How to Clean Stainless-Steel Pans

Before you begin, check the manufacturer's instructions for specific washing tips. Although many types of cookware are marketed as dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is typically the best way to clean stainless-steel pans. To avoid warping, always let your cookware cool down before cleaning. Never use abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner on your stainless-steel pans, as these can permanently damage the surface.

1. Scrub the Pan

   For everyday cleanup, scrub your stainless-steel pan with hot soapy water and a nonabrasive sponge.

    

2. Scrape Stuck-On Food

   If stuck-on food bits remain, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue, bring to a boil, and scrape with a spatula or wooden spoon. The food should come away easily. Allow the pan to cool, then wash as usual.

    

3. Boil with Water and Baking Soda

   Tougher messes, including burnt food or oil, might require more abrasive cleaning. Baking soda is a simple, inexpensive way to clean burnt stainless-steel pans. Add a few spoonfuls to your scorched pan, and enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring to a boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.

    14 Clever Ways to Clean Your Home with Baking Soda
    

4. Scrub and Wash Again

   Turn off the heat and wait until the pan is cool enough to handle. Scrub away buildup with a nonabrasive sponge and wash in hot, soapy water. A commercial cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend ($2, Walmart) can be used to clean stainless-steel pans, following the manufacturer's directions.

    

How to Remove Discoloration on Stainless-Steel Pans

Once your stainless-steel pans are clean, you might notice some rainbow-colored discoloration on the surface. This type of stain is typically caused by overheating the pan and can be easily removed.

1. Wipe with Vinegar

   Splash some vinegar in your pan and wipe the area with a soft sponge before rinsing and drying fully.

    

2. Boil with Vinegar and Water

   Hard water can leave white, cloudy-looking residue on your stainless-steel pans. To get rid of this chalky buildup, bring a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to a boil in the pan. Let it cool, then wash with soap and water.

    

3. Sprinkle with Baking Soda

   Wipe the pan with a damp sponge sprinkled with baking soda to remove smaller water spots. To prevent water spots in the first place, be sure to dry your cookware immediately after washing.

    

How to Care for Stainless-Steel Cookware

Prevention is key to keeping your stainless-steel pans clean and stain-free. Remember that cold foods are likelier to stick to a hot pan, so allow refrigerated ingredients, such as ground beef or chicken, to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking.

To prevent food from sticking, preheat your pan before adding oil, then wait until the oil is hot to start cooking. When cooking pasta and similar dishes, wait to add salt until after the water is already boiling to avoid pitting corrosion, which causes small, irreparable dents in the bottom of your pan.

With these simple tips, you can extend the life of your stainless-steel pans and keep this often-used cookware in pristine condition.