How to Clean Stainless Steel Cookware with RACO Powder Cleaner
By RACO Australia | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to remove burnt food and restore shine to your stainless steel pans using RACO Stainless Steel Powder Cleaner. Step-by-step guide with common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
RACO Stainless Steel Powder Cleaner is a gentle yet effective way to remove burnt-on food and restore the original shine of your stainless steel cookware without harsh scrubbing.
Why RACO Powder Cleaner works better than harsh abrasives
Many home cleaners use steel wool or bleach-based powders that can scratch or discolor stainless steel surfaces. RACO Powder Cleaner is formulated specifically for stainless steel cookware, so it lifts burnt residue without damaging the metal.
Because it's a powder, you control the abrasiveness by how much water you add. A thicker paste gives more scrubbing power for stubborn spots; a thinner mix is gentler for daily cleaning.
What to avoid when cleaning stainless steel pans
Never use chlorine bleach or oven cleaners on stainless steel cookware — they can cause pitting and discoloration. Also avoid metal scrubbers that leave scratch marks.
Always let the pan cool completely before cleaning. Sudden temperature changes (like running cold water on a hot pan) can warp the metal.
How to clean stainless steel cookware with RACO Powder Cleaner
- 1. Let the pan cool and remove loose debris: Wait until the cookware is completely cool. Scrape off any large food bits with a wooden or silicone spatula. Do not use metal utensils — they can scratch the surface. Common mistake: cleaning a hot pan can cause warping and make burnt food harder to remove.
- 2. Sprinkle RACO Powder Cleaner onto the damp surface: Lightly wet the interior of the pan with warm water. Sprinkle a generous layer of RACO Powder Cleaner over the stained or burnt areas. For extra stubborn spots, add a little more powder to form a thick paste. Checkpoint: if the paste is too runny, it won't have enough scrubbing power. Add more powder until it feels like a soft paste.
- 3. Scrub gently with a soft sponge or cloth: Using the soft side of a sponge or a non-abrasive cloth, work the powder into the surface in circular motions. Focus on burnt-on food areas. Do not use steel wool or scouring pads — they will scratch the stainless steel. Common mistake: pressing too hard thinking it cleans faster. Gentle circular motions are more effective and safer for the finish.
- 4. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately: Rinse the pan under warm running water until all powder residue is gone. Wipe dry with a clean, soft towel. Leaving water spots can cause mineral deposits, so drying right away helps maintain the shine. Checkpoint: if you see white residue after drying, you didn't rinse enough. Repeat the rinse step.
- 5. Buff with a dry cloth for extra shine (optional): Once the pan is dry, give it a quick buff with a soft, lint-free cloth. This step restores the mirror-like finish and removes any remaining fingerprints or smudges. Common mistake: using a rough dish towel can leave micro-scratches. Use a microfiber cloth for best results.
Product used in this guide
- RACO Stainless Steel Powder Cleaner 495g: The RACO Powder Cleaner is ideal for all your RACO stainless steel cookware cleaning needs. It keeps your stainless steel cookware looking sparkling and new. This means you can remove burnt food and restore shine without buying separate polishes or risking scratches from harsh abrasives.
RACO Stainless Steel Powder Cleaner 495g
