Keeping your stainless steel cookware in pristine condition requires the right tools and cleaners. Burnt-on food, stubborn grease, and water spots can be a challenge, but using the correct scrubber makes all the difference. The wrong product can leave behind scratches or residue, diminishing the pan’s performance and appearance.
This roundup simplifies your search by featuring a variety of solutions, from heavy-duty metal pads to gentle, non-scratch cloths and specialized cleaning formulas. Whether you’re tackling a post-dinner cleanup or a deep-cleaning session, you’ll find an effective and safe option to restore the shine and longevity of your stainless steel pans.
The Best Scrubbers and Cleaners for Stainless Steel Pans
- Wangjinpeng 12 PCS 3-Layer Non-Scratch Multipurpose Steel Wire Dishcloths
- Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Scrubbers, Scouring Pads
- Bar Keepers Friend Cooktop Cleaner + Scraper
- Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish – 2 Pack
- Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge, 9 Kitchen Sponges
- OXO Steel Soap Dispensing Dish Brush 10 in
- Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray, Fresh Scent
- Affresh Cooktop Cleaning Kit for Glass & Ceramic Cooktops
- Grove Co. Sponges, Natural Coconut Scrubber Kitchen Sponge
- Libman Extra Fine Steel Wool Soap Pads
Wangjinpeng 12 PCS 3-Layer Non-Scratch Multipurpose Steel Wire Dishcloths
The Wangjinpeng steel wire dishcloths offer a unique three-layer design that balances powerful cleaning with a non-scratch guarantee. Crafted with precision stitching, these cloths are built for efficiency and economy, making them a smart choice for daily kitchen tasks. Their structure provides enough surface area to cover dirt effectively without damaging your pans.
These reusable cloths are designed for comfort and convenience. The quick-drying material prevents unpleasant odors, and the durable construction holds up for hundreds of machine washes. By choosing these reusable cloths, you also make a positive environmental impact by reducing reliance on paper towels.
Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Scrubbers
For tackling the most stubborn, baked-on messes, the Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Scrubbers are a proven solution. This pack includes three metal scrubbers that cut through tough soil and burnt-on food quickly. They are specifically engineered for powerful cleaning on durable surfaces like stainless steel.
These scouring pads efficiently remove grease, grime, and dirt, restoring even the messiest pans to a like-new shine. Their metal construction is built to handle the toughest kitchen cleaning challenges, making short work of residues that softer sponges can’t handle.
Bar Keepers Friend Cooktop Cleaner + Scraper
Bar Keepers Friend Cooktop Cleaner is a specialized formula designed for glossy surfaces like glass and ceramic stovetops, but it is also safe and effective on stainless steel, copper, and brass. This liquid cleanser works to remove burnt food stains and grease with enhanced power. The included scraper tool provides additional assistance for lifting off stubborn residues.
Its non-scratching formula is a key benefit, allowing you to remove tough, cooked-on messes without damaging the surface of your appliances or cookware. The application is simple: spread the cleaner on a wet surface, let it sit for one minute, then wipe away. No harsh scrubbing with abrasive pads is necessary.
Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
Weiman is a leading brand in stainless steel care, and this two-pack includes a cleaner and polish designed to restore the appearance of your appliances and pans. The pH-neutral formula quickly cleans, shines, and protects any stainless-steel surface. It is effective on all types and colors of stainless steel.
This product is particularly good at eliminating surface fingerprints, haze, smudges, and grease, leaving behind a streak-free, professional-looking finish. It not only cleans but also adds a protective layer to help guard against future smudges and residue buildup.
Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge
The Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges are built for tough kitchen messes, offering a flexible yet durable cleaning tool. This value pack contains nine sponges that are designed to last three times longer than the leading value brand. Their durable material can withstand rigorous scrubbing sessions.
These sponges provide three times more scrubbing power compared to other leading sponges, making them ideal for cleaning cast iron skillets, outdoor grills, and stainless steel pans with baked-on residue. They offer a strong cleaning performance for tasks that require a bit more muscle.
OXO Steel Soap Dispensing Dish Brush
The OXO Steel Soap Dispensing Dish Brush combines a sturdy scrubber with integrated soap for a streamlined cleaning process. Its no-leak, no-mess dispensing system allows you to apply dish soap directly to the pan with a simple button press. The brush is constructed with a durable steel handle for a comfortable, secure grip.
The brush head features durable nylon bristles that are tough enough to scrub away baked-on food but are also safe for use on non-stick cookware and stainless steel. For added versatility, the head can be replaced with other brush, sponge, or scrub heads when it wears out.
Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray
Dawn Platinum Powerwash is not a scrubber, but a powerful cleaning agent that works in tandem with your scrubbers to simplify cleaning. This spray formula is designed to remove 99% of grease and grime in half the time compared to non-concentrated Dawn. It acts as a powerful pre-treatment for tough messes.
The spray clings to vertical surfaces, allowing it to penetrate and dissolve baked-on food without pre-soaking. It contains three cleaning boosters not found in traditional dish soaps, which helps it cut through grease five times faster. A quick spray can make scrubbing your stainless steel pans much easier.
Affresh Cooktop Cleaning Kit
The Affresh Cooktop Cleaning Kit is a comprehensive solution for glass and ceramic cooktops, and it is also safe for use on stainless steel. This kit includes a 5 oz bottle of cleaner, five scrubbing pads, and a scraper tool. It is the number one brand recommended by Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Maytag.
