Stainless steel pans are a staple in every kitchen for good reason. This durable cookware heats up quickly and evenly, retains heat well and does not require any special utensils or delicate maintenance such as cast iron pans that need to be seasoned from time to time . And since the material doesn't react, you can cook almost anything in a stainless steel pan without worrying about damaging the surface. While stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and rust, it is not immune to burn damage and discoloration. Daily use creates stains, water marks, and other stubborn stains, so knowing how to properly clean stainless steel pans is important. With a few common household items and a little effort, these stainless steel cookware cleaning methods restore your shiny, smudge-free finish. Follow these tips to keep your cookware looking new.
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How to clean stainless steel pans
Before you begin, read the manufacturer's instructions for specific washing tips. Although many types of cookware are marketed as dishwasher safe, hand washing is often the best way to clean stainless steel pots and pans. To avoid warping, always let the cookware cool down before cleaning. Never use abrasive tools such as steel wool or harsh cleaning agents such as bleach or oven cleaner on your stainless steel cookware, as these can permanently damage the surface.
Related: How To Clean Nonstick Pans For The Last Years
For daily cleaning, scrub your stainless steel pan with hot, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge ($ 3, target ). If leftover food gets stuck, fill the saucepan with so much soapy water to cover it, bring it to a boil, and scrape it off with a wooden spatula or spoon. The food should come off easily. Let the pan cool down, then wash it as you normally would.
Stubborn spills , including burnt food or oil , may require a more aggressive cleaning method. For an easy and inexpensive way to clean burned stainless steel pans, take some baking soda out of your pantry. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda to your burned pan with enough water to cover the burned areas. Bring to the boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and wait for the pan to be cool enough to touch. Scrub off debris with a non-abrasive sponge and wash off in hot, soapy water. Alternatively, you can use a commercially available cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend ($ 2, Walmart ) to clean stainless steel pans according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How to remove discoloration from stainless steel pans
Once your stainless steel pans are clean, you may notice a rainbow discoloration on the surface. These types of stains are usually caused by overheating of the pot and can be easily removed with distilled white wine vinegar . Simply pour vinegar into your pan and wipe the area with a soft sponge before rinsing and drying it completely.
Also, hard water can leave a cloudy white residue on your stainless steel pans. To get rid of these limescale deposits, boil a mixture of one part vinegar with three parts water in a saucepan. Let cool, then wash with soap and water. If there are small water stains, wipe the pan with a damp sponge dusted with baking soda. To avoid water stains in the first place, you should dry your cookware immediately after washing.
Jon Jensen
How to maintain stainless steel cookware
Prevention is key to keeping your stainless steel cookware clean and stain-free. Remember that cold foods are more likely to stick to a hot pan, so you should let chilled ingredients such as raw meat sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before cooking. To avoid food sticking, always preheat the pan before adding oil and then wait for the oil to be hot to start cooking. When cooking pasta and similar dishes, wait until the water is boiling before adding salt to avoid pitting, which can cause tiny, irreparable bumps to the bottom of your pan. With these simple tips, you can extend the life of your stainless steel cookware and keep frequently used cookware in top condition.
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