Why do pots get dirty on the outside?

[blondelle]

OK, I understand why there can be a bit of soot from the flame but why would the outside of pots have those brown stains that you get inside a pot from oil? Can it be from grease somewhere in the burner? I notice it on my A-C and LC. One of the great mysteries of life...LOL!

[GilaB]

Our grubby, grubby fingers.

[Robin Joy]

A little fat that spatters from a neighboring pot and then bakes on?

[Candy]

Airborne fat in steam. Just like the inside of your oven. On LC I give it an overnight bath with oven cleaner once or twice a year. Do NOT try this on aluminum. It will ruin it.