Domestic goddesses---how to deal with stains on stainless(!) steel

[kathryn]

I have several stainless steel pans that now have strange, rainbow-hued discolorations on the inside bottom (from overheating? But I never heat empty pots, or heat them too high. From soaking in water?)

Anybody know what this is from and how to get rid of it (if that's possible)?

TIA

 

[janiejoey]

Hi Kathryn,

I went on the internet and found these recommendations:

baking soda mixed with dish soap
goo gone
WD-40
Clorox Magic Eraser mixed with dish soap
Autosoil
soak in white vinegar for 30 min.
S.O.S. steel wool
soak in lemon for 30 min.
Barkeeper's Friend
I've used stainless steel polish and it works for me.

Hope that helps.

Janie

The idea is to die young as late as possible

http://www.picturetrail.com/janiejoey

 

[Jennifit]

i use Barkeeper's Friend...smells of sulfur, but it works!!

 

[kathryn]

>soak in white vinegar for 30 min.

Thanks, Janie!
I think I'll try this one first (WD-40? strange!). Though most of these look like ways of removing baked-on gunk and not discoloration (I know white vinegar gets out the mineral deposits in my distiller and shower filter). Guess I'll see for myself!

 

[CollinsMom]

I have several beautiful peaces of Cuisinart Chef's Classic stuff, and it does the same thing you are talking about. I HIGHLY recommend Barkeeper's Friend -- less than $5, I got mine at Bed, Bath, & Beyond.

 

[materialsgirl]

Here's another rec for Barkeeper's Friend - it works great at getting rid of discoloration on my Calphalon Contemporary cookware, and it's what Calphalon recommends as well.

 

[kathryn]

Vinegar worked on some pots, but not on one, so I just put "Barkeeper's friend" on my shopping list.

Thanks for your advice, all!

 

[Miss Lee]

Bar Keeper's Friend or Bon Ami both work great on stainless steel. I'm not sure what the rainbow effect is -- it happens to my pots, too, but either of those mild cleansers should take care of it.

 

[SRP]

Barkeepers Friend is the best stuff since sliced bread. I get mine at Kroger (grocery store) of all places. Wal-Mart stopped carrying it!!! Stupid store.

 

[materialsgirl]

>Barkeepers Friend is the best stuff since sliced bread. I get
>mine at Kroger (grocery store) of all places. Wal-Mart stopped
>carrying it!!! Stupid store.

I get mine at Kroger too!