How to Clean Stainless Steel Cookware?

One of the most common complaints that people have is the one regarding the discoloration of their stainless steel cookware. Everyone desires to have the attractive luminous finish these cookware items used to have when new. Fortunately, it is never so difficult to restore the sparkling look in discolored stainless steel cookware. There are some simple strategies for cleaning stainless steel cookware that will help you get the best look from your cookware.

What causes discoloration?

One of the most common causes of discoloration is cooking on high heat. If you also cook with burnt food residues you end up discoloring your stainless steel cookware. When you fail to remove the burnt food completely you end up staining the pot or pan when it is preheated. Another common cause of discoloration is mineral solids in water. They tend to leave stains on stainless steel cookware.

To avoid discoloration of these items you need to use lower heat while cooking your food. This may sound basic but it truly works. Subjecting your stainless steel cookware to high heat continuously discolors the pots or pans in the long run. This discoloration is also referred to as “bluing”.

Oils also accumulate on the pan overtime and the main cause of this is the use of cooking sprays. The formula in cooking sprays builds up on the pans with time and they finally leave a tacky surface. This may cause the non-stick cooking surfaces to lose their non-stick properties. They also darken the look of the cookware. For good results use vegetable oils and butter instead of the cooking sprays. This will make cleaning stainless steel cookware effortless.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Cookware

One of the main advantages of stainless steel cookware is the fact that they are easy to maintain. It does not take so much effort to give them a mirror finish and sheen that is never possible with other cookware. They are also scratch-proof and elegant and can be used to serve food. Furthermore, these items are durable and in case they get damaged they are recyclable.

To restore the sparkling look on your stainless steel cookware, follow these simple tips;

Tip 1-take some vinegar and cover the bottom of the pan with it. Sprinkle in baking soda. The mixture will start to fizzle and bubble. This looks quite exciting, especially to the kids. You can leave the mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes then rinse it out and wash.

Tip 2-another effective way of cleaning stainless steel cookware is by heating the pan after use and then pouring in some hot water. When the water is hot you use a wooden spoon to loosen and remove excess food from the pan. Once the residual food has been loosened and removed, you dump the water from the pan. You can then take some warm soapy water and wash the pan. Avoid placing the hot stainless steel in cold water in the sink. This can warp the pan.

Tip 3-take your dirty stainless steel pan or pot then fill it with 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water. Boil the mixture and let it cool to the touch. Take some hot soapy water and wash it thoroughly. Allow the pan to dry.

Tip 4-this is effective for cleaning stainless steel cookware that has tough stains and burns. Take equal parts of baking soda and water then mix them until a paste is formed. Apply the mixture to the stained area then let it sit for about 15 minutes. Take a clean cloth or a sponge then scrub it away. You can then take some warm soapy water and wash the pot. Alternatively, pour a cup of vinegar and sprinkle in baking soda. Take half a cup of water and pour it in. allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes on the stove then pour it out and scrub the pot until it is sparkling clean.

Employ these simple tips and you will get some amazing results. In fact, well maintained stainless steel cookware can last for many years. Your cooking and serving should never be such a bore when you know how to clean and maintain the exquisite stainless steel cookware. Once you understand the best ways of cleaning stainless steel cookware you will get excellent results.