How to care for stainless steel pans so they always shine

Olena Grechko

Stainless steel pans have long been an indispensable part of the kitchen - they usually last for years of heavy use, don't rust, and look stylish. But even the best stainless steel can tarnish, stain, or lose its shine over time. The reason is that this material also needs care.

The good news is: keeping your stainless steel cookware shiny and clean isn't difficult. This article will provide you with basic daily care tips, ways to remove stains and carbon deposits, and tips that will definitely extend the life of your favorite cookware.

Daily care: simple rules after each use

The very first rule - Wash the pan immediately after use. Food residue, grease, and especially sauces with high acidity (tomato, wine) can leave marks if left for a long time.

A few simple habits:

Use a soft sponge or brush with synthetic bristles;
Wash with warm water and mild detergent;
Do not use abrasive powders, especially if the pan has a mirror finish;
Wipe the pan dry after washing. Water droplets leave marks and stains.

Also avoid sudden temperature changes: do not put a hot pan under cold water. This can cause microdeformations.

How to deal with stains, carbon deposits and tarnishing

Even with proper care, limescale stains or food residue can appear on steel. Don't rush to use aggressive chemicals - available products will help.

Water stains:

Wet the surface with a solution of vinegar (1:1 with water) or lemon juice;
Wipe with a soft cloth, rinse with warm water and wipe dry.

Carbon deposits or burnt residue:

Add 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda and pour in water, bring to a boil;
Leave for a few hours or overnight, then wash as usual.

Dullness and loss of shine:

Make a paste of baking soda and a few drops of water;
Apply it carefully with a soft cloth, buff lightly, and rinse.

Do not use hard metal brushes - even if they seem to work faster. The scratches will remain forever.

What you absolutely cannot do

There are things that are guaranteed to ruin even the highest quality stainless steel:

Do not use metal sponges or scrapers - they leave micro-scratches;
Do not overheat an empty pan - this leads to the appearance of yellow or iridescent spots;
Do not use chlorine-containing products - they are aggressive to the surface and can damage the polish.

If you want shine, choose quality dishes.

Care starts with the right choice. Not all stainless steel is the same: the quality of the steel, the thickness of the walls, the type of polish - everything matters.

Krauff pans use high-quality steel with a tarnish-resistant polish and a multi-layered bottom for even heating. This is not only convenient for cooking, but also practical for maintenance.

For example:

Elegance series - mirror polishing and reliable handles;
Genius - universal dishes with a convenient shape and a pleasant matte finish;
Prime Chef - premium class with a thick capsule bottom.

Such pans are easy to clean, they do not tarnish and last a long time - provided they are cared for carefully. And most importantly - they retain their appearance even after hundreds of cookings.

Stainless steel is all about reliability, aesthetics and comfort. And while it's durable, a little care will make it last even longer. Daily washing, gentle drying, and the right products are enough to keep your pan looking like new.

And if the cookware is of high quality from the start - like the Krauff brand - then even an ordinary dinner looks elegant. Because a clean, shiny pan is not just beautiful, it is a sign of respect for the kitchen, for yourself and for the dishes you prepare.