If your restaurant is like most kitchen, stainless steel cookware is abundant throughout your operation. Stainless steel cookware is the preferred choice over an aluminum pot or pan because of the durability and scratch resistance it offers. These pans and pots are your cookware for induction cooking with induction fry pans being the perfect way to do display cooking in your establishment. Cleaning your cookware the correct way avoids future pitting and cracking and improves the lifetime of the product so you can keep costs down to a minimum and enjoy your pots and pans for as long as possible.
The Best Way to Clean Stainless Steel Cookware
These five steps are easy and simple to follow for anyone in the foodservice industry:
- Clean the surface of all debris
- Use special cleaners per the manufacturer spec sheet
- Rinse, rinse and rinse again
- Wipe up any residual standing water
- Allow to air dry
PRO TIP: The best kept secret for cleaning stainless steel cookware is something you already have in your kitchen: Baking soda. Baking soda is the viral hack for quickly cleaning your stainless steel pots and pans, and it’s so easy! Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the surface of the pan and rub the baking soda around with a dry cloth or sponge. Add a little bit of water to cover the bottom of the pan and let it simmer until the water evaporates. While it’s still hot, scrub off the baking soda residue with a soft cloth under running water. After a few minutes, your cookware will be shiny again.
Water spots can also spoil the appearance of great looking stainless-steel cookware. Water spots are caused by the minerals in the water, so they will appear more frequently depending on the water in your area. Wiping pans dry with a clean cloth will ensure that no spots are left behind. Also consider having your water tested to understand if it needs softening or filters.
If your pans have suffered some serious burn damage and can’t be removed with soap or baking soda, you might be able to cook them off. Fill the pan with just enough water to cover the damage and bring the water to a boil on the stove. Add a few spoonfuls of salt to the water, turn off the heat, and let the pan sit for several hours. Dump the water out and try scrubbing away the damage with a scouring pad. If the stains are really burnt on, you can repeat this process again.
Helpful Tips
While cleaning your stainless steel cookware, it’s important to remember to not soak the pans because it will result in pitted surfaces, which eventually rust and shorten the life of the pan. Establishing a regular cleaning routine will not only keep your stainless steel nice and clean, it will also help protect it in the long run. Having your kitchen staff clean pans after each use prevents stains and dried up food build up.
Avoid cleaning your cookware in the dishwasher, even if the pans are labeled dishwasher safe. Using a dishwasher shortens the lift of pans and prevents them from look their best. If you must use a dishwasher, remember to add vinegar and wipe them dry to prevent water spots from forming.
NAFEM‘s guide offers additional considerations for protecting stainless steel, preventing rust and corrosion.
Shop Central
If you’re in need of new or additional stainless steel cookware, Central offers the best stainless steel cookware and a large selection from sauce pots to frying pans! We offer top brands such as Vollrath and more. Our Product Consultants are also available to help you every step of the way at 800-215-9293.
