Stainless steel pans are easy to maintain.
Stainless steel pans are workhorses in the kitchen. They can take a beating, but clean up well. A good set of stainless steel pots and pans can last for many years if you care for them properly. Stainless steel's flaw is that the surface can become scratched quite easily. Be careful not to stack them when storing, and you can avoid causing them harm.
Using a Dishwasher
You can put stainless steel pans in your dishwasher, although it is not recommended by most manufacturers. If you do put your stainless steel pans in the dishwasher, give them plenty of room to keep them from pitting. Once the wash cycle is complete, dry the pans by hand with a dish towel to keep water spots from forming. For everyday cleaning, use soap and hot water on your stainless pans after they have cooled.
Water Stains
Even diligent hand drying does not prevent all water stains. If you have hard water, the minerals can cause spotting or a white film to form. Fill the pan with one part white household vinegar and three parts water. Boil the mixture briefly and allow the pan to cool completely. Use hot soapy water to wash the pan and dry it thoroughly. If the water spots or film are still there, repeat the process.
Burned Food Residue
Burned food is inevitable, but you can salvage your stainless steel pans. Fill the pan with soapy water until all of the burned residue is covered and let the pan sit for at least an hour. Boil the mixture for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Allow the pan to cool completely and scrub it with a synthetic scrub pad. Wash and dry the pan, then check to see that all of the burned food is removed. If the stains are still present, repeat the process.
Scrubbing and Cleansers
Avoid using abrasive cleansers and metal scouring pads on your stainless steel pans. Also avoid using bleach on stainless steel. Synthetic scrubbing pads generally provide enough scrubbing power to clean stainless steel. If you need more cleaning power, you can mix baking soda and water or baking soda and white vinegar into a paste in the bottom of your pan. The solution is abrasive enough to clean off stubborn residue, but it will not permanently scratch your stainless steel pan.
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