Video - How To Check If You Have Buildup On your Bench tops
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Samantha Campbell
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ALL THINGS KITCHEN
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How to Clean Stainless Steel
(From simple wipe-downs to deep cleaning and restoration) Not all stainless steel is created equal! Some marks are just buildup—not stains—and with the right method, you can make your surfaces shine again. Here's how: Step 1: Everyday Maintenance Wipe with a wet SHYN Ultimate Microfibre Cloth Follow with the SHYN Drying Cloth to absorb water and leave a streak-free finish✔️ Perfect for daily smudges and fingerprints Step 2: For Light Grime or Buildup Use a wet SHYN Magic Eraser to gently lift grime Remove residue with the Ultimate Cloth Finish with the Drying Cloth to shine✔️ Great for light marks that don’t come off with water alone Step 3: For Visible Product Buildup or Heavier Grime Spray SHYN Degreaser directly onto the area Use a Magic Eraser to scrub the grime Wipe off residue with a wet SHYN Ultimate Microfibre Cloth Finish with the SHYN Drying Cloth for a streak-free shine✔️ This is your deep clean option—removes motion lines and greasy patches Step 4: For Rust Marks or Surface Stains Apply a small amount of SHYN Paste to the spot Gently work it in (always patch test first!) Wipe off product with the Ultimate Cloth and dry✔️ Only for stubborn marks that won’t budge Reminder: Always do a patch test, especially on lower-grade stainless steel. Mirror-finish and cheaper stainless surfaces can scratch more easily.
Learn moreHow to Clean Commercial Hot Plates: What’s Possible and What’s Not
In the fast-paced world of commercial kitchens, hot plates are the workhorses of the cooking line. Over time, though, these high-heat surfaces develop dark patches, burn marks, and discoloration that leave many wondering: Can this be cleaned? Or is it permanent? Let’s break it down. What Are Those Marks on Commercial Hot Plates? If you’re staring at a plate covered in: Brown or black patches Irregular heat stains Areas that won’t budge no matter how much you scrub... …you’re likely dealing with carbon burns, heat damage, and oil residue that’s been baked into the surface over time. These marks form when: Oils and fats aren’t wiped up immediately Food particles are left to cook and re-cook into the plate The surface is cleaned while still hot, causing mineral deposits and discoloration Harsh abrasives or improper tools scratch and damage the metal What Can Be Cleaned Off While not everything is reversible, here’s what can often be improved: Grease and grime buildup: This can be broken down with a strong degreaser like SHYN Degreaser. Surface staining: You may reduce the appearance using SHYN Paste and a steel scrub. General dirt or soot: Usually removable with a proper soak, scrub, and dry method. Try This Method: Let the plate cool completely. Spray with SHYN Degreaser (diluted 1:1 with water for safety). Let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Scrub using SHYN Paste + a heavy-duty steel scrubber. Wipe clean and dry with a SHYN Drying Cloth. What Can’t Be Cleaned Off Unfortunately, some marks are here to stay: Heat stains and discoloration: These are chemical changes to the metal from high temps — not dirt. Etched-in carbon burns: These deeply bonded marks often need industrial tools or resurfacing to remove. Pitting or wear: Damage to the surface caused by harsh abrasives or corrosion is usually irreversible. Even the strongest cleaner can’t remove physical or chemical damage once it’s set into the metal. Should You Try Oven Cleaner? Heavy-duty oven cleaners (sodium hydroxide-based) can work for deep carbon, but they must be used: With extreme caution On a completely cool surface In a well-ventilated space With protective gloves and eyewear And even then — it’s not guaranteed the original silver shine will return. The Bottom Line Hot plates are built to perform, not stay spotless. A stained surface doesn’t mean it’s dirty — it means it’s been well-used. Focus your cleaning on removing food and oil residue for hygiene and safety. For cosmetic stains, manage expectations: they’re normal, especially in commercial environments. And if you’d like to try giving your plate a bit of a refresh, we’re here to help with SHYN’s safe and powerful degreasing tools.
Learn moreWhat Is the Black Stuff on Pots and Pans — and How Do You Get It Off?
If you've ever pulled out a baking tray or pot and wondered, "What is this crusty black layer?" — you're not alone. This tough, burnt-on grime is one of the most common (and frustrating!) things we get asked about. So let’s break it down clearly and honestly. What Is the Black Stuff? The black, baked-on layer you see on your cookware is typically known as carbonized grease or carbonized food residue. It forms over time when oils, fats, and food particles are repeatedly exposed to high heat. This intense heat causes the particles to break down, harden, and bond to the surface. It’s Made Up Of: Polymerized oils (from cooking fats) Charred or burnt food particles Sticky residue from overheating This tough combo results in a rock-hard, crusty layer that no regular soap or standard cleaner can touch. Can SHYN Products Remove It? Let’s be real — 99% of the time, SHYN products won’t remove this kind of buildup. While our range is fantastic for grease, grime, and surface cleaning, carbonized residue is a different beast. But that doesn’t mean we can’t help at all. Here’s how SHYN products can assist in prepping or easing the cleaning process — and what to use when our products reach their limit. How to Deal With It — Step by Step ✅ Step 1: Break Down Surface Grease Before tackling the hard layer, remove any greasy top coat using: SHYN Degreaser – Spray and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Wipe off with a microfibre cloth or magic eraser. Note: This will not affect carbonized buildup but will prep the surface for deeper cleaning. ✅ Step 2: Soak If Possible If you’re cleaning oven trays or racks, soak them in hot water mixed with: SHYN Grime Lifter (diluted 1:10 in water) Let it sit for 30 minutes to overnight This helps with general grime and surface residue, but not the fully baked-on carbon. When SHYN Isn’t Enough: What to Use Instead For truly burnt-on mess, here are some alternatives: Oven Cleaner (for metal trays — use gloves & ventilation) Baking Soda + Vinegar Paste, left overnight Bar Keeper’s Friend or CLR BBQ Cleaner Boil vinegar and water in the pan to loosen buildup Flat razor scraper (for stainless steel only – be cautious!) What Not to Do Don’t use steel wool or rough scrapers on non-stick or coated pans. Don’t soak wooden handles. Don’t mix chemical cleaners (like bleach with SHYN or anything else). Final Word We believe in being transparent with our community. SHYN products are exceptional for everyday cleaning, but they aren’t heavy-duty carbon removers — and that’s okay. Knowing the right tool for the job saves time, energy, and frustration. If you're not sure what product to use for a particular cleaning challenge, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help make cleaning easy, honest, and effective.
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