How to Restore Heat-Tarnished Stainless

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.

Things You'll Need

• Microfiber cloth
• White vinegar
• Nonabrasive cleaner
• Sponge

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Moisten a microfiber cloth with white vinegar.

   • 2

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

   • 3

     Rinse the stainless steel well to remove the vinegar residue.

   • 4

     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.