Keeping your stainless steel cookware shiny is important for its performance and appearance. After all, what’s the point of buying something that looks good? You need to keep it looking good so that it doesn’t look dingy or dull. This article is for you if you’ve noticed that your pots have gotten a little cloudy and grungy! We’ll show you 20 simple steps on how to keep stainless steel cookware shiny every time you use it.
How To Keep Stainless Steel Cookware Shiny: 20 Steps
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you even think about cleaning your pots, you need to wash them. You can’t trust a non-scrub pot with germy ingredients. Also, it’s important to wash your cookware before you store it. Doing so will help prevent any nasty bacteria from growing in the pots. You don’t want that! You’ll also want to use a soft sponge or a pot brush to help get inside all the nooks and crannies of your pots.
You will need:
- Glass cookware
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- A clean cloth or sponge
If you’re not sure how to properly wash a pot, we have a thorough guide. You don’t want to keep your pots dirty, but you also don’t want to clean them too much. A good medium is key! Rinse them with water and then put them on the stovetop or in the dishwasher to air dry.
Step 2: Make a Paste
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and baking soda in a small bowl to form a paste.
Step 3: Let It Sit
Allow the paste to sit on the stain for at least 15 minutes. This will give the vinegar and baking soda time to work their magic.
Step 4: Lightly Rub The Paste Into The Pot
Cover the bottom of your pot with a thin layer of paste. Use the brush to work in the paste around the edges and anywhere hard to reach. Wipe off what you can’t smooth into place.
Use a cloth or sponge to apply more paste as needed. After smoothed in enough paste, please wait for it to sit for a few minutes before cleaning off any remaining residue.
Step 5: Rinse Off Your Pot
Once you’ve applied enough paste to your pot, give it a rinse. The vinegar and baking soda will act as a scrubber. Gently scrub the remaining paste with hot water until you have clean, bright spots! That’s it! Your dirty pots are now clean and ready for use! Let them dry naturally, or place them in the dishwasher.
Step 6: Dry The Cookware
Once your pots are clean, you’ll need to dry them quickly. You don’t want the pots to absorb any water, or else they will rust. Putting the pots in the oven on the lowest setting for a few minutes will trick. The pots will be warm enough so that the moisture in the air won’t condense on the pots. If you don’t have an oven or you don’t want to use it, you can also place the pots on a low rack in the fridge.
Putting the pots in the fridge is trickier, as you can’t put them in the door. Instead, you can put the pots on a shelf that’s the same height as the fridge door. You’ll also want to make sure that the fridge door is closed so that the cold air can condense on the pots. This will help them dry out.
Step 6: Give Them a Quick Polish
Once the pots are dry, you’ll want to give them a quick polish. You can do this by hand with a ball of fine steel wool, or you can use a stainless steel cleaner. We’ve put together a stainless steel cleaner guide if you’re not sure what cleaner to use. You’ll also want to ensure that you’re washing your pots when they’re not dirty or dirty-looking. Dirty pots absorb water and debris. You don’t want it getting into your other silverware or serving dishes! You can also keep a silver-polishing cloth handy to wipe down your pots when they look dirty.
Step 7: Eliminate The Streaks
Once a week, you’ll want to give the pots a quick polish with fine steel wool. You can do this while they’re dry, but it’s best to wait until they’re completely dry. You can also use a stainless steel cleaner once a week. Make sure that you’re using a dishwashing detergent designed specifically for stainless steel. Dishwashing detergent designed for stainless steel will help eliminate any streaks and residue accumulated on the pots.
Step 8: Clean Them Immediately After Cooking
If you notice that your pots are starting to get grungy, it’s time to clean them up. When it comes to keeping your pots shiny, the most important thing is to clean them immediately after cooking. Clean your pots with warm soapy water when you’re done cooking. You can use a mild dishwashing liquid or run them under the tap.
Make sure that your pots are completely clean before you store them. Please don’t allow any food particles to get inside the pots because it will eventually cause them to rust. If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to clean your pots, you can use liquid dishwashing detergent. Make sure that you’re using a type of dishwashing liquid designed for stainless steel so that you can get rid of any streaks or residue.
Step 9: Store Cookware Properly
If you’re storing the pots, make sure that you keep them away from moisture. If you’re not going to use them right away, it’s best to store them in a clean cabinet. Store your pots in a clean, dry cabinet or pantry. This will help prevent any rusting if your pots get damp. You’ll also want to ensure that you don’t store your pots too close to other metal objects. This can cause them to corrode.
Step 10: Avoid Dishwasher Storing
Avoid storing your pots in the dishwasher. You can’t trust a dishwasher with your shiny pots because the water will corrode the pots. The same goes for putting the pots in the sink or running them underwater. Avoid placing your pots directly on the counter. This is because it’s easy for water to drip onto the pots and rust them. You should also avoid letting your pots get too hot. Letting them get too hot will result in them getting warped.
