It has been said that behind every great meal is a cook that whipped us scrumptious dishes in reliable, quality stainless cookware. Every ingredient tossed or stirred in this so-called "alloy of iron" gets to be enjoyed with so much gusto by those who are patient enough to see the delicious results.

For every good dish that receives a thumbs-up verdict, cookware is not far behind. If stainless steel cookware reigns supreme in your kitchen, it is best to know the proper care to maximize its functionality. Here's how you can prevent such delicate ware from oil and dust build-up.

Wash and cook.. When using your stainless steel cookware for the first time, make sure to wash it off with warm water and soap using a clean sponge. This should prevent spotting on the surface and will keep it sparkling.

Soak and clear. When removing stuck food your cookware, pour warm water on any stainless steel surface, let sit for a few minutes before gently scrubbing away food scraps.

Use salt. When cooking a feast for the family, make sure to bring water to a boil first before adding salt. This will help prevent small white dots from forming on the surface. It will also enable the cookware to sparkle when polished with a clean cloth.

Tender loving care. When caring for stainless steel ware, it pays to be mild and non-abrasive when cleaning them. Avoid steel wool or rough sponges when clearing away stuck-on food scraps. Also, leaving cookware under high temperature will also make them vulnerable to rust, corrosion and discoloration.

Make your stainless steel cookware last longer. Stainless steel ware are durable because they are non-porous, scratch-proof and have easy to clean surfaces. It is also the brand preferred by top restaurateurs, caterers and budget-conscious homemakers. Certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (one of the world's most respected certification providers related to public health safety), its stainless steel products are of excellent quality, safe lead-free and non-toxic.