Stainless Steel Cookware: Care Tips

Stainless steel pots and pans are durable, lightweight, sturdy, and incredibly versatile. They are an absolute joy to have around the kitchen, but they require care and attention to keep them in good condition. Here are some tips to help you care for your stainless steel cookware and keep them looking brand new.

Cleaning: use a soft cloth, non-abrasive sponge, or scrubber, and warm soapy water

When it comes to cleaning stainless steel pots and pans, it's important to use the right tools and techniques to keep them in top condition. Here are some detailed instructions for cleaning your stainless steel cookware with a soft cloth, non-abrasive sponge, or scrubber, and warm soapy water:

• Always allow your cookware to cool down before cleaning. Placing a hot pan under cold water can cause warping, so it's best to let it cool naturally first.
• For everyday cleaning or minor messes, a soft cloth or sponge and some warm, soapy water are all you need. Gently wipe down the surface, taking care not to use any abrasive tools or harsh scrubbers that could scratch the stainless steel.
• For stuck-on food or tougher messes, fill your pan with warm or hot soapy water and let it soak before trying to scrub. This will help loosen the residue, making it easier to remove.
• Use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to gently scrub away any remaining food or residue. Avoid using metal scrubbing pads, steel wool, or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface.
• Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any soap residue.
• To maintain the shine and prevent water spots, dry your cookware immediately after rinsing with a soft cloth or microfiber towel.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your stainless steel pots and pans while preserving their quality and appearance.

Drying: wipe down with a microfiber cloth to prevent spotting

Drying your stainless steel pots and pans is an important step in the cleaning process, as it can help to prevent spotting and water marks. It is recommended to dry your cookware immediately after washing, as this can help to reduce the appearance of water spots and calcium deposits.

To dry your stainless steel pots and pans effectively, it is best to use a microfiber cloth or towel. These cloths are designed to be highly absorbent and quick-drying, making them ideal for polishing stainless steel. After washing your cookware, simply wipe it down with a microfiber cloth to remove any remaining water droplets. Pay special attention to the base of the pan, as this is where water tends to collect and can leave chalky white marks if not dried properly.

If you notice any water spots or calcium deposits on your cookware after washing and drying, don't worry! This can be easily remedied by dampening the surface of the pot or pan and rubbing it with a moist sponge that has been sprinkled with baking soda. Rinse as usual, and your cookware will be spotless once again.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that your stainless steel pots and pans are completely dry before storing them away. While stainless steel is highly resistant to rust, putting away a damp pan can lead to the formation of calcium deposits in the spots where water has dried. So, before storing your cookware, give it a quick once-over with a microfiber cloth to ensure it is completely dry.

Removing burnt food: use baking soda, or simmer in soapy water

Burnt food can be a challenge to remove from stainless steel pots and pans, but there are two simple methods to tackle this problem: using baking soda, or simmering in soapy water.

Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive with an alkaline pH, which helps to neutralise acidic burnt foods. It can also be combined with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, to create a fizzing reaction that helps to loosen burnt food.

To use baking soda, first remove as much of the burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, make a paste using three parts baking soda to one part water. Apply this liberally to the burnt area of the pan, allowing it to fully coat the surface. Leave the paste to sit for a few hours or overnight, then scrub with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you don't want to wait, you can add a quarter to half a cup of water to thin the paste, then bring the pan to a boil on the stove. Remove it from the heat quickly, and let it cool before wiping or scrubbing to remove the burnt food.

Alternatively, you can use the deglazing technique. First, heat the pan until a droplet of water sizzles on the surface. Then, add a cup of water or a mixture of half water and half vinegar to the pan and allow it to boil. As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening the burnt food. Pour out the liquid, then sprinkle the bottom of the pan with baking soda and let it cool. Once cool, scrub the pan vigorously with a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, then wash and dry as normal.

Simmering in Soapy Water

For this method, begin by scrubbing away as much food as possible from the pan using a non-abrasive scrubber. Then, fill the pan with water and add a bit of dish soap. Ensure that any stuck-on food is completely submerged, then bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool, then scrape away the loosened food with a spatula. If the burnt food is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat this process or try a different technique.

Removing discolouration: use vinegar to wipe down the pan

Discolouration on stainless steel pans is often caused by overheating. While these stains won't come out with regular dish soap, a little vinegar will do the trick.

Splash some vinegar into your pan and wipe the area with a soft, non-abrasive sponge before rinsing and drying the pan fully.

For chalky white spots caused by calcium buildup in the water, bring a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water to a boil in the pan, let it cool, then wash and dry as normal.

To prevent discolouration, avoid overheating your pan. High-quality stainless steel is effective at holding heat, so preheating on high heat might lead to overheating.

To prevent water spots, dry your cookware as soon as possible after washing. If spots do appear, dampen the surface of the pot or pan, rub it with a moist sponge that has been sprinkled with baking soda, and then rinse as usual.

Storage: hang pans to avoid scratches, or stack with protectors between them

Proper storage of your stainless steel pots and pans is essential to avoid scratches and other damage. Hanging your pans is the easiest way to avoid scratches, as it ensures they don't come into contact with other items that could cause scuffs or marks. If you have limited space and need to stack your pans, there are a few precautions you can take to protect them. Firstly, ensure that your pans are completely dry before stacking, as any remaining moisture can lead to calcium deposits. Then, use protectors such as trivets, dish towels, pan protectors, or napkins between each pan to prevent scratching. You can also lay these protectors underneath the stack to provide an extra layer of cushioning.

By following these simple storage guidelines, you can help keep your stainless steel pots and pans looking their best and avoid any unwanted scratches or damage.

Frequently asked questions