It’s not uncommon for stainless steel cookware to get all sorts of stains, and customers complain to the seller and rush to return or change the product.
So why do stains appear
Stains can appear after a certain amount of time of use, as well as the first time you boil it.
The reason for this is as follows. Ordinary tap water is not distilled, it contains dissolved minerals and their oxides – silicon, iron, manganese, sodium, potassium, etc. The level of mineralization of water depends on the region and the method of water purification adopted in a particular country.
When water is boiled, water molecules evaporate and mineral salts (mainly calcium and silicon salts) precipitate out. A characteristic ring-shaped pattern of stains forms on the bottom of the pot.
Steam Cleaning
Many stains can be removed from stainless steel with steam.
- Heat boiling water in a kettle with a spout you can pour water into, or purchase a steam cleaner.
- Place a paper towel or microfiber towel on the soiled surface.
- Pour boiling water over the paper towel and let it soak in. Allow the steam to escape for 5-10 minutes.
- When the surface has cooled, wipe it with the paper towel, moving in the direction of the fibers. If the stain still does not come off, try the following solution.
Cleaning with baking soda and dishwashing liquid
If you mix baking soda with dishwashing liquid, you can scrub away the plaque well with a light scraper. Baking soda is a very fine abrasive that will not scratch the surface of stainless steel.
- Apply a mixture of baking soda and liquid dish soap to a microfiber cloth or other soft cloth, then rub the stain back and forth in the same direction as the metal chips.
- After cleaning, rinse the stainless steel surface thoroughly and wipe with a towel.
- Inspect the surface. If the stain does not remove, try the following method.
Cleaning with Vinegar
The next thing to try is vinegar.
- Pour some vinegar or apple cider vinegar on the stained surface.
- Leave it on for a few minutes. The weak acid in the vinegar can remove the stain.
- Rub the stain with a soft twig and apply to a piece of steel.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry the surface with a clean towel.
- Examine the stained area; if the stain has not disappeared, move on to the last solution.
Stainless Steel Cleaner
As a last resort, if the stain doesn’t go away, try using a stainless steel cleaner and polish. Barkeeper’s Friend is a powdered product that can be cleaned without much scratching. Follow the directions, and when finished, rinse thoroughly and towel dry.
Tips for protecting stainless steel from stains
Instead of getting rid of stains, you can take steps to prevent them. Here are some tips to help prevent stains on stainless steel:
- Never use bleach or anything containing chlorine to clean stainless steel. Avoid spraying chlorine bleach nearby or dripping on stainless steel surfaces.
- Do not use oven cleaners around stainless steel. Protect the stainless steel surface from external influences when using an oven cleaner.
- Do not use standard abrasives on stainless steel and avoid contact with metal.
- Do not use steel wool, wire brushes or other abrasive cleaners on stainless steel. You may use a non-scratch vinyl cleaning cloth.
By following these simple tips, you can easily remove stainless steel stains and bring any stainless steel surface back to its original shine!