The non-abrasive cleaner cuts through tough, cooked-on residues without scratching sensitive surfaces, resulting in a streak-free, polished shine. The included tools provide everything you need for a thorough clean, from applying the solution to scraping off stubborn bits and buffing the surface to perfection.
Grove Co. Natural Coconut Scrubber Sponge
The Grove Co. Coconut Scrubber Sponge offers an earth-friendly approach to tough cleaning tasks. This dual-sided sponge is made from natural materials, featuring a super-absorbent plant-based cellulose side and a scouring pad made from ground coconut husks and recycled fibers. It is a sustainable choice for your kitchen.
Despite its natural composition, this sponge is a powerful scrubber designed to remove stubborn, stuck-on food. The coconut husk side is strong yet gentle, ensuring it cleans effectively without scratching your stainless steel pans, glassware, or countertops.
Libman Extra Fine Steel Wool Soap Pads
Libman Extra Fine Steel Wool Soap Pads are a classic and reliable choice for cutting through heavy grease and grime on durable surfaces like stainless steel. The extra-fine grade of the steel wool provides an aggressive scrubbing action that is effective on the most stubborn, baked-on residues.
These pads are often infused with soap, which helps to lift grease as you scrub. They are a straightforward, no-frills tool for tackling the toughest cleaning jobs in the kitchen, from grill grates to the bottom of well-used stainless steel pans.
What to Look For in the Best Scrubbers for Stainless Steel Pans
I’ve scrubbed my fair share of stainless steel pans, and I’ve learned the hard way that not every scrubber is a good fit. The goal is to get that cooked-on food off without leaving scratches or damaging the pan’s surface. When I’m looking for the best scrubbers for stainless steel pans, I focus on a few key things.
First, I always consider the material. Stainless steel is tough, but it can be scratched by materials that are harder than it is. I steer clear of standard steel wool because those fine metal shavings can embed in the surface and lead to rust. Instead, I look for scrubbers made from materials like nylon, copper, or chainmail. Nylon is great for everyday, light-to-medium scrubbing. It’s non-abrasive and safe for the pan’s finish. For the really tough, baked-on messes, I find that a chainmail scrubber is my best friend. It’s made of stainless steel rings that are soft enough not to scratch the hard surface of the pan but are fantastic at dislodging stubborn bits without any cleaning chemicals.
Next, I think about the scrubber’s design and how it feels in my hand. A flat pad is fine, but I prefer a scrubber with a bit of a handle or a balled-up chainmail style that gives me a good grip, especially when my hands are wet and soapy. Ergonomic designs make the scrubbing process less of a chore. I also check if the scrubber is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning itself, and whether it’s rust-resistant. The last thing I want is for my cleaning tool to leave rust stains on my pan or in my dish rack.
Finally, I balance effectiveness with gentleness. A scrubber needs to be tough on grime but easy on the pan. I avoid anything that feels like sandpaper. Scouring pads with a plastic mesh core and a nylon or polyester scouring surface often offer a good middle ground. They provide more scrubbing power than a simple sponge but are still considered safe for stainless steel. Remember, the best tool is one that gets the job done quickly without you having to worry about damaging your expensive cookware. A little bit of research here saves a lot of regret later.
FAQ
Can I use steel wool on my stainless steel pans?
I don’t recommend it. While it might seem like the most powerful option, steel wool is often harder than the surface of your stainless steel pan and can leave fine scratches. Even worse, tiny particles can break off and embed in the metal, which can eventually lead to rust. There are much safer and equally effective alternatives, like chainmail or heavy-duty nylon scrubbers, that won’t damage your pans.
How do I clean burnt-on food from a stainless steel pan?
This is a common problem, and I have a method that works for me. First, I don’t let the panic set in. I fill the pan with a little water and a drop of dish soap and bring it to a simmer on the stove for a few minutes. This loosens the burnt bits. After it cools a bit, I pour out the water and use one of the best scrubbers for stainless steel pans, like a chainmail pad or a Dobie All-Purpose Pad, to scrub the remains away. For really stubborn spots, a paste of baking soda and water can provide extra scrubbing power.
Are scrub brushes safe for stainless steel?
Yes, most scrub brushes with nylon or other plastic bristles are perfectly safe for stainless steel. They are great for getting into corners and handles. I use a brush for pans with a lot of textured areas or for initial food removal. Just make sure the bristles are firm but not extremely stiff, and avoid any brushes with metal bristles embedded in them, as these can cause scratches.
Why does my stainless steel pan look scratched after cleaning?
If you’re seeing scratches, the scrubber you’re using is likely too abrasive. This is a classic sign of using something like a harsh scouring pad or steel wool. Stainless steel can develop a “patina” of fine scratches over time with use, but deep scratches are usually from the cleaning tools. Switch to a gentler option like a blue non-scratch Scotch-Brite sponge or a dedicated copper scrubber to prevent further damage.
Can I use a dishwasher to clean my stainless steel scrubber?
It depends on the scrubber. Many nylon and plastic-based scrubbers are dishwasher safe, which is a feature I always look for. However, you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions. For chainmail scrubbers, I usually just rinse them well with hot water and let them air dry to prevent any potential for rust, even though they are typically made of stainless steel.