TLC FOR STAINLESS STEEL

Originally published by Tramontina USA

You already know your stainless steel cookware is extremely durable and strikingly beautiful, but you want it to last! To ensure the shiny finish and workhorse material endures,  we suggest following a few simple steps: 

Keep it Low 

Most stainless steel cookware is very powerful and only requires low to medium heat for basically any form of cooking, including frying. Using high heat can cause your food to stick or completely scorch. 

Cook to Cook

Only heat the cookware when you’re actually cooking. Keep the cookware on the burner only during the time necessary for cooking or boiling. Don't overheat empty cookware or allow gas flames to extend up sides of pans and overheat handles.

Stay in Shape

To keep your pans from warping, avoid extreme temperature changes. Don’t throw a sizzling pot into a sink full of ice-cold water, for example. Instead, let it cool off before trying to wash it to save your pan and your hands. 

Get Some Tupperware 

We don’t recommend storing your leftovers in the cookware for long periods of time.  Acidic and salty foods can corrode the surface, and you likely don’t have space in your fridge for all that cookware. 

Keep it Dry

Your cookware is dishwasher safe. However, hand-washing and drying also help to preserve the original finish. If you have the time, wash it by hand. If you don't, we recommend drying it immediately after the rinse cycle ends. Keeping your cookware dry will prevent hard water spots from showing up on those shiny surfaces. 

Remove the Rainbows

If you see what’s called the “rainbow effect” on your cookware, cover the base with warm water, add a splash of white vinegar, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then rinse and dry. You should see that shine restored instantly!

Fix Your Mistakes 

We all make mistakes. The important part is learning how to fix them. What to do after you left that pot of soup on the stove for too long and just can’t get those last little bits off? To recondition stubborn spots, use a nonabrasive pad and a quality stainless steel cleaner. Our personal favorite is Bar Keepers Friend®. Mix it with just a touch of water to make a paste and wipe it onto the area that’s giving you trouble. Let it sit for a minute or two, then scrub it with the same pad and a little elbow grease.