How to Keep Stainless Steel Pans Shiny

Stainless steel pans are durable and sets can be purchased at reasonable prices; especially when compared to more expensive cookware, such as titanium or cast iron. Even though stainless steel is durable, your pans are exposed to many stain-causing substances from the food and liquid that's cooked in them. Stubborn, old stains aren't a reason to throw out your pans and purchase a whole new set. Simple techniques and supplies can help you keep your stainless steel pans shining.

• 1

  Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into your stainless steel pots and pans. Swish the vinegar around with a nylon dish scrubber. Allow the pots and pans to soak in the vinegar for 30 minutes. Vinegar helps remove grease and stains that can dull the surface of your stainless steel cookware.

• 2
  Nylon mesh scrubbers are gentle and won't scratch stainless steel. scrubber image by Adkok from Fotolia.com

  Scrub the inside and outside of the pots and pans with your nylon scrubber. Rinse well with cool water.

• 3

  Mix 1/4 cup ammonia with 1 1/4 cups warm water in a bowl. Dip your nylon scrubber in the diluted ammonia solution and use it to remove any remaining stains or grease from your stainless steel pots and pans.

• 4

  Rinse your pots and pans thoroughly. Add two or three drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to each pot or pan. Pour warm water into the cookware to create a soapy solution and scrub with your dish scrubber. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

• 5

  Pour a 1/2 cup of club soda into your stainless steel pans and pots and buff them with a clean dry cloth, both inside and out. Once your cookware is dry, buff with another clean cloth to shine.

• 6

  Buff stainless steel pots and pans with fine steel wool to remove fine scratches that can hold dirt and grease, detracting from the shine.