What is the one thing you will find in every kitchen in India? It is a complete set of stainless steel utensils adorning different shelves in all their glory.
Stainless Steel utensils are the go-to choice for many reasons. Firstly, the material is not toxic to human health and hygiene, making it an exceptionally healthy choice. The metal sustains heat without damage and doesn’t alter the taste of food, making it an ideal choice for Indian cooking, which can go on for hours!
However, as durable as stainless steel utensils may be, it is of utmost importance to maintain them mindfully to preserve their quality. Our experts at Sega cookware have compiled a cheat sheet that you can follow to ensure that the sparkle on your utensils stays on!
For everyday cleaning
The simplest way to clean stainless steel utensils daily is to give them a gentle wash with a detergent bar or liquid and scrub off remnants of food using a soft sponge. You can soak the utensil in warm water for a few minutes before washing it with soap in instances where you need to wash off animal or dairy fat.
For removing brown, rusty stains
These stains are caused due to constant use, overheating and rusting. To get rid of these stains, the utensil should be soaked in hot water with a few tablespoons of baking soda for a few hours. The duration of soaking will depend on the intensity of stains.
Another method to get rid of brown, rusty stains is the use of an oxalic acid cleanser. A word of caution though that these cleaners have chemical acids in them. Leaving the utensils too long in this solution may erode the metal causing permanent damage to the utensil.
For removing calcium build-ups
Calcium build-ups are usually caused when water is boiled in stainless steel utensils often. The minerals in the water and the calcium get deposited at the bottom of the utensil, leaving a stain
To get rid of this calcium deposit, prepare a mixture using one part vinegar and four parts water. This mixture should be made and kept aside to rest for a while before applying it to the stains at the utensils’ bottom. The final step is to clean off the utensil thoroughly with soap water. It’s essential to leave the vinegar on the utensil for a brief period as prolonged exposure may cause an acidic reaction.
For removing burn stains
Burnt food is another major reason for staining that can make a stainless steel utensil look unclean and old. It is also a very tough stain to get rid of.
Worry not! All you have to do to get rid of burnt food stains is to let the utensil sit in boiling water until it cools down to room temperature. Then, you need to wash the utensils with warm soapy water, with the help of cotton cloths or a nylon scrubbing pad. The hot water helps the burnt food that is attached to the utensil to come loose, thereby helping in cleaning the vessel – more easily than you imagined!
For removing water stains
Any kind of cookware that needs cleaning with the help of water will end up having a few watermarks on it. Stainless steel utensils will show these watermarks more than any other type of cookware as they have a shiny, polished surface.
To prevent these watermarks, it is advisable to not leave the stainless steel utensils in moisture for too long. This means that once the utensils are washed, they should be immediately wiped with a dry, soft cloth and placed in their respective shelves.
For keeping stainless steel shiny and glossy
Stainless steel utensils can lose their beautiful shine over a period of a few years of heavy use. To maintain their shine, try this simple remedy. Make a paste of baking soda and water. The texture of the paste should not be too watery; otherwise, the paste won’t work its magic.
Apply the paste on the inside and outside layers of the utensil. Rinse it thoroughly to get back the sheen and shine back on your utensils! The utensil should be washed with warm and soapy water so that the baking soda smell doesn’t stick to it. After washing the utensil, it is always advisable to wipe them with a clean, dry, and soft cloth.
In conclusion
We know how much you love stainless steel!
Cleaning is one of the important tasks when it comes to cookware, no matter what material the cookware is made of. It is essential to always keep them clean and presentable for health and hygienic purposes. Otherwise, the stains and deposits may carry germs that may get infused in the foods we eat.
We hope that with the help of our expert-guided tips, you will always have a kitchen that shines and sparkles with enviably clean stainless steel utensils.
Do you have a secret tip for maintaining stainless steel utensils? Share it with us in the comments!