Okay, cleaning a stainless steel pot is not difficult, the key is to use the correct methods and tools. Stainless steel pots are sturdy and durable, but they are prone to leaving water stains, oil stains, and burnt marks.

By following the steps and methods below, your stainless steel pot can shine as bright as new.

Daily cleaning (after each use)

This is the most important step in keeping the cookware shiny.

1. Wait for cooling : Do not rinse high-temperature cookware directly with cold water, as thermal expansion and contraction may cause deformation of the pot bottom.
2. Warm water soaking : Add warm water and a few drops of dishwashing detergent to the pot, soak for 10-15 minutes, and soften the food residue.
3. Use a soft cloth or sponge : Wipe with the soft surface of the sponge. **Avoid using steel wire balls as they may scratch the surface of stainless steel.
4. Wipe dry : Use a soft cloth to dry or invert it on the stove and use the remaining temperature to dry, which can prevent water stains from forming.

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Dealing with stubborn stains (burning, yellowing, carbon buildup)

When there are thick burnt marks on the bottom of the pot or when the outside turns yellow and black due to fire, some deep care methods are needed.

Method 1: Boil baking soda (most commonly used and safest)

This is the preferred method for cleaning burnt food in a pot, warm and effective.

1. Add clean water to the pot to ensure that it does not pass through the burnt area.
2. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda (about half a cup).
3. Open fire and bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. After turning off the heat, let the water cool naturally (or wait until it’s not too hot). You will find that the burnt food has become loose.
5. Pour out the water and gently scrape off the residue with a soft sponge or silicone spatula. If there are still residues, they can be directly scrubbed with baking soda powder.
6. Finally, clean it normally with detergent.

Method 2: Soak in white vinegar (for scale and white residue)

After prolonged use, white spots may appear inside stainless steel pots, which are mineral deposits in water that can be removed with white vinegar.

1. Pour a portion of white vinegar and a portion of water into the pot, mix well.
2. After boiling, turn off the heat and let it soak until the water cools down.
3. Pour out the vinegar and wipe it with a soft cloth, and the scale will easily disappear.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Method 3: Stainless steel cleaning paste/powder (professional tool)

There are specialized stainless steel cleaning pastes available on the market, such as Bar Keepers Friend, which have a very significant effect, especially in dealing with stubborn oil stains and yellowing marks on the outside of the pot.

1. Wet the cookware.
2. Take an appropriate amount of cleaning cream and apply it to the stain to form a paste.
3. Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge in a circular motion.
   After standing for a moment, rinse with clean water and you will see amazing results.

Method 4: Lemon Method (Natural Flavor Removal and Brightening)

Lemon can not only remove dirt, but also eliminate odors.

1. Add water to the pot and add a few slices of lemon or citric acid.
2. After boiling, turn off the heat and soak for a period of time.
3. Wipe the pot wall directly with boiled lemon slices to increase brightness.
4. Rinse thoroughly.

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Targeting the stubborn carbon buildup on the outer bottom of the pot

The thick black carbon deposits on the bottom of the pot are the most difficult to handle and require effective methods.

1. Baking oil stains : Place the pot upside down on the stove and heat the bottom of the pot slightly over low heat to soften the thick oil stains.
2. Apply cleaning cream : Wear gloves and apply a large amount of stainless steel cleaning cream or baking soda paste thick on the bottom of the pot.
3. Cover with a damp cloth : Cover the bottom of the pot with cleaning cream with a damp tissue or cloth, keep it moist, and let it sit for more than 1 hour (even overnight).
4. Wipe vigorously : Use a slightly rough scouring pad or nylon brush to scrub vigorously. This process requires a little patience and strength.
5. Repeat : If the first attempt is unsuccessful, you can repeat the above steps.

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Important precautions and taboos

Avoid alternating hot and cold : It is strictly prohibited to directly put a high-temperature pot into cold water, as this will cause deformation of the pot bottom and uneven heating in the future.
Avoid using steel wire balls : Although stainless steel is hard, steel wire balls still leave small scratches, affecting their appearance and making them more prone to dirt and grime accumulation.
Timely cleaning : Do not soak for a long time (more than a few hours), especially for pots with other metals (such as aluminum core pots), which may cause corrosion.
Choose the appropriate cleaning agent : Avoid using chlorine containing bleach as it may corrode stainless steel.

Maintenance Tips

1. Preheating : Preheat the pot before cooking (adding water droplets can form rolling water droplets, indicating appropriate temperature), and then add oil to effectively prevent food from sticking to the pot.
2. Dry and store : Thoroughly dry before storing to prevent water stains.
3. Regular deep cleaning : Don’t wait until carbon buildup is very severe before dealing with it. Doing a deep cleaning once a month will make it much easier.

To sum up, baking soda boiling is a universal method for treating stains inside the pot, and stainless steel special cleaning paste is a powerful tool for treating stains outside the pot. As long as the method is appropriate, your stainless steel pot can accompany you for many years.