Cleaning pros share 11 ways to clean stainless steel pans for a sparkling finish

Stainless steel pans are a kitchen staple for their durability and ability to distribute heat evenly. However, they can easily develop stubborn stains, burnt-on food, or discoloration.

In this expert guide, we reveal 11 effective methods our cleaning pros swear by to clean your stainless steel pans, using everyday household items and cleaning supplies.

So if you're looking for more cleaning tips to add to your arsenal, you've come to the right place. Read on for 11 ingenious ways to get your pans popping.

1. Soapy water

Tried, true and a straightforward cleaning tip because it works: for regular cleaning, warm soapy water is a simple but effective option, though it might take some elbow grease, or a bit of time to soak.

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'This method is simple but effective. The soap helps to loosen grease and stuck-on food particles, making it easier to scrub away residue from your stainless steel pan.

'To begin, fill the pan with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Allow it to soak for at least 15 minutes, or longer for tougher stains, then use a soft sponge to scrub away food debris. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then dry with a clean towel to prevent water spots.'

Seventh Generation Clean with Purpose Liquid Dish Soap, available from Walmart, is a powerful but eco-friendly dish soap that comes with a fresh, zesty scent, as well as great reviews. Toner also recommends Dawn Original Scent Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap from Target, adding, 'This product is gentle, yet effective at cutting through grease and grime.'

2. Lemon juice and salt

For removing tough stains, or for discoloration, lemon juice can prove just the thing.

Toner says, 'Sprinkle kosher salt on the discolored areas of the pan, then squeeze lemon juice over the salt. Use the lemon peel to scrub in circular motions. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. The natural acidity of the lemon juice combined with the grit of the salt helps to lift stains and restore the shine of the pan.'

We recommend Morton Salt Coarse Kosher Salt, available from Walmart, which comes with great customer reviews for both flavor and cleaning properties. Lemon juice can also work wonders elsewhere in your home. Check out how lemon juice changed the way our writer does laundry.

3. Vinegar and boiling water

Boiling vinegar and water in your stainless steel pan can help remove stuck-on food or stubborn stains.

Toner says, 'Fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar, bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for a few minutes. Afterward, scrub with a sponge and rinse thoroughly. The heat and acidity of the vinegar help break down grease and food particles that are baked onto the pan.'

Good & Gather White Distilled Vinegar from Target is a highly-reliable brand that comes with thousands of great reviews.

4. Baking soda paste

Apart from the things you should never clean with baking soda, there's hardly a more reliable around-the-house cleaning agent. As a mild abrasive, baking soda can lift burnt residue without damaging stainless steel.

Toner says, 'Simply create a thick paste using baking soda and water and apply it to the burnt areas of the stainless steel pan. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then gently scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge. To finish, rinse and dry completely.'

This 12-pack of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda from Amazon comes with more than 10,000 five-star reviews, and will have you stocked up for a while.

5. Salt and Scrub Daddy

For a deeper clean, a combination of salt and a textured sponge can remove grime and stains without being too harsh on the stainless steel pan.

Will Cotter, owner of FreshSpace Cleaning, says, 'Sprinkle coarse salt on the pan, and dampen a Scrub Daddy sponge with a bit of cold water. It should be cold to keep the Scrub Daddy nice and firm, so it can work its magic without the salt dissolving too quickly. Then, simply scrub away and rinse!'

6. Bar Keepers Friend and dish soap

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular and effective stainless steel cleaner. Cotter says, 'This method is my personal favorite. Wet the pan, then sprinkle some Bar Keepers Friend powder, available from Amazon, on it. Trust me – the powder works better than the liquid stuff.

'Mix it with a bit of water until you’ve got a nice, thick paste going on. Don’t let it chill for too long though – one minute is enough. Add a bit of Dawn dish soap to the mix. The grime should come off your stainless steel pan pretty easily. If there’s still some, a quick wipe with a paper towel should do it.'

Learn more things you can clean with Bar Keepers Friend.

7. Dishwasher tablets

An unlikely cleaning wizard for your stainless steel pans lies in a simple dishwasher tablet.

Toner explains, 'Dishwasher tablets contain powerful cleaning agents that break down stubborn grease and food residue. Simply place a dishwasher tablet in the pan and fill it with water, letting it sit for at least four hours, or overnight.

'On your return to the pan, scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge, rinse then dry thoroughly. Repeat if necessary for tough residue.'

For reliable and effective dishwasher tablets, try these Finish Quantam from Walmart.

8. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda

When it comes to baked-on food, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are a dream team for tackling your stainless steel pan cleaning.

Toner says, 'This magic combination lifts even the most stubborn burn marks. Begin by sprinkling baking soda over the stainless steel's burn marks, then add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to create a fizzing reaction. Let it sit for 10 minutes, before scrubbing gently with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry to finish.'

This MomRemedy Hydrogen Peroxide Based Household Cleaner from Target is a reliable option with no added fragrances.

Learn more about cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, as well as the difference bleach and hydrogen peroxide.

9. Olive oil

For a quick polish, rub a small amount of olive oil onto your stainless steel pan with a soft cloth. This method is great for removing fingerprints and gives your stainless steel a gleaming finish.

Toner says, 'Rub the pan in circular motions, focusing on streaks and smudges, then buff with a clean, dry cloth to restore shine. The olive oil adds a protective layer to stainless steel, helping to repel future stains and streaks.'

This Great Value Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Walmart is 100% pure, and kosher too.

10. Baking soda and dish soap

For marks or blemishes on your stainless steel, simply mix baking soda with dish soap to form a paste, then scrub the pan with a sponge. The combination of soap and baking soda is a gentle yet effective way to lift off food residue.

Toner says, 'Baking soda breaks down grease, while dish soap cuts through the oils for a thorough clean. One tip is to allow the paste to sit for 10 minutes or so before scrubbing.'

11. Cream of tartar

Last but not least, cleaning with cream of tartar makes for an unlikely but effective warrior against stubborn stains on stainless steel.

Toner says, 'Cream of tartar is mildly acidic and so works well to remove stubborn stains. Begin by mixing the cream of tartar with water to make a paste, then apply it directly to the stains. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, before scrubbing gently with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse with warm water and dry the pan. For added shine, you can also buff the pan with a dry cloth.'

McCormick Culinary Cream of Tartar, available from Amazon, is high-quality and ethically-sourced.

So there you have it – 11 ways to clean stainless steel pans. Whether you're dealing with burnt-on food or everyday stains, maintaining the beauty of your stainless steel pans is easy with the right cleaning techniques.

Next, check out the cleaning myths that will damage your countertops – plus what to do instead.