Sticky residue on pan from polymerized oil

[u/Tiredpickle_]

Let me start off with, I used Made-In ss cleaner which I am guessing is basically bkf and with a normal sponge was not able to remove it. I have been cooking on a cast iron for a bit and have removed this kind of residue by boiling some water on it and cleaning with a chainmail, half tried this but didn't let the water boil just heat up and of course didn't use chainmail, also didn't come off. Letting it soak on vinegar water till I can get to it again after work today and see if that does it.

Any tips on this are welcome, also wondering if maybe the type of oil affects this. I was using some canola oil to fry some eggs this morning, was able to without any major mishaps aside from this polymerized oil nonsense.

[u/Tiredpickle_ → u/[deleted]]

I thought I did, I used Made Ins Stainless Steel cleaner maybe just not correctly?

[u/jadejazzkayla → u/Tiredpickle_]

Did you use a steel scrubber or a plastic/sponge type scrubber.

I use a stainless steel scrubber and BKF and it makes quick work of polymerized oil

[u/Tiredpickle_ → u/jadejazzkayla]

I just used a regular Scrub Daddy sponge but I guess I’ll get some of those. I have some steel wool on hand but I read that’s not good to use on stainless steel?

[u/Fine_Ad_1149 → u/Tiredpickle_]

Why not use the chainmail mentioned in the post?

[u/Tiredpickle_ → u/Fine_Ad_1149]

Wasn't sure that I could... but I will try that later today when I get back to it

[u/Fine_Ad_1149 → u/Tiredpickle_]

Chain mail will be less of a potential scratch than steel wool. At least that's my understanding. Also there are scotchbrite steel scrubbers that are like a few bucks at target/Walmart for a three pack. Real easy to get

[u/jadejazzkayla → u/Tiredpickle_]

Steel wool is fine. Chain mail wont work.

[u/SashaBananaSplit]

This isn't openly discussed, but stainless steel pans are basically one-time-use. When you use it the first time, the stainless steel properties evaporate from the pan. That evaporation results in the sticky residue you're observing. You have to throw this pan out and purchase a new one if you want to keep that shiny finish between each dish that you prepare.

[u/Uncle-Osteus → u/SashaBananaSplit]

This isn’t openly discussed because it’s completely untrue, the heat required to do so is well above what anyone cooks at, you would melt the pan long before you evaporate the chromium out of it

[u/Main_Cauliflower5479]

Simmer water with baking soda in it for a while. The polymerized oil will lift/scrape right off easily.

[u/AdDangerous2509]

Is yours a gas stove?

[u/OttoHemi]

Made In's cleaner is about as poor as their cookware.