# How to Clean Rainbow Stains from Stainless Steel - Made In Rainbow stains on stainless steel cookware doesn’t mean your pan is ruined, but it can be an annoying imperfection. Here’s how to get rid of the stain. Being greeted with a rainbow-hued stain after using your stainless steel pan is less than ideal. Luckily, this stain—otherwise known as heat tint or dome—doesn't affect the cooking performance of your pan at all, and is simply an aesthetic imperfection. Let's get into why this rainbow stain appears and how to get rid of it. ```json { "_key": "302e1997c946", "_type": "tableOfContents" } ``` ## What Causes Rainbow Stains? ```json { "_key": "f0d06ac58269", "_type": "medium", "ctas": null, "description": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "stainless steel cookware on electric cooktop", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.7777777777777777, "height": 2700, "width": 4800 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/f54ac497f031ff36db02a533a00c4e08ccdd2fab-4800x2700.jpg" } }, "tags": null, "type": "image", "video": null } ``` Stainless steel contains a small amount of chromium to help resist corrosion and rusting, and when chromium and air mix, a rainbow-hued protective layer is formed on your pan, also known as "heat tint" or "heat dome". More simply put, when stainless steel is heated to high temperatures, the oxidized top layer of metal can thicken, which causes a rainbow tint. ## Do Rainbow Stains Have Any Effect on Performance? ```json { "_key": "99d8609bbb91", "_type": "medium", "ctas": null, "description": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A hand holds a metal frying pan, skillfully tossing food while cooking in a professional kitchen.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.8, "height": 1000, "width": 1800 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/e19b6f96d2fb894f736850224cf293f97e03f017-1800x1000.jpg" } }, "tags": null, "type": "image", "video": null } ``` This is a simple answer: No. Rainbow staining is purely an aesthetic issue, so if it doesn't bother you, then you can cook away with your newly rainbow-tinted stainless steel cookware. But if you care about having both functional _and _beautiful cookware, then read on for tips on getting rid of the rainbow tint for good. ## How to Get Rid of Heat Tint ```json { "_key": "10af79a1a41a", "_type": "embed", "type": "tiktok", "url": "https://www.tiktok.com/@madeincookware/video/7488760511396515118?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7407466472605681183" } ``` If you have a powdered cookware cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend handy, simply create a paste with some water and the cleaner and scrub it away with a non-abrasive sponge. You can also use vinegar. - **Step 1: **Pour or spray in a small spray bottle enough diluted white vinegar into your pan to cover the stain. - **Step 2:** Use a soft sponge or cloth to work the vinegar into the interior of the pan and clean the stain. - **Step 3: **Rinse and completely dry the pan with a dish towel. Repeat if needed. Your pan should look brand-new after this treatment, and you can proceed cooking with your restored functional—and now equally beautiful—cookware. ## Ready to Cook? ```json { "_key": "17bd3eed7874", "_type": "variant", "data": { "_id": "variant-39921335697487", "badges": [], "collegiateAsset": null, "computed": { "compare_at_price": 1024, "discount": 22, "isAvailable": true, "isPrimary": true, "offset": 225, "price": 799, "status": "forSale" }, "handle": { "current": "10-piece" }, "imageBadges": null, "media": [ { "_key": "05340e959d45", "description": null, "hotspots": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A tidy kitchen with a variety of pots on a stove and one hanging above, showcasing a clean cooking environment.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1, "height": 5209, "width": 5209 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/d25200a66f39b0947f294a7fdebf0e908022bf00-5209x5209.jpg" } }, "tags": [ "secondary", "gallery" ], "type": "image", "video": null } ], "meta": { "hasCollegiate": false, "hasTrial": false, "hasWaitList": false, "isCollegiate": false, "isDiscountEligible": false, "isFinalSale": false, "isOnSale": true, "isSet": true, "promoDates": null, "promoPrice": null }, "product": { "ranking": 1, "rating": { "rating": 4.92, "rating_count": 3279 }, "shopify": { "handle": "the-stainless-sets", "id": 6718247632975, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Stainless_Set_10p_CookwareSet_002.jpg?v=1762199310", "width": 1500 }, "title": "Stainless Set" } }, "shopify": { "handle": null, "id": 39921335697487, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Sets_Stainless_10p_Set-001_F5F6F2.jpg?v=1761747880", "width": 1500 }, "title": "10-Piece" }, "taxonomies": [ { "handle": { "current": "stainless-clad" }, "title": "Stainless Clad", "type": "material" }, { "handle": { "current": "sets" }, "title": "Sets", "type": "product_category" }, { "handle": { "current": "frying-pans" }, "title": "Frying Pans", "type": "product_type" }, { "handle": { "current": "cookware" }, "title": "Cookware", "type": "product_category" }, { "handle": { "current": "best-sellers" }, "title": "Best Sellers", "type": "merchandising" }, { "handle": { "current": "induction-compatible" }, "title": "Induction Compatible", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "stock-pots" }, "title": "Stock Pots", "type": "product_type" }, { "handle": { "current": "pfas-free" }, "title": "Free of PFAS", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "stay-cool-handle" }, "title": "Stay Cool Handles", "type": "features" } ], "title": null } } ``` Now that you know how to get rid of heat tint, you're free to sear, sauté, and simmer to your heart's content with our Award-Winning, chef-approved [Stainless Clad Cookware Collection](/collections/stainless-clad). ```json { "_key": "1af1d7615156", "_type": "cta", "title": "Shop Stainless Clad", "url": "https://madeincookware.com/collections/stainless-clad" } ``` --- URL: https://madeincookware.com/blogs/the-dreaded-rainbow-stain-and-how-to-fix-it