How to Clean Stainless Steel Pots Without Damaging Them: A Guide to Natural Remedies

Stainless steel is undoubtedly one of the most common materials found in our kitchens: durable, shiny, and perfect for everyday cooking. Since it’s a material subject to wear and scratches, it’s crucial to know how to clean it properly to avoid damaging it over time.

Why Does Stainless Steel Get Damaged?

Basically, it’s a material made from an alloy and carbon, used for many purposes in various industries. At home, it’s most often used for cookware. Although stainless steel is very durable and often rust-resistant, over time it tends to deteriorate—especially by scratching—and thus loses its brightness if not properly maintained.

Pots are among the utensils most exposed to wear and potential damage because they’re used frequently, often several times a day. It often happens that while cooking, we use metal utensils such as forks that can scratch the bottom of the pots. If not cleaned with proper care, this can lead to oxidation and the appearance of scratches.

How to Prevent Wear and Tear?

To keep stainless steel as shiny as possible over time, it’s not recommended to use harsh or abrasive products, since once damaged, it’s hard to restore and deterioration occurs more easily. To polish stainless steel—especially kitchen pots—you only need simple, easy-to-find tools:

• Non-abrasive sponge
• Soft microfiber cloth
• Toothbrush
• Gloves
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Lemon or citrus peels
• Soda (in small amounts)

Commercial cleaning products for stainless steel are usually very aggressive. Therefore, they should be used occasionally and not excessively, as they can make surfaces dull. That’s why it’s better to rely on DIY remedies using natural ingredients.

3 Remedies to Polish Stainless Steel Using Natural and Homemade Methods

1. Vinegar and Dish Soap

To polish stainless steel pots effectively, use a completely natural and efficient method: simply prepare a mixture of water, dish soap, and vinegar. This solution both polishes and sanitizes. Just rub it onto the pot’s surface with a sponge, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a soft, non-scratch cloth. The result will be shiny and spotless.

As an alternative to vinegar, you can use a bit of soda, which has excellent degreasing power and helps achieve a bright, polished finish.

2. Lemon and Citrus Peels

Since vinegar has a strong smell, many prefer lemon juice or citrus peels. Rubbing the juice or peels on the stainless steel surface gently removes residue and leaves a fresh, natural scent.

Finally, to ensure perfect cleaning, rinse the steel and dry thoroughly with a soft microfiber cloth to eliminate any streaks.

3. Baking Soda and Toothbrush

Another excellent ingredient is baking soda, ideal for polishing and cleaning stainless steel to restore its shine. The process is simple: dip a toothbrush into pure baking soda, scrub the pot’s surface carefully to remove stains, and bring back its brightness by eliminating dull spots. This method also works well for restoring damaged steel.

As an alternative to baking soda, you can use toothpaste, which is another effective and natural household remedy.

These are all natural alternatives that are not only effective but also less aggressive than most commercial detergents. While store-bought cleaners may help prevent limescale, they are often corrosive over time and can damage your kitchen utensils.

The Extra Tip: DIY Spray Cleaner

For maximum cleanliness and shine, you can create a DIY cleaning spray to keep in a bottle for quick and natural cleaning whenever needed. A simple and effective way to keep stainless steel sparkling at all times.

What to Do When It’s No Longer Restorable?

If, despite your best efforts, your stainless steel pots are too damaged, it might be time to replace them. We’ve got the perfect solution for you! Just take a look at all the products in our cookware category and choose the ones that best suit your needs.