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Cleaning Stainless Steel Cook- and Bake-Ware
by Alice Osborne
 Upon the recommendation of one of my favorite cookbook authors, Sally Fallon, I just purchased a couple stainless steel cookie sheets (not cheap — about $16 each). WHY would I do such a thing? I’ve been so frustrated at how my cookies (especially chocolate chip) and other baked goods have looked and tasted after baking on my aluminum cookie sheets. I’ve read over and over that it’s hard to fail when baking with stainless steel.
 And the other reason — I’m removing all aluminum anything from my life. We all know that aluminum leaches into the bloodstream and hence into the brain — using aluminum is a fast track to alzheimers.
I tried them out the other day on my chocolate chip recipe. WOWEE! Let’s just say they were fantastic cookies and I am now sold and don’t grieve one bit about the cost of these cookie sheets. All this said, I thought I’d share a few tips on how to take good care of our stainless steel stuff, in case you’re going that route as well:
To remove manufacturer or price stickers from cookware... Soak the area with warm water, then scrape off with your fingernail or with a hard-plastic spatula. A bit of rubbing alcohol, or a citrus oil based cleaner, will remove any remaining glue.
When using a pan for the first time... Wash it well with soapy warm water and dry thoroughly. We recommend washing by hand.
Whitish or chalkish deposits inside pan... Remove calcium deposits by boiling water with some white vinegar, allowing your pan to cool, then washing it with warm, soapy water. Help prevent white spots and pitting by adding salt to your cookware only after the water has reached a boil.
Burnt food is stuck in pan... Cover the stuck foodstuffs with warm soapy water, allow to soak for some time, then boil for 10 minutes, allow it to cool, then use a soft cloth, or a nylon scourer if stubborn, and warm, soapy water.
Still not clean out of the dishwasher... You might select a Pre-wash cycle if your pan's instructions indicate it is safe to clean in the dishwasher.
Spills or overflows... Wash or clean the exterior before placing it again over heat.
Filled pan left to cool on stove and lid won't come off... Warm the pan, then twist the lid to remove it.
Left empty on heated surface... Allow it to cool slowly; do not immerse it in cold water.
Stainless pan was left on heated surface, liquid has dried and yellow or blue streaks appear... On polished stainless, use a metal cleaner, such as Wenol or Red Bear, with a soft cloth. On satin stainless, use a nylon scourer, such as Scotch-Brite.
Scratches on surface after washing repeatedly... Change your cleaning product to a gentler kind, such as Bon Ami.
Cleaners not recommended for stainless surfaces... Bleach or ammonia should not be used on stainless steel.
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