How to Polish Stainless Steel Cookwear

Stainless steel cookwear can discolor from use and will continue to look dirty even after it has been washed. Polishing stainless steel cookware is a task that takes a few household ingredients and a little elbow grease.

Things You'll Need

• Metal scrubbing pads
• Hot soapy water
• Sponges or dishrags
• Baking soda
• Dish towel

Instructions

1. Wash the pot, skillet or pan in hot soapy water. Dry with the dish towel and inspect the cookware for any darkened spots.

2. Make a paste of water and baking soda. Dip a metal scrubber into the paste and scrub the darkened spots until they disappear. Depending on how discolored the pan is, this may take several minutes.

3. Apply the remaining paste to the entire pot using a clean, damp sponge. This will polish the entire surface of the cookware.

4. Wash it again in hot, soapy water to remove the paste from the pan. Dry with a clean dishtowel to remove any water spots. This will leave your pots and pans shiny and looking like they just came out of the box.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid discoloration on the bottom of the cookware, read the manufacturer's instructions on heat settings for the pots and pans. Depending on the gauge of the stainless steel, some cookware will discolor quickly over high heat.

• The job of keeping stainless steel cookware looking shiny and new can be less daunting if done on a regular basis. Scrub any discoloration immediately so that it doesn’t build up on the pots and pans.

• Many stainless steel pots and pans have an aluminum layer imbedded into the bottom plate to allow for higher heat and more even cooking.

• Baking soda can be used to remove stains from copper clad stainless steel cookware also.