Your stainless steel cookware is a great investment that requires proper care to avoid stains and discolorations. This requires that you learn a few valuable tips which will help you deal with any mess that arises. Below are some valuable and effective tips on how to clean stainless steel cookware:
1. Common care for your cookware
To keep your stainless steel cookware clean and looking superb, you will need to adopt some general cleaning mechanisms. This means hand-washing the cookware using hot and soapy water before drying it completely using a non-abrasive piece of cloth. This should be done before storing the cookware.
According to experts, washing stainless steel cookware in a dishwasher could have negative effects on the appliance finishes and especially due to the detergents used. To avoid this, the dishwasher should be removed immediately after the wash phase and dried using a soft piece of cloth and this should be done by hand to prevent spotting.
2. Use vinegar as part of your washing
Mostly, it is possible to see some chalky white deposits on your stainless steel cookware. This is normally caused by the presence of high calcium levels in the tap water and can be prevented by mixing vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:3. Boil the mixture and allow it to cool before washing using some soap. Once this is done, rinse well and dry using a soft cloth.
3. Get rid of burned-on food remains properly
Many people normally make costly mistakes when removing burned-on foods from stainless steel cookware. Instead of scratching the cookware using a spoon or an object, fill it with some water and place it on a burner for approximately 10 minutes (you can also add warm water).
Allow the water to sit for 45-60 minutes before scrubbing using a nylon scouring pad. Once this is done, use some hot, soapy water to complete the washing and then rinse properly. Dry with a soft cloth before storage. In case of the residue is stubborn, repeat the procedure above until the desired results are obtained.
4. Only use non-abrasive cleaners or pads
For stain removal and general cleaning, only non-abrasive cleaners should be used. This will help keep the cookware looking new and shiny without messing it up. This means avoiding metal scouring pads to avoid scratching the cookware surface.
These pads may seem effective in removing stubborn stains but they leave a negative impact on your cookware therefore you should only use nylon or plastic brushes or choose nylon-net scouring pads. Ammonia-based cleaners and chlorine bleaches should be avoided during cleaning.
5. Maintain the brand-new shine
You can maintain the new look on your stainless steel cookware by wetting its surface before sprinkling some baking soda and then rubbing gently using a soft non-abrasive pad. A nylon-netted sponge will work well in this case. Rinse the cookware properly after this and dry using a soft cloth or paper towel.
Now that you know how to clean stainless steel cookware, following these simple tips will see your cookware serve you for generations. A little extra effort will also be welcome in keeping the cookware looking as good as new.
