsp baking soda; simmer 5 minutes.
Look for Residue begins lifting.
5:00 suggested timingLoosen
Cool 5 minutes, then use a non-scratch pad or wooden scraper.
Look for Base feels smooth.
Final wash
Wash with dish soap, rinse thoroughly, and dry.
Look for No grit, film, or odor.
Adapt to your setup
Sources behind the method
Evidence status: Based on the linked sources. Best Way has not physically tested this method.
Sources open in a new tab. Verify important safety guidance with the linked authority and your product manufacturer.
Based on published sources
Based on the linked sources. Best Way has not physically tested this method.
Updated 2026-09-05. Added separate preparation for ordinary residue and burned food, with material and cleaner precautions. Read our testing standards →
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