If you love cooking and spend a lot of time in the kitchen, then you know that having a reliable set of cookware is a must. There may be a lot of high-quality cookware that you can choose from but when it comes to material, one of the finest and most dependable is stainless steel.
But, some may ask, is stainless steel cookware safe? Definitely, yes. Professional chefs and home cooks prefer stainless steel because of their bright and shiny look.
More than the physical attributes, they are also highly durable and safer to deal with, especially when cooking acidic foods. This is because stainless steel does not conduct heat as fast as other types of cookware.
Stainless steel is also easy to clean as it has a smooth and non-porous surface. It is not enough to know how to use stainless steel cookware. You also need to know how to properly clean Clean Stainless Steel Cookware Effectively.
General Maintenance of Stainless Steel Cookware
A good set of stainless steel cookware is an investment. Just like anything that you invest in, you need to make sure that you take care of them. It would help to establish a cleaning routine on a regular basis to ensure that they are always at their best condition.
Below are some tips that you can follow to ensure good maintenance of your fine cookware:
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- Always clean the cookware immediately after each use. This will prevent stains and remaining food to dry and build up. Use a dishwashing soap and hot water to wash them. Then, using a scrubbing pad, lightly scour your cookware if needed.
- If your pots and pans are seasoned, avoid using soap in cleaning them. Instead, only use hot water and paper towel to remove excess grease.
- Do not use products which contain bleach or ammonia. They may badly interact with the cookware and may cause discoloration or damages. If possible, only use a cleaning aid that is specifically designed for stainless steel.
- After washing, it is more ideal to wipe each cookware with a clean towel. You can also allow them to air dry, but water spots may form.
- As much as possible, do not clean your stainless steel cookware in the dishwater, even if they are dishwasher-safe. This is because using the dishwasher for washing may reduce your cookware’s lifespan and may also keep them from looking great.
- If it is inevitable to use the dishwasher, use club soda to rinse your cookware as soon as you take them out. Then, use a soft cloth to dry them and prevent the formation of water spots.
- One of the nice characteristics of stainless steel is that they are shiny. If you want to keep them that way, you can use a stainless steel polish on them. Just use a clean cloth to apply the polish and for buffing.
- You can also remove fingerprints using a glass cleaner and a soft cloth or paper towel. Sometimes, small scratches can also be removed using a non-abrasive cleanser and water. Alternatively, a paste made from baking soda and water can also be used.
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Cleaning Tough Stains on Stainless Steel Cookware
There are times when you have to deal with tough stains left on your pots and pans. You do not need to worry because there are also some tips on how you can restore them to their smooth and shiny state.
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- If your cookware has food built-up or crusted into it, make cleaning easier by soaking it in warm and soapy water for several hours or overnight if you must.
- Once the crust has softened, remove the water and scrub with a scouring pad. Do not be tempted to use steel-wool or copper-based scrubbing pads because they will scratch your cookware’s surface.
- Use baking soda to clean off any burn marks on your cookware. Burn marks or heat damage can be caused by leaving pots and pans on a lit burner for too long.
- First, make sure that your pot or pan is completely dry. Then, generously sprinkle baking soda onto the surface where the burn marks are. Using a dry cloth or sponge, rub the baking soda thoroughly. You can also make a paste using baking soda and a little bit of water and use it to rub onto the surface.
- If baking soda does not work, you can try a mild abrasive cleaner and use it just like how you used the baking soda.
- Serious burn marks can also be removed by cooking them off. Just fill your cookware with water and then bring to a boil. Once boiling, add a few spoons of salt to the water. Turn off the heat and just leave it sitting for several hours.
- Then, remove the water and try scrubbing the burn marks with a scouring pad. Repeat the process if there are still marks left.
- Remember, only add salt when the water is already boiling. Adding salt to cold water might pit the metal and may cause further damage.
- Water spots are also one of the most common stains that are caused by mineral contents in the water. So, if you live in an area where the water is rich in minerals, water spots will often appear on your cookware.
- Formation of water spots can be avoided by hand drying your pots and pans. If they still occur, use some club soda and swish it around your cookware. Then, rinse off and dry with a clean cloth.
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Aside from these tips, you can also try seasoning your stainless steel cookware for them to have a non-stick surface. This will prevent food from staining and building up, thus making cleaning much easier.
Remember, the finest stainless steel cookware is a great investment that is why you need to protect and take care of them. There may be ways to clean them easily and effectively, but the best way is still to prevent your cookware from having any stains, crusts, or heat damages.
Conclusion
Stainless steel cookware is one of the most reliable and dependable material for cookware. Keep them at their best condition by knowing how they can be cleaned, maintained, and protected.
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