How to Restore Heat-Tarnished Stainless

Update

Although it resists rusting and corrosion, stainless steel can become discolored if it comes into contact with high heat. Causes of heat discoloration may include overheating a stainless pan on the stove, leaving stainless flatware on a hot stove surface, or the drying cycle of the dishwasher.

Heat tarnish needs a bit of extra attention to restore your piece to its original gleam, but the discoloration will come off with little effort in most cases.

  • Moisten a microfiber cloth with white vinegar.

  • Wipe the heat-tarnished stainless steel with the vinegar-moistened cloth, adding more vinegar as needed. You should not need to rub very hard.

  • Rinse the stainless steel well to remove the vinegar residue.

  • Scrub the stainless steel gently with a nonabrasive cleanser, such as Comet NA, Soft Scrub or Earth Friendly Creamy Cleanser, and a sponge if any heat tarnish remains after treating it with vinegar. Rinse well.

    • Things You Will Need

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    • Microfiber cloth
    • White vinegar
    • Nonabrasive cleaner
    • Sponge

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