Cookware help!

[WickeDay]

I got a set of Stainless Steel cookware for Christmas and love it! But, I went to the grocery store cause the regular dish soap, doesn't seem to be cutting it. Someone recomended Easy Off, but all of the Easy Off stuff said it was for appliances not cookware. I got something called cameo, but it doesn't seem to be working.

Any recomendations?

Also, I got a self cleaning oven, and thought the point of having one, was so that I could turn it on, it would clean, and that's it. But, then I was told I needed to get some spray stuff. But, the spray stuff said "safe for self-cleaning ovens" and then said you must spray it and wipe down the oven before turning the self cleaning on. Isn't that just me cleaning the oven? What the heck was the point of getting a self-cleaning oven?

[CleverCynic]

http://www.ehow.com/how_172266_clean-stainless-steel.html

[WickeDay]

Thanks I'm gonna try the vinegar right now!

[Hedwig]

I never use anything in my self-clean oven. My owner's manual said not to. I think they're just trying to sell you something.

I just close the door and turn on the self-clean. When it's done you will probably have to take a damp rag and wipe the inside. That's it.

[WickeDay]

Thank you! I was very confused by that!

The vinegar seems to be helping but I really did a number on this one pot. It does not want to come clean. I'm boiling it trying to get the burned stuff off, using Cameo, Vinegar, Dish soap and a nylon brush.

[CleverCynic]

that's why I opted for anondized carbon!

[WickeDay]

What the hell is that?

[LeslieR]

Martha Stewart says that you really shouldn't try too hard with cookware (to get it clean). She says whatever doesn't come off with a good soak in hot soapy water needs to just stay on -- that you don't want to risk damaging the finish (whether it's enamel, nonstick, stainless, whatever) with a lot scrubbing or chemicals.

I know your brand new cookware won't be as pretty, but I think her advice is probably sound!

[WickeDay]

Well, I found my fingernail has been the best tool.

[Hedwig]

How about some baking soda in water. Boil it and see if it comes off.

If not, I'm with Martha (which is amazing).

[Moriah4]

Dawn Direct does better than anything else I have found. It works great with a scotch brite pad and doesn't harm the stainless.

Blessings

Moriah

[wdspeedbump]

with our new stainless wolfgang puck pots, and the ceramic glass cooktop that is hell to keep clean, we found that BARKEEPER'S FRIEND works best without marring the finish. it's in a gold can like comet or ajax.

[willingtocope]

If the stuff is completely stainless steel, with NO non-stick coating, the easier way to get burnt on or baked on stuff off it is...

Put it on the stove top...put about 1 inch of water in the bottom...add a couple tablespoons of your favorite dishwasher soap...turn the heat up to medium high...let the water boil for a couple minutes...turn off the heat...let it cool down...rinse.

We bought some stainless about 15-20 years ago...even my cooking can't damage it. This routine cleans it up like new every time.

[SugarNspice]

I love Dawn Power Dissolver, it works great with no scrubbing. Just let it soak for 10 min.

[WickeDay]

Thanks, I'm heading to the grocery store now. I think I'm gonna grab d.) all of the above. I think I'm especially gonna get s tougher sponge. I was afraid of scratching it, but my fingernail already did that. lol.

[andbowd]

I have a hard time cleaning my Stainless Steel cookware also.

[CleverCynic]

Well I just want to point out that all cookware surfaces are non-stick by design, even without teflon coating and such. It's the little scratches that develop from scraping and scrubbing that the food adheres to.

You really shouldn't give them the wire wool treatment. Exhaust all other ideas first.

[newbie7069]

I'm with the boiling water idea. Also for real stubborn stains use baking soda like a paste with a regular sponge and a little water. It acts like an abrasive without any harsh chemicals to worry about. Works wonders!!! I've had my stainless for about 10 yrs, and it still looks great. I'm always getting stubborn stuff that just takes a little bit of elbow grease. I'm not a big fan of the Teflon crap personally, so all my pieces are stainless.

[Freak]

Willing's boiling trick is used in the restaurant industry. It works.

[DocDon]

I 2nd Bar Keeper's Friend for both stainless and ceramic cooktops.

If I cook something sticky, I rinse out the pot/pan best I can, then let it simmer with some water and a couple drops of soap. The key words are simmer and a couple drops of soap.

Then I shine it up with some BK's Friend to remove any discoloration.

[WickeDay]

Well, the CIC board has done it again. I restored my pot to pretty good shape! Thanks guys!

[joanneb1253]

Been in the restaurant/food business for many years and "Bar Keepers Friend" is my recommendation as well. I buy it in Target, but I know most of the larger grocery stores carry it as well as any decent kitchen place. I've even seen it in Bed, Bath & Beyond. It comes in a can like comet, or in liquid form.

I have a wonderful stainless teapot I keep on my stove and I use BKF on it regularly. I've had the pot for over 10 years and it still looks great. BKF works on just about any hardened/polished metal surface but do try it on a small, non visible area first to see how it works. It's the bomb for stainless, brass and copper. Just make sure you rinse it well since you will be using it on your pans.