Every kitchen has its own set of appliances, utensils and cookware. It is important to care for these elements of the kitchen by cleaning and maintaining them from time to time. Stainless steel cookware, especially, is something we all take so much for granted in our kitchen. Whether it is a stainless steel kadhai or a tadka pan - there are so many vessels that often deteriorate in quality and appearance with time. If you are thinking about giving all your stainless steel pans a makeover and keeping them looking all cleaned up and spruce, we have just what you need.
Kitchen And Cooking Tips To Prevent Stainless Steel Pans From Getting Dirty
As it is rightly said, prevention is better than cure. So why not make small changes to your cooking practices and keep your pans literally 'stain'-less? These kitchen and cooking tips will ensure that your stainless steel pans and cookware stay shiny and bright. Rest assured, you won't even have to give them a deep cleaning in the first place.
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Steel is an excellent material for crockery, but in pans it may get discoloured or burnt. Photo: iStock
Here Are Tips And Tricks To Care For Stainless Steel Pans:
- Experts suggest that pre-heating a pan is one of the best ways to ensure that the stainless steel pan is properly maintained. If the pan seems to have heated up, (you can check with a dash of water) only then add the oil.
- Cold foods are more likely to stick to the pans, so make sure you defrost refrigerated ingredients before adding them to the pan. Let them come to room temperature and thaw to avoid sticky stains later.
- Regulate the heat you are using for cooking. The issue with stainless steel pans is that they tend to heat up very fast and may cause burning or scorching when you add ingredients to the pan. It is best to keep the heat at medium or low while cooking in stainless steel pans.
- If you are planning to add salt to your curries or while boiling pasta, make sure to add it after the water has already started to boil. It is commonly observed that salt may cause minor abrasions at the bottom of your pan, which can be avoided if water is brought to a boil first.
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Make sure you boil the water first before adding salt to it. Photo Credit: iStock
Kitchen Hacks: How To Clean Stainless Steel Cookware | Best Home Remedy To Clean Stainless Steel
All said and done, if you still feel that your stainless steel cookware could use a thorough clean-up, we have just what you need. These kitchen hacks to clean stainless steel pans and pots will definitely come in handy, plus the results you'll get will please you to no end!
Hack #1: Use Vinegar
Known to be a miracle cure for cleaning, vinegar is one of the most useful ingredients to have in your kitchen. Just a dash of white vinegar can clean up your pans like nothing else. You can also boil vinegar and water in the pan and then wash it off. Popular blogger Stephanie Booth also explained this in a viral Instagram Reels video. "The acid in the vinegar quickly restores that stainless steel shine. Simply put some vinegar in your pan, swirl it around, rinse and dry. Boom, like new," she stated. Take a look:
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Will Vinegar Damage Stainless Steel Pans?
Some people believe that vinegar is corrosive in nature and may damage the pans. But this is a myth and is not true at all. Vinegar is not damaging for stainless steel pans, and would rather help clean it up.
Hack #2: Use Water And Baking Soda
Baking soda is yet another wonder ingredient that cleans up the toughest of stains. Sprinkle baking soda on the stains and scrub with a toothbrush or sponge. If the stains come off instantly, wash it off. If they don't, use a solution of lukewarm water and baking soda and let it stay for some time before washing it off. Your stainless steel pans will look as good as new!
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Both vinegar and baking soda can be used for cleaning up stainless steel pans. Photo: iStock
So, try these simple cleaning hacks to keep your stainless steel cookware in the best shape possible!
About Aditi AhujaAditi loves talking to and meeting like-minded foodies (especially the kind who like veg momos). Plus points if you get her bad jokes and sitcom references, or if you recommend a new place to eat at.