cannot get this pan clean - help! (mild, stainless steel, vinegar)

[KittenSparkles]

This will sound crazy, and I don't understand why this is a problem but maybe someone can help.

I have a stainless steel saute pan (it does NOT have non-stick coating on it) and I fried something in it using canola oil.

Ever since then, there is this greasy residue that I cannot seem to get off the pan. I've been soaking it in near boiling water, then trying to scrub with Dawn - this works to some extent... but there is still some residue.

I don't want to scratch up this pan, and I don't want to put in the dishwasher.

Has anyone ever encountered this? any suggestions?

[Moonlady]

I use Bar Keepers Friend on all my stainless. Just be sure and use a non abrasive scrubber.

[outbacknv]

Try Bar Keepers Friend and a lot of elbow grease. I've yet to encounter a stain liberal applications of both is unable to remove.

[rayneinspain]

You might try white vinegar and baking soda (mix together, probably a very loose paste consistency). Schmear on, rub with a sponge, rinse off.

[toosie]

I'd try boiling a water/white vinegar mixture in it first. If that didn't work I'd do what Rayne suggested.

[KittenSparkles]

wow, thanks for the quick replies - since I don't have the Bar Keeper's Friend on hand I'll go with the vinegar route first - if that doesn't work, I'll pick up some Bar Keeper -

thanks!

[Happy in Wyoming]

I have read that canola oil is the worst for staining. If Bar Keeper's Friend doesn't work try a solvent. Likely to work are kerosene or gasoline, methyl ethyl ketone (available at Walmart in the paint department) as well as lacquer thinner and denatured alcohol. Use these outside and wear gloves. I'd try lacquer thinner first.

[Wilson513]

DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT USE GASOLINE ON YOUR PAN.

It will never be usable again. The gasoline smell will never leave it.

Try the mild solvents described above and then maybe a 3M scrubby.

Sorry for the shouting.

[Happy in Wyoming]

Originally Posted by Wilson513

DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT USE GASOLINE ON YOUR PAN.

It will never be usable again. The gasoline smell will never leave it.

Try the mild solvents described above and then maybe a 3M scrubby.

Sorry for the shouting.

Boy, learn something new every day. I never knew stainless steel was porous. Nor did any item I've ever cleaned with gasoline know it.

[Caleb Longstreet]

Maybe a degreasing agent? Dawn is the mildest, graduate if need be to simple green, orange citus type cleaners with delamoline...light acid essentially, then zep purple auto degreaser, engine degreaser....

Then a home equity loan as you will have blown too much and will now realize younshould have just bought a new one in the first place......