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

Things You'll Need:

• White Vinegar
• White Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Baking Soda
• nylon scrub brush
• dish detergent

1. Use warm, soapy water - or a gentle dishwashing cycle - for everyday cleaning, and dry your cookware thoroughly with a soft cloth.

2. Use a mixture of 25 percent white vinegar in water to remove mineral deposits left by hard water.

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.

4. Remove rust with an oxalic acid cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend (see Tips).

5. Use glass cleaner and a soft cloth to remove fingerprints.

6. Polish stainless steel with a paste made of water and baking soda. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

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.

[dehrenhaftjr]

on 8/7/2009 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.

[Tmfarias]

on 4/25/2008 I've tried it al, but the BEST thing to clean stainless steel appliances with is WD40. Just spray some on your cloth and polish. it's super easy.

[LouiseJ]

on 3/31/2008 I'm wondering about the advice to avoid using ammonia on stainless steel. I've seen other websites that recommend ammonia. What is the concern with ammonia?

[OrangeChocolate]

on 2/23/2008 Man tries to cook, man burns womans stainless steel pot, which I believe to have aluminum clad bottom. Man burnt sausage and spaghetti sauce which is cleaned out, but the bottom inside is discolored blue and has a bad smell like ?metal ashtray. Is there any hope to clean and restore color? Is it safe to use?

[mama2four]

on 1/19/2008 We just got new Calphalon pans and they tell you NOT to use baking soda on stainless steel. It will void your warranty.