5 WAYS TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF YOUR STAINLESS-STEEL COOKWARE

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5 WAYS TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF YOUR STAINLESS-STEEL COOKWARE

GET THE MOST LIFE OUT OF YOUR COOKWARE.

Stainless-steel pots and pans are often the ‘workhorse’ of the kitchen. Investing in new stainless-steel cookware is exciting, and it is refreshing to cook with brand new, superbly clean pots, pans, and utensils. A few services down the line, it’s likely for burnt food to start sticking on, water spots to form, and pots to get nicked.

Cleaning and caring for your cookware are crucial in keeping the equipment in the ‘brand new’ condition for as long as possible. Get the most life out of your cookware by protecting them from discoloration, rust & corrosion, and scratches by following the below guidelines.

1) USE THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR COOKING & CLEANING

Metal utensils can be used in cookware, but silicone, wood, and plastic remain the best option for non-stick cookware. Stainless steel is renowned for its durability, but sharp utensils can still damage the cookware over time. Carving or cutting inside the cookware should be avoided.

Using non-abrasive tools like soft cloths and plastic scouring pads for cleaning will extend your cookware's life as it is gentle on the steel. If stainless-steel pads need to be used, ensure the pad is scrubbed in a motion parallel to the lines or grain of the cookware.

2) REMOVE BURN MARKS, BURNT OIL, WATERMARKS, AND STAINS OFTEN TO AVOID BUILDUP

If your new cookware has stains or burns marks on, clean it as soon as possible as it is much easier to clean one stain vs. layers of dirt.

To remove burnt food, use vinegar, which has a high acetic acid content which breaks down rigid food particles. Boil enough water in the cookware to cover the food, add a cup of vinegar and once boiling, remove from the heat and add two tablespoons of baking soda. Food should come off using a soft sponge.

To remove burn marks outside of cookware, rub a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water on the item, and rinse with water.

To remove sticky burnt oil, a can of fizzy soda will do the job due to the soda's acidity. Cover the burnt area with soda and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, remove from the heat and use a spatula to scrape off the burnt oil.

3) USE ALKALINE OR NON-CHLORINATED CLEANING MATERIALS

Stainless steel is an alloy of steel and chromium, making it one of the most rigid metals available. When chromium combines with oxygen, it forms a layer of chromium oxide, a type of rust that prevents more damaging iron oxide rust from forming.

Cleaning materials containing chlorine or quaternary salts can damage the protective chromium oxide layer and cause pitting and rusting, an unrepairable condition. If you want to know if you are using the correct cleaning materials for your cookware, re ach out to our Ecolab technician for assistance.

4) TEST AND TREAT YOUR WATER

Has your water been tested to determine the mineral content? If the mineral content is too high for your equipment and cookware, it could be harmful to your cookware. If elevated calcium levels are present, calcium chloride can form, which could cause pitting or corrosion. Consider installing filters to remove harsh minerals and corrosive elements from your water supply.

5) RINSE, RINSE & RINSE

Use hot water to rinse hot cookware as cold water may cause warping or disfiguration on hot cookware. If chlorinated cleaning materials are used, make sure you rinse and wipe cookware immediately.

After rinsing or washing, wipe off any excess water drops to avoid water stains. If water spots occur, use a dampened cloth and baking soda to remove the stains.

By following these guidelines, your cookware should stay in tip-top shape for many culinary seasons to come. If you are interested in updating your range of cookware, please contact us to discuss your needs.

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