How to Remove Heat Tint From Stainless Steel Pans

Heat tint is a blue-brown streaking on the exterior of stainless steel cookwear. These unsightly streaks are caused by heating the steel too quickly, resulting in oxidation of the steel's outermost layer. While heat tint does not look attractive, it will not damage stainless steel pans. The goal when removing the heat tint is to start with the most gentle process and continue only if necessary. Often, vinegar is all that is necessary to remove the heat tint.

• 1

  Place the pan in the sink, then fill the sink with undiluted vinegar until the entire heat tinted area is covered. Leave the pan to soak for several hours, then rinse and gently scrub with a soft cloth.

• 2

  Pour club soda over the heat tint and scrub with the grain of the pan using a soft cloth.

• 3

  Obtain a 10 percent nitric acid solution from a chemist and mix with an abrasive household cleaner to form a paste. Pour the mixture over the heat tint. Wear gloves when working with the nitric acid.

• 4

  Scrub the heat tint with a coarse nylon scouring pad, following the grain of the pan, and rinse with water.

• 5

  Cover the surface of the pan with baking soda to neutralize the acid and scrub with the nylon sponge.

• 6

  Finish with your regular washing procedure using dish soap.