Why Does Stainless Steel Turn Black?

Alex Praytor
by Alex Praytor

You will usually find that quality kitchenware is made (at least in part) out of stainless steel. Stainless steel is a non-toxic metal that will heat more evenly than aluminum or enamelware pots and pans. Also, it is virtually indestructible. While my aluminum pan burned out after 2 years, my grandma’s stainless steel Revere Ware is still going strong.

However what happens when stainless steel starts to stain or turn black? Can these black spots be removed? We have the answer!

Stainless steel is a durable material and is resistant to corrosion and acids. However, even stainless steel can stain in adverse circumstances. Stainless steel is an iron-based metal that is alloyed with chromium and sometimes nickel. The iron in stainless steel can make it susceptible to stains if it is exposed to high levels of pressure, heat, or moisture.

We’ll show you how you can remove a black stain from stainless steel, and we’ll also give you tips for maintaining your stainless steel pots and pans.

What Causes Black Stains on My Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is resistant to staining. However, you notice that it doesn’t ever promise to be stain-free, just that it will stain less often than other types of metals. Any material can begin to lose its shine if it experiences adverse circumstances over a period of time. While stainless steel can withstand a lot, these factors can cause your steel to stain.

  • Too much heat
  • Acid
  • Dampness
  • Oxidizers

Also, you want to take into consideration that not all stainless steel is made equally. Stainless steel is made out of iron and carbon and will often be alloyed with both chromium and nickel. Some cheaper versions may only have chromium. Some grades will resist heat better, while other grades of stainless steel will resist substances such as chlorine and salt more easily.

How to Remove the Black Stain from your Stainless Steel

If you notice your stainless steel’s shine being taken over by a black or rainbow stain, you can use Barkeeper’s Friend. However, if you don’t have this on hand, you can use distilled white vinegar you already have in your kitchen cabinet.

Try this step-by-step to restore your stainless steel to shininess:

Step 1: Pour a bit of vinegar into your pan. You don’t need much, just enough to wet the surfaces of your pan.

Step 2: Use a non-abrasive sponge to buff the surface of your pan. You will want to follow the grain of your steel. Don’t use steel wool as it can scratch the surface and this can give you new problems with your finish.

Step 3: Rinse the vinegar off your pan.

Step 4: Then, dry it completely so you don’t get water spots on your surface.

Voila! You now have a shiny pot free from that black rainbow stain.

That was easy, right? However, if you don’t feel the urge to clean this stain off your pot, rest easy that this is purely an aesthetic issue. Using a pot with this black sheen should not damage you or your pot in any way.

How to Clean and Maintain Stainless Steel

When you are taking care of your stainless steel, there are some ways to clean and maintain your pots to avoid stains and scratches. There are also a few cleaning and cooking methods you should avoid. The following are some tips and tricks we recommend to keep your stainless steel shiny.

Cleaning Stainless Steel

Use detergents that are gentle and non-corrosive. Avoid using bleach, ammonia, detergents with chlorides, and abrasive cleaning materials on stainless steel as it can cause your pans to corrode. While steel wool makes it easy to get burnt food off of your stainless steel pan, this can scratch your finish and even invalidate your warranty. You can use cleaning materials such as most dish soaps, club soda, and vinegar on stainless steel surfaces.

After you have washed your pans, you will want to dry them as quickly as possible. If left to dry on its own, you may end up with water spots on your pan. To get rid of water spots, you can sprinkle a damp sponge with baking soda to get the spots to appear and rinse your pan. Then dry immediately.

Maintaining the Shine of Stainless Steel

While using the appropriate cleaning materials is important, there are also a few there are a few things you can do while you are cooking to prevent corrosion and burnt spots.

  • To prevent corrosion: If you leave saltwater in your pot, it can cause the surface to pit and corrode. It may look like someone has taken a nail to the bottom of your pot. This doesn’t mean we have to give up salt in our soups, however. Just wait until the water starts boiling before you add salt
  • To prevent foods from sticking (and burning) on your pan: Once food starts sticking to your pan, it can burn leaving black burn marks behind. These marks can be difficult to remove when you wash your pan. You can make your pan non-stick by adding a little oil to the bottom. The trick is to wait until the oil heats and starts to shimmer in the bottom of the pan before you add your food.
  • To prevent streaks: If you notice drips from food or water on the outside of a stainless steel appliance, you can wipe these off before it dries to keep from leaving a streak.

Related Questions

What is the best brand of cookware?

If you are looking for new pots and pans, you will notice that there is a rather large price discrepancy between brands. Some pans such as Farberware are more affordable, while luxury brands such as Le Creuset have a much higher price tag.When choosing which is best for you, you can take into consideration the pan’s materials to assign a value. For example, stainless steel cookware will have a longer lifespan than aluminum, however, aluminum will be a cheaper option.


How do you keep a stainless steel sink from scratching?

To protect your stainless steel sink from scratching you can use a stainless steel grid in the bottom of your sink. This grid allows water to flow through and can protect your sink and dishes. Rubber mats are not a good idea as they can trap chemicals and cause your stainless steel sink to corrode. Polish out scratches using mineral oil or vegetable oil. Use a cloth to rub the oil in the direction of the grain.


Should I handle stainless steel stored differently than other metals?

You may want to store stainless steel cookware away from aluminum or other types of metal cookware, especially if you are leaving them out to dry. When damp, stainless steel can cause other metals to corrode. However, the stainless steel itself should not corrode.

Related Guide

Alex Praytor
Alex Praytor

Alex Praytor is a native Texan who got her degree in English Literature and decided to travel the globe. She finds the architecture and design of homes across cultures fascinating. In her spare time, she visits coffee shops with her family and creates projects for their own home. Alex enjoys sharing tips on how to keep repairs up to date while turning a house into a home.

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