You should also avoid using abrasive cleaners. These cleaners are designed to remove stains from dishes and stones. They’re not designed to shine metal pots. Abrasive cleaners can cause your pots to get dull. Dish washing detergents are much better at keeping your pots shiny.
Step 11: Don’t Use Abrasive Cleaners
When it’s time to clean your pots, don’t use abrasive cleaners. These cleaners are designed for removing stains and grime off of dishes. They’re not designed to clean pots. Instead, use a mild dish washing detergent designed for stainless steel on your pots. Make sure that you use warm water, as hot as you can stand.
Hot water clean will also help remove any food particles that may have stuck to the pots while sitting on the stove top. If you clean your pots especially well, you can also try using a liquid pot protector. These protectors are designed to keep your pots clean and shine.
Step 12: Avoid The Rust
After cleaning your pots, you’ll need to store it properly. You don’t want to store them with water inside, as it can cause them to rust. You can put them on a rack in the sun or on a high rack in the fridge. Ensure that the pots aren’t touching one another and that the door is shut. If you don’t have the time to wait for your pots to dry, you can also use a paper towel to wipe them clean quickly. You can also try wiping them with a clean, dry cloth. Don’t use a cloth that has been used for something else; use a clean cloth.
Step 13: Use a Mild Dish Washing Detergent
When it’s time to wash your pots, ensure that you don’t use abrasive cleaners. These cleaners are designed to remove stains and buildup from dishes. Instead, use a mild dish washing detergent designed for stainless steel. Make sure that you use warm water, as hot as you can stand. Hot water clean will also help remove any food particles that may have gotten on the pots while sitting on the stove top.
If you clean your pots especially well, you can also try using a liquid pot protector once in a while. These protectors are designed to keep your pots clean and shiny.
Step 14: Protect Your Pots With A Pot Protector
If you’re looking to keep your pots pristine and shiny, you can buy a pot protector. These protectors are designed to keep your pots clean and shiny. You can purchase it at most retail stores, and it comes in a spray bottle. If you decide to go this route, use warm water to wet the pots down. Then, spray the protector on the surface of the pots. Allow them to dry completely before using them.
Step 15: Don’t Store Your Cookware In The Sink
When it’s time to clean your pots, don’t place them in the sink. It can cause them to rust. You also don’t want to store your pots with water inside because that will cause them to rust. You can put them on a rack in the sun or on a high rack in the fridge. Ensure that the pots aren’t touching one another and shut the door. If you don’t have the time to wait for your pots to dry, you can also use a paper towel to wipe them clean quickly. You can also try wiping them with a clean, dry cloth. Don’t use a cloth that has been used for something else; use a clean cloth.
Step 16: Use A Rubberband
If you’re storing your pot, ensure that it sits up properly. Make sure that it is free of food particles and water. If it is, the towel dries your pot; if it isn’t, rubber band the pot to prevent them from moving around and causing rust.
Step 17: Keep Your Pots Away From Other Metal Objects
If you’re looking to keep your pots clean, keep them away from other metal objects. This will help prevent any rusting if they get damp while in storage. You can also always make sure that they are stacked on at least two cabinet or pantry shelves.
Step 18: Clean Your Cookware Every Time You Use It
If you’re looking to keep your pots clean and shiny, it’s important to clean them after every use. Whether it’s the oven or the stovetop, finish cleaning your pots and put them back in their places. Make sure that they are stacked on at least two shelves of the cabinet or pantry.
Step 19: Clean Your Stainless Steel with Chlorine Bleach
When it’s time to clean your stainless steel pots and pans, you can use chlorine bleach. You don’t want to use ammonia-based detergents because they can strip the pots of any shine. You should also avoid using abrasive cleaners as these can dull your cookware. You can choose between using a liquid bleach or a non-chlorine one. To use, wipe down your pots with a soft dish towel.
If you’re cleaning your stainless steel pots and pans, use a bowl to catch the water to prevent it from getting on your countertops. If it does, wipe the counters with a sponge and warm water to dry them up. You should also cover your pot with a dish towel to prevent it from getting wet after cleaning.
Step 20: Use A Polish Bottle Holder
If you have a polish bottle, use it to shine up your stainless steel pots. You can use the bottom or the side of the bottle to buff out any scratches and make them look shiny again. This method is best used on small scratches that aren’t too deep. Be mindful that there may be a slight transfer of color from one pan to another when using this method. If you want to avoid this, wash your pot right away.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to keep your pots clean and shiny, they’ll always look great. Keep your stainless steel pots looking their best by not exposing them to moisture or water. Also, avoid storing them in a wet sink or dishwasher. Make sure to store them properly by keeping them on at least two shelves of the cabinet or pantry. A pot protector is another option if you’re looking for added protection for your pots.
When keeping your pets clean, you can always use a bottle polish holder. This applies to bottles that are glass or plastic. Don’t worry about the color of your pot because the polish will cover anything up.
Try these tips today and prevent yourself from having an ugly pan that collects dust in the cabinet. Keep your pots shiny by following these easy steps.
