Cleaning brown/gray spots on overheated stainless steel stock pot
So my roommate forgot about his boiling water and burned one of the pots pretty bad. The bottom is a dark brown/gray with colored spots underneath (electric range).
What are some household remedies to restore the pot? I'm worried that the heat might have changed the properties of the metal (such as annealing).
Best Answer
Barkeepers Friend is a product that works wonders on steel and aluminum cookware. With a little elbow grease, this stuff removes discoloration very well. If you can't find BKF, Zud is another product that uses Oxalic Acid for it's cleaning power, although it seems to be less potent.
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Quick Answer about "Cleaning brown/gray spots on overheated stainless steel stock pot"
Take some diluted white vinegar and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Then after thoroughly working the vinegar into your cookware, you just need to rinse and dry. The acidity of the vinegar will work to break down the oxidized rainbow layer to keep your stainless steel pots looking their silvery best.How do you get rid of heat discoloration on stainless steel?
Dip a soft cloth in vinegar and rub over the surface of the stainless steel. The heat streaks should start to rub off of the metal and transfer onto the cloth. Continue to rub the surface of the steel vigorously until no more streaks come off of the surface.Why did my stainless steel pan turned brown?
Overheating or allowing cookware to boil dry can cause yellow, brown, dark purple, blue or rainbow tints on the stainless steel surface. Although harmless, these tints can spoil the appearance of the pan. To remove this discoloration, use a products like Barkeepers Friend\xae and a non abrasive cleaning pad.Does stainless steel discolored from heat?
Heat stains can occur on stainless steel appliances for a variety of reasons. Simply setting a hot pan on the surface can result in a mark left behind. Though these marks appear as damage to the surface, they are simply a discoloration that can easily be removed.Why does my stainless steel pot have spots?
Solution: The unsightly spots on a gleaming pan are typically caused by a buildup of the calcium found in water. Remove them by boiling a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Let it cool completely, then wash and dry the pan as usual.How to Clean Stainless Steel Pots and Pans
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Answer 2
Don't worry about the properties of the pot being altered. The metal was heated to many hundreds of degrees in forging, so your stove adventure can't match the initial het.
That being said, it can warp and discolor, but this will have little practical effect on the pot's properties, mostly the aesthetics of it.
The suggestion of a cleaner with Oxalic Acid is right on, and safe for Stainless Steel.
So, if it is warped, then it will be harder to use for some applications, but it is safe and usable otherwise. The discoloration can be cleaned and will fade further over time.
Answer 3
There is nothing wrong if it is outside of the pot to use Easy-Off®. Take it outside, turn it upside down, spray and leave overnight.
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