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.
What Causes Rainbow Stains?
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?
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
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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.
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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.
