Introduction
Stainless steel is a common material in the kitchen. However, it also loses his beautiful appearance over time. In this article, we will tell you how to clean discolored stainless steel pots and other kitchen things, You can say with full confidence that in every kitchen there is some kind of stainless steel item. And this is not surprising. Such material is convenient, practical, durable and has an attractive appearance. Unfortunately, with improper use, and simply over time, even stainless steel loses its look. And cleaning pots made of stainless steel can be a real challenge. It is important to regularly clean pots and pans and know how to remove particularly corrosive stains. We found some useful tips with which stainless steel retains its pleasant appearance for much longer.
Why is it important to clean stainless steel cookware?
Stainless steel is quite resistant to heat, corrosion, stains. It contains chromium, which, when reacted with oxygen in the air, creates a protective film. This protection prevents rust and stubborn stains.
If the steel surface is coated with grease or dirt, such a reaction may not occur. Consequently, steel becomes vulnerable and may be subject to corrosion or wear. Thus, the dishes lose all their useful properties and beautiful appearance.
General recommendations about stainless steel cookware
– Stainless steel utensils should be cleaned regularly. Only proper care will extend her life.
– After each use, clean the pots and pans with detergent and water – this prevents stains and dried pieces of food on the cookware.
– Do not use the dishwasher, even if it is allowed in the instructions. Wash stainless steel cookware with your hands. Do this in warm water using a soft sponge and dish washing detergent.
– After washing, wipe the pots dry with a clean towel. When you leave the pots to dry outdoors, new spots can appear.
– Do not use abrasive products, hard sponges or metal washcloths to wash stainless steel items, otherwise, you will scratch the coating.
– The surface should be wiped with dotted rather than circular motions. So it will be as clean and smooth as possible.
– Pay particular attention to spots that may remain from the water. The reason for their appearance is not the water itself, but the minerals that make up its composition. That is why it is better to wipe the pots by hand.
– In order to give the dishes a glossy shine, use raw potatoes. It must be cut in half and wipe the pan with these slices.
Also read Best Stainless Steel Rice Cooker
So, how to clean discolored stainless steel pots?
1. Cleaning stainless steel cookware using baking soda
The way to remove dirt on dishes using soda is considered one of the simplest and most effective. Baking soda is always at hand. Soda is especially good for removing greasy stains.
How to clean pots or other cookware in this way? First of all, the cookware must be washed thoroughly. Then wipe dry and generously sprinkle its surface with soda. Half a glass of soda is enough for one piece of kitchen cookware. Leave the pots or pans for a couple of hours as they are. You can add a little water so that the soda acquires a pasty consistency. Then wipe the dishes thoroughly with a dry cloth or sponge.
2. Cleaning with a special stainless steel dish washing detergent
Today, on the shelves of shops you can find many different products that are designed specifically for washing dishes. In the case of stainless steel cookware, it is strongly recommended to give preference to mild detergents. Such products are designed specifically to remove difficult burnt spots. Warm the pot in hot water and apply detergent for 10-15 minutes. Then remove the dirt with a sponge, rinse the pots and wipe them dry.
In order to remove water stains and fingerprints from such kitchenware, you can use a glass cleaner. Spray the product evenly and wipe the surface of the pots with a microfiber cloth. Rinse with water and polish with a dry soft towel.
3. Cleaning stainless steel cookware by heating
If burnt spots cannot be removed with soda and detergent, then try to get rid of them with heat.
To do this, fill the pot with such an amount of water so that it covers burnt places and put it on the stove. Then the water must be brought to a boil and the stove turned off. After that add a few tablespoons of salt to the pot and leave for a couple of hours.
Salt should never be added to cold water, as this can adversely affect the metal. After the required time, drain the water and try to remove the stains with a soft sponge. It is important to remember that dried up spots should never be scraped off but soaked.
4. Cleaning stainless steel cookware with activated carbon
This method of cleaning the surface of the dishes is especially effective if you overlooked the milk. So, if there are burnt places left on the pan, feel free to look into your box with medicines in search of activated carbon. It must be crushed into powder and added to burnt dishes. Then the pan must be filled with water and left for 10-15 minutes. After thoroughly rinse the dishes.
5. Cleaning stainless steel dishes with vinegar or lemon juice
To clean stainless steel products, vinegar is also used. It should be applied to a soft sponge and wipe the dishes with it. Then rinse the dishes with water and wipe dry. With the help of vinegar, stains from water are also well removed. Soak the pan in vinegar and leave for 10-15 minutes, and then wash with detergent as usual.
An alternative to vinegar is lemon juice. A glass of water requires one tablespoon of lemon juice. Wipe pots, pans, and bowls from stainless steel with the resulting solution and then rinse under running water.
Today there are a lot of products that can clean dishes even from the most persistent dirt. Popular and not so brands can be found in the household chemistry store. We have shown you how to clean discolored stainless steel pots using effective and environmentally friendly methods. Also, you should know What Do You Use A Pressure Cooker For.