How to Make Your Pans Look Shiny and New Again

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

When your pans start looking crusty and stained, we all know that dish soap alone just won’t cut it. So how do you get rid of stains and make your pans look new again? We’ve put together 11 tried-and-true ways to clean your pans and restore their glorious shine. The best part is that you probably already have the cleaning tools you need at home. Keep scrolling to learn how to clean up your pots and pans so they look as good as the day you bought them.

1

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sprinkle about ¼ cup (about 50 g) of baking soda over your pan. Then, add 2-3 tbsp (30-44 mL) of hydrogen peroxide a few drops at a time until you get a thick paste. [1] Let the mixture sit for up to 2 hours. Scrub off the mixture and any excess grime with a soft sponge, and enjoy your sparkling pan! [2]
    • This method is safe to use on non-stick pans.
    2. Advertisement
2

Vinegar and boiling water

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Make sure you add enough liquid to completely cover any stains. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, and let it boil until you see any caked-on material start to come off. [3] Turn off the heat, dump out the mixture, and wash the pan with soap and water once it’s cool.
    • Alternatively, use a long-handled scrub brush to scrub the pan right after you’ve turned the burner off, so the pot will still be hot. Just be very careful and wear an oven mitt to hold the scrub brush. [4]
    • This method is safe to use on non-stick pans.
3

Baking soda and vinegar

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Apply the paste onto your pan and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then, take a sponge or scouring pad and scrub off any stains. [5]
    • If you have a large enough sink, try this alternative for stubborn stains: plug the sink and fill it with hot water. Add ½ cup (about 100g) baking soda and ½ cup (118mL) vinegar. Let your pans soak for 30-60 minutes, then scrub off any remaining grime. [6]
    • Soaking your pans will make it much easier to remove any burnt-on food or grime.
    • This method is safe to use on non-stick pans.
    2. Advertisement
4

Boiling water and baking soda

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add in ¼-1 cup (50-100g) of baking soda. Then, place your metal pan into the pot and let it “cook” for 15-30 minutes. Remove it with tongs or a hot pad—be very careful! Add a 1:1 ratio of baking soda and water to create a thick paste , and scrub the pan while it’s still hot. [7]
    • This method isn’t safe for non-stick pans or pans with plastic handles.
5

Scouring powder and warm water

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sprinkle the recommended amount of your scouring powder over the pan. Add a few drops of water to create a thick paste. Then, let the mixture sit for 20 minutes. Afterward, scrub the paste with steel wool to make your pans shiny again . [8]
    • This method isn’t the best for non-stick pans. Both scouring powder and steel wool can rub off the non-stick coating.
    2. Advertisement
6

Borax

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Try Borax to restore shine to your pans or baking sheets. It’s best to sprinkle the powder onto your pots, pans, or cookie sheets when they’re dry. [9] Wet a microfiber cloth or sponge, and use a hefty amount of elbow grease to scrub off those years of grime. [10]
    • Rinse and clean your pots and pans afterward with regular dish soap and water.
    • This method isn’t ideal for non-stick pans because Borax is mildly abrasive.
7

Dryer sheets

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Let your pan soak with a dryer sheet to reduce scrubbing effort. It's certainly unconventional, but the fabric conditioning properties of dryer sheets can help cut through grime! Fill the pan with warm water, and add about 1 tsp (about 5mL) of dish soap. Place a dryer sheet into the soapy water, and let it sit for at least 1 hour. Pour the cleaning solution out, and finish the job by using a non-scratch sponge to remove any leftover material. [11]
    • This method is safe for non-stick pans.
    2. Advertisement
8

Ketchup and salt

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Try ketchup and salt to restore tarnished pans . The acid from tomatoes will help remove old stains. Just add a layer of ketchup onto the pan, and scrub it in with a soft cloth. Rinse your pan off, and it should be tarnish-free. [12]
    • Ketchup is also a great way to clean brass.
    • This method is best for copper pans, and it likely won’t have much effect on non-stick pans (because they shouldn’t tarnish).
9

Potato and salt

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This one might seem a little odd, but swapping suds for spuds can make your cast iron pans look new again. Sprinkle salt into the pan, and cut a potato in half. Place the potato into the pan with the cut side down, and scrub vigorously, using circular motions. Rinse off any excess salt and starch, then season your cast iron pan with oil. [13]
    2. Advertisement
10

Aluminum foil

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Simply ball up a wad of tin foil and use it in lieu of a sponge to scrub your pan. Add baking soda or scouring powder to increase your scrubbing power if you’re dealing with tough stains or grease. [14]
    • Aluminum foil isn’t safe to use on non-stick pans. Stick to a microfiber cloth or soft sponge.
11

Steel wool

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-My-Pans-Look-New-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Start by adding a splash of water to your pan. Then, take your steel wool and scrub away. Just keep in mind, you might have to scrub for roughly 30 minutes to make your pan look shiny and new again. [15]
    • Steel wool is too aggressive for non-stick pans, and it could scratch regular pans. Use this method as a last resort and try a microfiber cloth instead.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Re-Season a Non-Stick Pan on the Stovetop & in the Oven
      How to
      Season Pampered Chef Stoneware
      How to
      Set an Instant Pot to High Pressure
      How to
      Make a Double Boiler (Bain Marie)
      How Do You Use a Springform Pan?
      How to
      Season a Red Copper Pan
      How to
      Use a Double Boiler
      How to
      Prevent Burning of Pots and Pans
      How to
      Unwarp a Pan
      How to
      Clean a Muffin Pan
      How to
      Grease and Flour a Pan
      How to
      Hang a Pot Rack
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cookware, check out our in-depth interview with Susan Stocker .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-cookie-sheets/
      2. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant/how-to-clean-burnt-pan-hydrogen-peroxide-baking-soda
      3. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/food/grains/rice/how-to-clean-burnt-pan-rice
      4. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-stainless-steel-pans/
      5. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-clean-the-dirtiest-pan-skillet-steel-wool-baking-soda-article
      6. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-clean-sheet-pans-trays
      7. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-stainless-steel-pans/
      8. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-clean-the-dirtiest-pan-skillet-steel-wool-baking-soda-article
      9. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/11-handy-uses-for-borax-around-the-house-53429
      1. ↑ https://morningchores.com/borax-uses/
      2. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-clean-pots-pans-dryer-sheets-t121269
      3. ↑ https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-copper-pots-and-pans
      4. ↑ https://www.foodandwine.com/news/how-clean-cast-iron-skillet-potato
      5. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/article/aluminum-foil-cleaning/
      6. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-clean-the-dirtiest-pan-skillet-steel-wool-baking-soda-article

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 25,717 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement