DIY Network

Cleaning Stainless Steel The Queen shares royal advice on cleaning stainless steel. From "Home Made Easy" episode DHME-125

Guest Linda Cobb, the Queen of Clean®, joins host Stephanie Lydecker and demonstrates how to clean stainless steel flatware and cookware.

advertisement

The Queen shares tips on cleaning stainless steel flatware and cookware.

Materials:

bowls for mixing ingredients and soaking
rubber gloves
non gel toothpaste
lint-free soft cloths
paper towels
water
Calgon water softener
1/4 cup measure
bleach
ammonia
silver polish
stainless steel cleaner: 1/4 cup chlorine bleach, 1/4 cup Calgon water softener, 1 gallon very hot water

Cleaning Stainless Steel

Note: Only use these tricks on stainless steel, not real silver!

• Mix 1/4 cup chlorine bleach, 1/4 cup Calgon water softener, and 1 gallon of very hot water. You can mix this right in the sink or in any non-aluminum container.

• Immerse the stainless steel cutlery in the solution for 30 minutes and then wash as usual, whether this be the dishwasher or by hand with dishwashing soap and a rag.

  Tip: You only do this when the stainless really needs it—when it has that blue tint, etc.—probably every couple of months.

• For really tough spots, use a little non-gel toothpaste, or one part silver polish mixed with one part ammonia. Apply with a soft cloth, rinse and dry.

  Tip: When you are loading stainless steel and real silver in the dishwasher, keep them separated because the stainless steel will pit the silver.

• For burned on food in your stainless steel pan, fill it up with hot water and then take a dryer fabric softener sheet and drop it into the water. Let it soak for a half hour or overnight if it is really bad. The food will come off easily—without scrubbing!

• If the inside of your stainless steel pots gets discolored, take crushed tomatoes, or old tomatoes that you are going to throw out and put them in the pot with some water. Simmer for approximately 30 minutes and it will clean the pan out beautifully.

• If the bottoms of your stainless steel pans get discolored, use a piece of very fine steel wool (from the hardware store) and rub in the direction you can see the pan going. The food build up, oil, etc. on the bottom of your pan will effect the cooking because the pan won't be able to heat as well as it should. Just use it dry (do not use soap-filled pads) and rub until you get everything off and then wash the pan.

• To clean your stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, mix 50 percent rubbing alcohol with 50 percent water and place it in a spray bottle. Spray onto your appliances, and then clean with a paper towel.

Next: Making Your Own Laundry Stain Removers

GUESTS :

Linda Cobb
The Queen of Clean®
Website: www.queenofclean.com