How to remove film from stainless steel pan

Question

I have an unsightly film around my stainless pan as shown here:

What is causing this to happen?

And how can I remove the film? I have soaked it in soapy water, scraped it with a plastic scraper, and run it in the dishwasher several times, but I can't seem to get rid of the film.

UPDATE: the pan is an All-Clad stainless, fully-clad frypan: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00005AL8C

Asked by Mike Eng

Answer

I concur with rumtscho in that scraping isn't going to get this off. Before you go the route of lye, I would try one of two things:

1- Pour can of diced tomatoes into pan. Cook over medium heat until tomatoes start to bubble, stirring occasionally. Stir heavily once bubbling, then discard tomatoes and wash pan.

2- Fill pot with a large amount of rhubarb and water. Boil for a long time, adding water as necessary. Discard and wash.

Answered by Jacob G

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