This is a guide for cleaning your stainless steel cookware. It is normal for cookware to become stained or discolored with constant use. Although stainless steel cookware is resistant to stains, burned-on food can be messy and hard to remove. Here are a few tips for cleaning stainless steel cookware that really work. If you want to learn about the best cookware sets on the market, then please read this article: All Clad D3 vs D5 vs D7 vs Copper Core Cookware Sets.
General Care
For everyday cleaning, wash your stainless steel cookware by hand in hot soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly using a soft cloth. Most stainless steel pots and pans are dishwasher safe, but many experts believe that they should only be hand washed to preserve the mirror finish. In case you use the dishwasher, remove your pots or pans after the wash cycle. Dry the cookware by hand to prevent spotting.
Always use a soft cloth or sponge to clean your stainless steel pans. Do not use an abrasive cleaner on the pan. Steel wool or any kind of abrasive material will leave scratches on the surface of the cookware. If an abrasive material is absolutely necessary, use a nylon scrubber instead of steel wool.
Removing Stains
If your cookware has chalky white residues or spots on it, it’s possible that your tap water has a high concentration of calcium. The spots are easily removed with vinegar. Fill the pot or pan with 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Bring to a boil and allow it to cool. Wash the cookware with hot water and dry completely.
Burned-on food can be removed with baking soda. Add hot water and a few tablespoons of baking soda. Soak the pan for a few hours. Use a soft cloth and mild detergent to finish cleaning the pan. You can also add a little water to baking soda to make a paste. Rub this paste on the burnt food to remove it.
Here’s another way to remove burned-on food. Fill the pan with warm soapy water, making sure to cover the stuck-on food. Allow to soak for an hour. Put the pan on the burner and let the water boil for up to 15 minutes. Let the water cool, and then scrub the mess with a nylon scrubber. Wash with hot, soapy water, rinse and dry.
Never use metal scouring pads when cleaning your stainless steel cookware. They may be good at removing stubborn residues but they will scratch the surface of the cookware and damage the finish. Instead, use plastic or nylon brushes and nylon-net scouring pads. You should also avoid using chlorine bleach or ammonia-based cleaners on stainless steel cookware.
