Stainless steel cookware is called that for a reason. While some your best pots and pans may look permanently stained, most of those marks and blemished can be buffed out if you know the right ingredients and techniques to remove stubborn stains from skillets and saucepans. 

You don't have to look far to find hot takes on the best was to clean cookware. Bar Keeper's Friend is one of them and it works well, but you don't even need to spend the $8. A simple mixture of white vinegar and baking powder my preferred way to clean discolored cookware. It takes only a few minutes to do and will have your best pots and pans looking shiny and new.  

Two pantry staples and a stiff scrubber or sponge are all you'll need to lift cookware stains from even the dingiest pans. Here's how to do it.

The secret ingredients for cleaning stubborn cookware stains

How to clean stainless-steel cookware like a pro

Step 1: Sprinkle the stained pot or pan with one tablespoon of baking soda.

Step 2: Fill the pot or pan with one part vinegar and two parts tap water. It will cause a little temporary fizzing and foaming, so be sure to add the liquid carefully. 

Step 3: Boil the pan or pot on high heat for about five minutes -- or longer, if the stains are particularly heavy. Cover the pan so the boiling solution can reach up the sides without spilling over onto the stovetop.

Step 4: Remove the pot or pan from the heat and drain most of the hot liquid carefully leaving only a few ounces. Let it cool enough so it won't burn your hands but is still warm. 

Step 5: Scrub any visible stains vigorously using the special nonmetal scrubber and remaining liquid until they lift.

Step 6: Dry the cookware thoroughly before putting it away. 

Voila!