Clean Stainless-Steel Cookware Like a Pro With These 2 Pantry Staples

There’s a reason why it’s called stainless steel. Everyone has some longtime favorite pots and pans, which may look incredibly stained. But don’t worry, those stubborn stains can actually be removed if you have the right cleaner.

You don’t have to look far to find hot takes on the best ways to clean cookware. Bar Keeper’s Friend is one of the multipurpose cleaners on the market, but it can cost a few bucks. If you don’t want to spend the money, then you can probably already make an effective cleaning solution from some staples in your household. A simple mixture of white vinegar and baking powder my preferred way to clean discolored cookware. It takes only a few minutes to do and will have your best pots and pans looking shiny and new.  

These two pantry staples and a stiff scrubber or sponge are all you really need to lift cookware stains from even the dingiest pans. Here’s how to do it.

The secret ingredients for cleaning stubborn cookware stains

How to clean stainless-steel cookware like a pro

Step 1: Sprinkle the stained pot or pan with one tablespoon of baking soda.

Step 2: Fill the pot or pan with one part vinegar and two parts tap water. Carefully add the liquid because it will cause some temporary fizzing and foaming.

Step 3: Boil the pan or pot on high heat for about five minutes — or longer, if the stains are particularly heavy. Cover the pan so the boiling solution can reach up the sides without spilling over onto the stovetop.

Step 4: Remove the pot or pan from the heat and drain most of the hot liquid, carefully leaving only a few ounces. Let it cool enough so it won’t burn your hands but is still warm. 

Step 5: Scrub any visible stains vigorously using the special nonmetal scrubber and remaining liquid until they lift.

Step 6: Dry the cookware thoroughly before putting it away. 

Voila!

If you do a Google search on the topic, you’ll find many similar answers. One Reddit thread we found shows off a dingy, stained stainless steel pan, with the poster seeking advice on how to clean it, as well as how to prevent such staining from happening again in the future. The answers are basically the same as what we’ve mentioned here: Barkeeper’s Friend or the vinegar and baking soda mix. For prevention, the key is to avoid high heat so that oil doesn’t burn in the pan, which is the biggest cause of staining.