Stainless Steel Cookware Problems & Solutions

And we’re talking about stainless steel… yet again. Don’t you just love the controversies surrounding cookware? It’s like a cult.

I use non-stick. Blasphemy!

Cast iron? Blasphemy! Stainless steel? Blasphemy.

There’s never going to be a consensus so let’s just agree to disagree.

I love all three types. In fact, I love all types.

But today, we talk about stainless steel – the no nonsense cookware. The cookware that can withstand high heat, sear and cook beautifully and is pretty safe to use. I use this Cuisinart set. I love them to death. However, with great features comes great minor annoyances.

To ensure my happiness and zero hesitancy to use them, I had to make sure cleaning is a breeze. So, my go to products to do so are white vinegar, baking soda and barkeeper’s friend. These three are at an easy to grab spot near the kitchen sink. I don’t use metal scouring pad on stainless steel. I only use the ‘scrubby’ side of sponges like Scotch-Brite.

Here I list some of the most common problems that I’ve personally experienced and simple solutions I use to ensure my mental health.

Problem #1: White chalky patches

Cause: Mineral buildup from tap water. Even after scrubbing and washing with dish soap, the chalky patches are still there.

Solution: Saturate the spot with vinegar (undiluted in a spray bottle like this) and let sit for a minute. Use the ‘scrubby’ side of a sponge, scrub & rinse. Repeat if you’ve missed any spots. I don’t put the cookware to boil with vinegar and water as I find it time consuming and a waste of vinegar. Spraying a thin layer uses less vinegar and to be honest, it’s faster and easier.

Problem #2: Water spots

Cause: Your tap water is hard water.

Solution: Dry cookware immediately after rinsing or spray some vinegar and wipe with a clean rag or paper towel. Vinegar smell will dissipate after drying.

Problem #3: Rainbow hue

Cause: Overheating on the stove.

Solution: Spray some vinegar, let sit for a minute, scrub and rinse.

Problem #4: Burnt on matter

Cause: Love for food from cooking.

Solution: There are few ways to go about this.

1. Soak in hot water to loosen stains. Wash with sponge and dish soap as usual.

2. Sprinkle some baking soda, dampen the baking soda with water just a tiny bit to make it paste-y. Use the ‘scrubby’ side of a sponge and gently scrub. The abrasiveness of baking soda is safe enough not to scratch the surface, yet tough enough to help remove the stains. Wash as usual.

3. Sprinkle some barkeeper’s friend. Clean like #2.

Problem #5: Pitting on the surface (mini holes)

Cause: Adding salt to water before water is in a rolling boil state.

Solution: You can’t save the already pitted surface, but from here on, wait until the water (or any liquid for that matter) comes to a boil before adding salt.

If you are into stainless steel home equipment, make sure you check the Aero Manufacturing Company which offers solutions of the highest quality in the industry.

Notes:

Barkeeper’s friend can be bought for $1.99 from Bed Bath and Beyond or Target. I’m sure we all know how easily available and cheap baking soda and white vinegar is.

My last post: Bibimbap (Korean Mixed Rice)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

What are other common problems and easy solutions you know?