How To Clean And Maintain Stainless Steel Pans

While stainless steel products are some of the best pans to use while cooking, some people simply don’t want to deal with the trouble of cleaning them. It’s why nonstick pans have become so popular. Stainless steel, the thought process goes, is easy to scorch and burn. And while nonstick pans are certainly easy to maintain and clean, stainless steel can be too! Don’t let the cleaning process dissuade you from making stainless steel your go-to cooking option.

With these tips, cleaning your pans should be a breeze. Here’s what to you should do to keep your pans in tip-top shape:

• Always use cooking oil when using your pans. This will reduce the chances of food sticking and scorching to the metal.
• While some stainless steel pans are advertised to be dishwasher safe, we highly recommend to hand wash.
• We like to start cleaning the pan while its still hot. The hotter the pan (and water), the easier to scrape off
• Use hot water and a spatula to remove any food particles that may have stuck to the surface.
• For the most part, a good old fashioned sponge and dish soap coupled with hot water gets the job done. We also love this scrubbing brush from OXO to get out the deep set stains.
• If the pan is really dirty, it’s time for the reinforcements. Baking powder or other abrasive cleaners work wonders in these cases.
  • But be warned – cleaners can streak the bottom of the pan. So once used, wash off with soap and water!
• When using baking soda, let it sit for a few minutes to seep into every nook and cranny of the pan and stain.
• For truly dirty pans or pots, put a mixture of baking soda and water in the pot, and allow to boil on the stove!