How to remove stains?

[u/CHEZZA114]

What are these marks and how can I remove? Pan is smooth so it is in the metal. I've tried vinegar and BKF. And I scrolled through this sub for a while but couldn't see anything that looked like this. Please help 🙏

[u/temptingviolet4]

It's polymerised oil.

BKF, make a paste and let it sit. Then a steel scourer and some elbow grease.

In future, this can be mitigated by cleaning the pan when it's still warm.

[u/CHEZZA114 → u/temptingviolet4]

Okay thanks for the help, will try it out!

[u/temptingviolet4 → u/CHEZZA114]

You gotta really work it with the steel scourer, but it does come off eventually.

[u/CHEZZA114 → u/temptingviolet4]

I've always been under the impression a steel scourer is just gonna scratch the hell out of the pan?

[u/Mount_Safurious → u/CHEZZA114]

Don’t use steel wool, you really don’t need it and it will damage your pan. Just BKF and a scrubby sponge will take care of this easily.

[u/CHEZZA114 → u/Mount_Safurious]

I was using both before this post and didn't see any change

[u/Mount_Safurious → u/CHEZZA114]

How were you using it? Use a bunch of powder, and barely any water to make a paste. You can heat the pan up first with hot water too.

The paste is important as it makes it more abrasive.

[u/CHEZZA114 → u/Mount_Safurious]

Okay will keep in mind. Thanks

[u/temptingviolet4 → u/CHEZZA114]

It won't look brand new but it's not like it will leave deep scratches.

If you want to clean the pan but keep it looking brand new, you'll have to use chemicals and perhaps one of those "non scratch" scourers.

And that's way more effort than just scrubbing the hell out of it with steel wool.

[u/Mount_Safurious → u/CHEZZA114]

DON’T let it sit! Use a the scrubby side of a sponge and go at it for 1 minute then rinse it off. Continue this as needed.

Letting BKF sit for longer than a minute can damage the finish of your pan permanently. The can/directions say as much.

[u/CHEZZA114 → u/Mount_Safurious]

Okay, will try this first

[u/mataglius → u/temptingviolet4]

Wouldn't that scratch the surface? Would a normal spoon not work?

[u/temptingviolet4 → u/mataglius]

See my comment below. And if you mean a normal spoon as in a wooden spoon, no that won't remove polymerised oil once it's cooled.

[u/mycatpartyhouse]

I've found simmering baking soda in water will loosen cooked-on stuff.

Then scrub with a chain mail scrubber and more baking soda and/or a degreaser (many dish soaps work for this).

Using a copper scrubber leaves small scratches where food residue becomes embedded.

Steel wool can further damage the cooking surface. Don't use it.

[u/Spirited_Radio9804]

Bartenders Friend