How to Clean Stainless Steel
Stainless steel cookware is generally pretty hardy, and to keep it clean and shiny, regular washing and drying may be all that's required. Tougher cleaning problems do arise occasionally, however, and here are some pointers on how to handle them.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Use warm, soapy water - or a gentle dishwashing cycle - for everyday cleaning, and dry your cookware thoroughly with a soft cloth.
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2
Use a mixture of 25 percent white vinegar in water to remove mineral deposits left by hard water.
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3
Remove burned-on food from a stainless steel pan by pouring boiling water into the pan. Let it set for 15 minutes. If the pan still won't come clean, let the water cool, then wash with warm soapy water and a scrub brush made of nylon.
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4
Remove rust with an oxalic acid cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend (see Tips).
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5
Use glass cleaner and a soft cloth to remove fingerprints.
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6
Polish stainless steel with a paste made of water and baking soda. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If acidic foods sit in stainless steel for a long time, they may cause corrosion. These include citrus fruit or juice, vinegar or pickles.
Bar Keepers Friend, available at most grocery or home improvement stores (www.barkeepersfriend.com) is a recommended cleaner for stainless steel cookware.
If you boil something in a stainless steel pan, make sure the pan doesn't boil dry, or it may discolor.
Do not use bleach or ammonia on stainless steel.
Do not use steel wool to clean stainless steel, as it may leave behind carbon steel fragments that will rust into the stainless steel surface. Use a nylon or stainless steel wool scouring pad instead.
Do not use silver dip cleaners on stainless steel. They will leave a stain.
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Comments
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I needed to clean my stainless pots, and did not have Barkeepers, so I did the vinegar and water thing. I could hardly believe my eyes...they look just like new after only a few minutes of soaking with a sponge..just kept it wet for a few minutes! Rinse with soap and water and wiped dry. Vinegar does it again. Thanks.
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lv426
Feb 08, 2010
I bought Bar Keeper's Friend after readin this and several other articles, because my stainless steel frying pan was stained brown and nothing could get it out. I sprinled some in, rubbed for about 15 seconds with a wet sponge and rinsed away and the results were incredible. The pan literally looks like it's brand new. Bar Keeper's Friend is HIGHLY recommended, just be sure to wash with dishsoap after using it. -
dehrenhaftjr
Aug 07, 2009
The most helpful tip about cleaning any quality cookware is, wipe the pan with a wet soapy cloth while it's still hot. Don't let the pan cool down first. But be careful, because, of course it's still hot. If you still have some discoloration or stubborn spots, Bar Keepers Friend is the best product I've ever found. Also, use Dobie pads with it. Works like a charm.
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crazycatlady
Jan 29, 2009
I use vinegar to clean glass, I never thought of using it to clean stainless steel. Thanks.
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AlishaV
Jan 25, 2009
Stainless steel can be so hard to clean, thanks for the info!
