Believe it or not, this is a way to keep your collection in tip-top shape—read: glistening!—so long as you’re willing to put in a bit of (light) elbow grease after each use, according to Vera Peterson, President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. So roll up your sleeves and strap on your kitchen gloves…or forward this link to your household’s designated dishwasher. The directions below will make the meal you just cooked disappear from pots and pans so you (and everyone) can spend less time scrubbing and more time savoring.
How To Clean Stainless Steel Pans
What You’ll Need:
Kitchen gloves Paper towelsBaking sodaWhite vinegar Hot water Spatula A non-abrasive sponge, scouring pad, or brush
What You’ll Do:
More Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Stainless Steel Cookware
Use half a lemon instead of a sponge to scour affected areas
The acidity works wonders on tough-to-scrub scum, and you’ll save yourself the hassle of cleaning your sponge.
Keep a spray bottle on hand
Fill it with warm soapy water and spritz away whenever an oversized stainless steel pan needs a glow up, but can’t fit in your sink. Wipe with a microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain.
Skip steel wool and abrasive sponges
These can damage the finish on your steel pans.
The hotter the water, the better
It cuts through tough messes better than lukewarm water—unless you’re dealing with dairy residue, in which case Peterson recommends cold water to prevent stickiness.
Avoid adding cold water to a hot pan
A sudden temperature change can sometimes cause warping. Read Next: 5 Quick House Cleaning Hacks
