Colorful stains, also known as “rainbow streaks,” often appear on the bottom of stainless steel pots and pans, even after they have been cleaned.
Many home cooks express concern about whether these stains indicate that their cookware is contaminated or made from cheap materials, potentially affecting their health and cooking efficiency.
In reality, this is a normal phenomenon that has no impact on the quality of your food or your health. According to Times of Malta, cookware is typically made from stainless steel. The phenomenon of “rainbow colors” is also referred to as the “heat staining” phenomenon.
Stainless steel contains a small amount of chromium, which helps prevent rust and corrosion. When chromium is exposed to air, a protective layer forms. When stainless steel is heated to high temperatures, this oxidized layer can thicken, creating a rainbow effect. This phenomenon can also occur with rapid heating. This layer helps protect stainless steel cookware and does not pose any health risks.
Rainbow stains cause concern among many home cooks. (Photo: Timesofmalta)
Although these color streaks are not a “signal” that your pot is toxic, they can still be unsightly and affect your appetite and cooking inspiration. As a result, many people are interested in cleaning them.
You can follow these steps to clean them:
- Step 1: Pour diluted white vinegar into the pan (at a ratio of 1:5 or thicker, depending on the thickness of the protective layer) and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
- Step 2: Use a soft sponge soaked in vinegar to gently scrub and clean the stained areas. Note that metal scrubbers and vigorous scrubbing should be avoided as they can damage the cookware.
- Step 3: Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
Additionally, you can also use lemon: Take a quarter of a lemon and scrub directly on the stains, then rinse well. Using a dishwasher with specialized detergents can also eliminate the rainbow streaks.
