How to Clean Stainless Steel Pots and Bowls: Bring Your Stainless Steel Back to Life!

Do you have a stainless steel bowl or a pot in the cabinet that catches your eye time and again, even with a whole new set waiting patiently nearby? Know this - you’re not alone to have a favorite when it comes to cookware! But, using your favorite pot or bowl doesn’t seem pleasant - thanks to the wear and tear it has sustained. That's why we're here to help you keep those favorite pots and bowls sparkling like new.

Your cooking ware essentials are more like an overflowing closet. You have tons of options, yet you find yourself grabbing those comfy jeans. It's the same in the kitchen! 

We all have our go-to bowls, and that perfect pot. No shame in that game! But the more we love these, the more they show grime, and wear and tear. 

Let's be real, tossing them isn't always on the menu. So, we've got some tricks to keep your favorites fighting fit for many meals to come. 

Here’s an effective guide on how to clean stainless steel pots and bowls.

Conquer Burnt-on Battles With These Pre-Cleaning Hacks!

The stuck-on bits and greasy mess on bowls and pots can be a pain. But they’re manageable. Here’s how to clean stainless steel pots and bowls using two pre-cleaning methods to make your life easier: boiling and soaking.

The Boiling Method:

This method serves as a beacon of hope when it comes to tackling stubborn, burnt-on food on your stainless steel pots. 

Here's how to do it:

1. Fill your pot with enough water to cover the bottom.
2. Crank up the heat and bring the water to a boil for 5-7 minutes. This steaming hot water will loosen up grime on the sides.
3. Carefully pour out the hot water (safety first!). Then, grab a sponge and attack the loosened grease and burnt bits.

The Soaking Method:

Maybe you're short on time or just don't feel like heating things up? No problem, this method works just as well:

1. Fill your pot with hot tap water. You can even cover it to trap the cleaning power.
2. Let your pot soak for 15-20 minutes. If it's a real trooper covered in grime, leave it overnight for an even deeper clean.
3. Drain the water and then, with a sponge in hand, give it a good scrub.

Time to Banish the Grime: Clean Your Dirty Pots And Bowls Like a Pro!

With your pot or bowl prepped, it's time for the ultimate cleaning! Here's what you need to have in your arsenal to make those pots or bowls sparkle like new:

• Cleaning Tools: Grab a good sponge or damp towel. It’s better if you use the non-abrasive side - this is to ensure the cooking ware doesn’t sustain any scratches.

• Stubborn Stain Won’t Go Off? Do This! If you're dealing with tough burnt-on marks and spots, using a scouring pad can work wonders. A Word of precaution though - Make sure to use the gentler side of the pad to keep your stainless steel looking flawless.

• Secret Weapon (Optional): Believe it or not, crumpled aluminum foil can be a surprisingly effective scrubber!

• Hand Protectors: Protect your hands, especially when using stronger cleaning products, by wearing rubber gloves.

• The Natural Powerhouse: Baking soda is super effective! It's gentle yet effective at tackling grime without harsh chemicals.

• Shine Reviver: Vinegar is another natural wonder. It cuts through grease and helps restore that beautiful shine to your pots.

• Tackle Citrus Stains: Using lemon or lemon juice on your dirty pots and bowls is of great help thanks to the presence of citric acid. Moreover, it also leaves a pleasant scent.

• Dishwasher Tablet in a Pinch (Optional): If you're in a bind, a dishwasher tablet can be used for cleaning, but always check the manufacturer's instructions first.

Finally, here’s how you can wage war on those burnt-on bowls and pots. Here’s the complete method on how to clean stainless steel pots and bowls.

Method 1: The Scrub-a-Dub-Dub

This method's your best friend for those seriously stuck-on messes. Here’s how it works:

1. First things first: Rinse out the pot or pan with hot water to loosen any leftover food bits.
2. Make sure that you’re wearing some rubber gloves to keep your hands well protected!
3. Aim for the grime: Drop an adequate amount of your chosen cleaning product (powdered cleaners work great here) to the affected areas. Take some amount ( In a pinch), or a dishwasher tablet can also be used.
4. Scrub vigorously: Grab a damp sponge or towel, and start scrubbing the cleaning product into the burnt-on residue. Take it section by section and apply some muscle where needed.
5. Be Patient if the marks are old and stubborn: Allow the cleaning product to sit for a minute or two. It needs some time to work its magic and break down that grime.
6. Rinse and repeat (if necessary): Rinse the pot or bowl thoroughly with hot water. If there are still some stubborn enemies lingering, repeat steps 3-6 until they're all gone.

Method 2: Go All Natural (No Harsh Chemicals Involved!)

If you want to clean your stainless steel pots without any scary chemicals, this method is all-natural and perfect for you.

What you'll need:

• Baking soda (2-3 tablespoons, depending on the pot size)
• Vinegar (1 tablespoon)
• Lemon juice (a squeeze)
• Aluminum foil (or a soft sponge)

Instructions:

Grab some baking soda: Sprinkle the baking soda in the pot, like building a mini fort at the bottom.

Make a fizzy foam by mixing these: Add vinegar and lemon juice to the baking soda. It will fizz and become a foamy paste. This is a powerful cleaning hack - trust us!

Scrub Hard: Crumple aluminum foil into a ball (or use a softer sponge if you prefer) and scrub the paste all over the pot, inside and out. 

Let the magic work: Leave the paste on the pot for a minute or two. The baking soda and vinegar will break down the dirt.

Rinse it all away: Wash the pot thoroughly with hot water. Then wash it once or twice with soapy water to remove any leftover cleaning paste.

Voila! Your pot or bowl is sparkling clean and ready to cook delicious food!

Know the Power of Prevention!

They say prevention is key, and that applies to keeping your stainless steel cookware looking fantastic. Here are some insider tips:

• Create a barrier: Parchment or wax paper hits hard against burnt-on disasters. Use them whenever possible, especially for tricky dishes like those high in sugar or that tend to stick.

• Don't be shy with the spray: Don't underestimate the power of a non-stick cooking spray! It's your secret weapon against stubborn foods that love to cling to the pan.

• Dry it out, sear it right: For a perfectly seared surface on your meat, make sure it's nice and dry before hitting the pan. This prevents sticking and unwanted splatters.

• Clean as you cook: Catch splatters on the sides of your pots and pans while you're cooking to avoid a scrubbing battle later. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes!

• Unleash the hidden flavor: If something sticks or starts to brown a little too much, don't panic! Lower the heat and add a splash of water or broth. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape the bottom of the pan, dissolving those browned bits and adding delicious flavor to your sauce or dish.

The Final Touches

Once your pot or bowl is clean, dry it thoroughly with a clean dishcloth to prevent water spots. Buff it with a microfiber cloth to bring back its shine, and voila! That’s all you need to know about how to clean stainless steel pots and bowls.

Sometimes, the shelf life of a pot or bowl is almost at an end. Here, no cleaning hacks will matter. We advise that you buy new pots or bowls in this case. If you’re looking for high-quality pots and bowls - do check out UTHÅLLIGHET.