Remove light grease with warm water

Stainless steel pots and pans are used almost every day but they can lose their shine over time. Grease, oil food stains and burnt marks can make them difficult to clean.

The good news is that you do not always need expensive cleaning products.  A few simple items already available at home can help keep your stainless steel cookware clean and shiny.

Soak away light grease

For light grease and small stains soak the pot in warm water with some dishwashing liquid for a while.  The warm water helps soften stuck food and grease.

After soaking gently clean the surface with a soft sponge. Avoid using too much force.

Use vinegar for burnt food

When food gets burnt avoid scraping the pot with a sharp or rough tool.  This can leave scratches on the stainless steel.

Instead pour a small amount of white vinegar over the burnt area and let it sit for a few minutes.  Then gently clean it with a soft sponge and wash the pot well.

Try Baking Soda for Tough Stains

For stubborn marks make a thick paste by mixing baking soda with a little water.  Apply the paste to the stained area and leave it for about 30 minutes.

After that gently wipe the area with a wet sponge and rinse the pot thoroughly with clean water.

Do not leave dirty pots for long

Cleaning becomes much easier when you do not leave dirty cookware sitting for hours.  Remove leftover food soon after cooking and wash the pot when possible.

Burnt food and grease become harder to remove when they are left on the surface for a long time.

Protect your hands while cleaning

Frequent contact with water and dishwashing products can make your hands dry.  Wearing rubber or disposable gloves while washing dishes can help protect your skin.

After cleaning dry your hands properly and apply a moisturizer to help prevent dryness.