How to Clean and Maintain Stainless Steel Cookware

You bought a set of high-quality stainless steel cookware because you know it's durable and built to last a lifetime. But that doesn't mean it's impervious to discoloration. And maybe, just maybe, you left dinner cooking a little too long, and now you have a burnt-on food situation.

Don't panic. Your cookware is not ruined. One of the benefits of stainless steel cookware is that it's easy to clean. You can even remove burnt food to get your pans gleaming again. It just takes the right tools and a little elbow grease, and you'll be cooking up another storm in no time.

Stainless Steel Cookware Cleaning Tools

Before you start, make sure you have all of the following available:

• non-abrasive sponge
• dish soap
• baking soda
• vinegar
• microfiber towel

Baking soda is an excellent stainless steel cookware cleaner because it's non-abrasive. You can also use Saladmaster's own stainless steel cleaning kit, which has the tools you need, and our powdered stainless steel cleaner, if you prefer.

Cleaning Items to Avoid

Some tools and cleansers are too harsh and can scratch or otherwise damage your cookware. Here's a hint: If you use it to clean your bathroom, it's not suitable for cleaning your stainless steel cookware.

• steel wool
• abrasive sponges
• abrasive cleaning powder 
• abrasive cleaning cream 
• bleach
• ammonia

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sauce Pan

Frying pans take quite a beating in any kitchen. But these cleaning methods will work on any piece of stainless steel cookware you have. The method you use will depend on what you're trying to accomplish.

Before First Use

1. Scrub the pan with warm water, a non-abrasive sponge and dish soap. 

2. Dry the pan with the microfiber towel. 

It's best to always hand dry your cookware immediately after washing. Leaving it to air dry can cause water spots.

Everyday Cleaning

1. Allow the pan to cool completely on the stovetop. Putting a hot pan into water can cause permanent warping, and void your warranty. 

2. Once it's cool, use warm water to rinse off any excess food.

3. If any bits of food remain, you can soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a few minutes.

4. Scrub the pan with warm water, a non-abrasive sponge and dish soap. 

5. Dry the pan with a microfiber towel.

Removing Burnt-On Food 

1. Allow the pan to cool completely on the stovetop. 

2. Once it's cool, sprinkle enough baking soda into the pan to cover the surface.

3. Add enough water to the pan to cover the burnt-on food.

4. Bring the water to a boil, and continue boiling for one minute.

5. Remove the pan from heat and pour out the water.

6. Allow the pan to cool again.

7. Scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge and dish soap.

8. Dry the pan with a microfiber towel.

If this method doesn't work the first time, you can create a paste of water and baking soda (or water and Saladmaster's powdered cleaner), and gently scrub the burnt food off. Once you've gotten it all off, follow the everyday cleaning instructions.

To keep food from burning onto your pan in the future, move food around frequently with a wooden spoon or silicone-coated tongs. This won't allow food to sit long enough in one place to burn, and will help your food cook more evenly.

Removing Discoloration

While 316 and 316Ti (what Saladmaster cookware is made from) are both built to tolerate high heat, it's possible that overheating a pan can cause discoloration. This usually happens if you leave an empty pan on high heat.

1. Allow the pan to cool completely on the stovetop.

2. Pour just enough vinegar into the pan to cover the surface.

3. Let it sit for three to five minutes, depending on how bad the discoloration is.

4. Pour out the vinegar and rinse the pan with cold water.

5. Dry the pan with a microfiber towel.

To prevent future discoloration, make sure to add oil or the food you're cooking before the pan overheats.

How to Store Stainless Steel Cookware

If you have an entire set of stainless steel cookware, it's important to store every piece properly to prevent scratches and keep your cookware looking new.

The ideal solution would be a cookware storage system, with places for every pan and lids as well. But if you don't have such a system, you have a couple of other options.

First, if you're nesting your cookware, place cookware protectors between each piece. This will add some cushion and prevent scratches.  Then store the lids separately in a rack that keeps them upright.

If you don't have any protectors and you have ample cabinet space, rather than nesting your cookware, you can stack it up from small to large.

Bring Some Shine to Your Kitchen with Stainless Steel

Want to outfit your kitchen with gleaming, easy-to-maintain stainless steel? Find a Saladmaster dealership near you, and experience the joy of outfitting your kitchen with high-quality cookware that will last a lifetime.

You can also bring some shine into others' lives by becoming a Saladmaster Brand Ambassador. Find out how to start a business and share your love for high-quality, durable cookware.