By Melzware — 18 October 2026 · 4 min read
Learning how to clean pots starts with one rule: let the pot cool, then soak it before you scrub. Stainless steel can handle baking soda and the dishwasher. Granite needs warm soapy water and a soft sponge, nothing harder. Burnt food lifts with a vinegar boil and baking soda. Here is how to look after each pot in a set.
How to clean pots after every use
- Let it cool. Cold water on a hot pot can warp the base. Wait until you can touch the sides.
- Soak it. Fill with warm, soapy water for 15 to 30 minutes. Don't leave steel soaking overnight, because minerals in the water can pit the surface.
- Scrub gently. Use a sponge or nylon scrubber. Never use steel wool on any pot in the set. It scratches steel and strips granite in seconds.
- Dry it straight away. Water left to air-dry leaves spots on steel.
Skip bleach and oven cleaner. Dish soap does the job, and harsh chemicals dull steel and wear down coatings.
How to clean burnt pots
Try these in order. Stop as soon as the base comes clean.
- Boil water. Cover the burnt patch with 2 to 3 cm of water and boil for 5 minutes. Scrape with a wooden spoon.
- Add vinegar. Pour in a cup of white vinegar and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add baking soda. Take it off the heat and add two tablespoons. Let it fizz, then scrub.
- Leave a paste. For stubborn steel, mix baking soda with a little water, spread it on and leave it for an hour.
A lemon half dipped in coarse salt also works on steel. Use only steps 1 to 3 on granite, and never salt or a paste.
Rainbow stains on stainless steel and white spots
Both marks look worse than they are.
- Rainbow stains are heat tint. The steel changes colour when it runs too hot. Wipe with white vinegar, rinse and dry. Cook on medium heat to stop them coming back.
- White spots are minerals from hard water or starch from pasta and rice. Vinegar removes them too.
- Small pits come from salt sitting in cold water. Add salt once the water boils.
For more on heat settings, read how to cook with stainless steel pots and pans.
How to clean granite pots without damage
The coating is what you paid for, so protect it.
- Wash by hand with warm soapy water and a soft sponge.
- Cook on low to medium heat. High heat shortens the life of any non-stick coating.
- Use wooden or silicone kitchen utensils, not metal.
When not to buy granite: if you sear steak on high heat or want pots that go in the dishwasher, buy stainless steel instead. Our granite pots guide covers the trade-offs.
How to store pots and pans so they last
More pots get scratched in the cupboard than on the stove.
- Put a paper towel or cloth between stacked pots, especially granite.
- Store lids upside down on their own pot, or upright in a rack.
- Make sure every pot is dry before it goes away.
Leave the stockpot out on the stove if you use it daily. That's one less pot to stack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pots go in the dishwasher?
Our stainless steel sets are dishwasher safe. Granite pots should be washed by hand with a soft sponge, because dishwasher detergent and high heat wear the coating down over time.
Does Coca-Cola clean burnt pots?
It can lift light marks, because the drink is acidic. White vinegar does the same job for less money and does not leave a sticky film behind.
Why do stainless steel pots get white spots?
White spots are minerals from hard water or starch from boiled pasta and rice. Wipe them off with white vinegar, rinse and dry.
When should I replace a granite pot?
Replace it when the coating chips, flakes or shows the metal underneath. Food will stick from then on, and flakes can end up in your food.