Stainless steel is a metal that is known for its stain resistance, strength and durability. It has been around for a long time and has been used to make many different types of kitchenware.
It is the material of choice for those who want to buy cookware and kitchenware products and more.
However, even though it’s better in resisting the stain you might still see some black stuff on it or a residue of dark spots.
And in this post, we’ll going to address it.
Quick Answer
The black stuff on stainless steel can be caused by a variety of factors, including residual carbon, ferrous materials, and chromium rust. It is common on the bottom of pots and develops as a result of placing the stainless steel pot directly on a burner.
The black residue is a very small amount of chromium rust which when it forms a thin coating on stainless steel gives it the brilliant shine. To remove the black residue, you can use a nylon-bristled brush (like this one), water, and baking soda to make a thick paste. Avoid using tough abrasive cleaning tools or solutions to remove black residue from stainless steel pots as they could scratch the stainless steel.
What Is Black Stuff On Stainless Steel?
This is usually rust and it’s caused by water and air reacting with your stainless steel.
The grey/black stuff you see is:
- Chromium Rust OR
- Residual Carbon OR
- Ferrous Materials OR
- Burnt Food
It’s not easy to remove and it’s best to avoid getting it in the first place, especially if it’s happening in warm, humid areas like kitchens because you’ll most probably be cooking food in your stainless tell pans.
The best way to keep it at bay is to remove excess water after use, don’t leave it there for air to get to and dry it with a clean towel. This should help prevent it from happening. However, there are more precautions you need to know…
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1. Watch Your Detergent
The black residue that appears on the surface of stainless steel sinks, dishes, and other utensils is a result of a chemical reaction between certain detergents and the metal.
The main culprits are chlorine-based detergents (including bleach). Water, heat, and time can also speed up the reaction.
2. Left Over Water
If you have ever had a problem with black stuff on your stainless steel sink or other stainless steel surfaces, it might have been the result of something you did in the kitchen.
It’s really not that hard to get rid of the black oxide unless it’s actually a peel off. The first thing you need to do is clean the stainless steel with a stainless steel cleaner.
Once the surface is clean, you will be able to see if it is a stain or if it is water deposits. Most probably, those black spots are due to the reason of not drying up the stainless steel after a wash.
3. Abrasive Pads
Stainless steel is a very strong, durable, and easy to clean material, which is why it’s used for everything from cookware to sinks. It is also used for countertops in your kitchen.
However, it can be damaged if not cleaned or maintained properly. Stainless steel is vulnerable to scratching. This can be caused by the use of abrasive pads, especially when used with cleaners that contain chlorine bleach as talked about earlier. The combination of the two can be responsible for blackening your stainless steel.
Misconception
Although more expensive than other materials, stainless steel is used in many kitchens. The main reason for this is that stainless steel is more durable than other materials.
However, stainless steel products will still stain and rust, so it is important to know how to clean them. Knowing some basic cleaning techniques can help…
How to Remove Dark Spots on Stainless Steel?
There are many ways that you can remove dark spots on stainless steel. One way is to use white vinegar. You will want to make a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water. Once you have made this solution, you will want to apply it to the dark spots on the stainless steel and let it sit for about five minutes. After five minutes, you will want to wipe the area clean with a soft cloth.
If the dark spots are still present after using the white vinegar solution, you may need to contact the manufacturer of the stainless steel for further instructions. In some cases, they may recommend using a household cleaner that is specifically designed for stainless steel.