How to Clean Stainless Steel Cookware

How to Clean Stainless Steel Cookware After Every Use

1. Create a Cleaning Solution

   Fill a sink or dishpan with hot water and add a few drops of a good dishwashing liquid, preferably one with a degreaser as one of the main ingredients.

2. Scrape Away Excess Food

   Use a wooden spatula to scrape away excess food left on the stainless steel cookware. Dispose of the food properly.

3. Wash the Cookware

   Submerge the cooled cookware in hot soapy water. Use a non-abrasive sponge to wash the inside and outside of the cookware.

4. Rinse and Dry

   Once the cookware is clean, rinse well with warm water. Immediately use a lint-free microfiber towel to dry the cookware thoroughly. This will help prevent water spots and streaks.

How to Remove Discoloration From Stainless Steel Cookware

Discoloration from overheating and white spots and streaks left by minerals in water can be removed to restore the finish on stainless steel cookware. If your tap water has a high calcium content (hard water), you'll probably notice chalky white residue on the cookware. To remove this residue, follow the instructions below.

1. Clean With Vinegar

   Saturate a clean sponge with undiluted distilled white vinegar and wipe away the rainbow-hued discoloration that can appear on stainless steel cookware. Rinse well in warm water and dry with a microfiber towel.

2. Remove Mineral Build-up With Vinegar

   To remove chalky white mineral residue from the bottom of stainless steel cookware, fill the pan with one part distilled white vinegar and three parts water. Place on a stovetop and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool completely before washing as usual.

3. Remove Water Spots With Baking Soda

   Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and gently scrub the water spots on the stainless steel following the grain of the metal. Rinse with warm water and dry with a microfiber towel.

How to Remove Stuck-on Food From Stainless Steel Cookware

1. Boil Away Stuck-on Food

   If hand-washing the cookware just won't get rid of stuck-on food, let heat solve the problem.

   1. Add enough soapy water to the cookware to cover the stuck-on mess.
   2. Place it on a stovetop and heat until the water is boiling.
   3. Boil the soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes.
   4. Remove from the heating element and use a wooden spatula or nylon scouring pad to scrape away the food.
   5. Allow the water and pan to cool completely and then wash as usual.

2. Tackle Burned-on Food

   If soapy water and heat didn't remove the food...

   1. Fill the pan with enough hot water to cover the burned-on food and add one-half cup of baking soda.
   2. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
   3. Let the pan remain on the stovetop simmering until the food begins to loosen.
   4. Use a wooden spatula to scrape away the food and wash as usual.
   5. Add a sprinkle of baking soda or a gentle abrasive cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend on a damp sponge to tackle any remaining stuck-on bits.
      

   Warning

   Don't use chlorine bleach on your stainless steel cookware. Bleach will stain and damage stainless steel. 

Tips to Keep Stainless Steel Cookware Looking Great Longer

• Help prevent burned-on food by preheating the stainless steel cookware before adding the oil. Allow the oil to become hot before adding food.
• If not using oil, allow any refrigerated foods to come to room temperature before adding them to a hot stainless steel pan.
• Avoid pitting by allowing water to come to a boil before adding salt when cooking pasta.
• Do not allow stainless steel pans to air dry. Dry with a lint-free cloth after rinsing to prevent water spots.
• Use a non-abrasive cleaner—like Bon Ami Powder Cleanser or Bar Keepers Friend—for general cleaning, stain removal, and keeping the cookware shiny as new. Follow the manufacturer's directions for use.
• Don't use metal scouring pads or abrasive cleaners. Although they do an excellent job of removing stuck-on food, all stainless steel cookware makers caution that abrasives can scratch the surface of the cookware.