Whether you’ve purchased your kitchenware yourself or you received it as a gift, you’re likely hoping to get many years of good use out of your pots and pans. You’re right to believe so, because with the right care, your quality cookware should last you a lifetime. Here are some good tips for keeping your pots and pans in tip-top shape.

Beginning with Stainless Steel/Aluminum/Copper – Before using your cookware for the first time, wash each piece in hot, soapy water with a sponge or soft dishcloth. Rinse each piece under hot water and dry completely with a dishtowel to avoid water spots. Follow the same procedure during regular use. Use only a nylon-scouring pad with warm, soapy water for scrubbing. Do not use steel wool, chlorine cleaners, or oven detergents.

These metals can be shined periodically with a cleaner specific to their type of material to keep their brilliant shine and luster. Always apply in a circular motion and rinse under warm water before drying with a soft towel. An important cooking tip to keep in mind is to never add salt to your dish until after its cooking or boiling – this will prevent the cookware interior from pitting.

Caring for cast iron varies according to the type. For traditional cast iron, use a stiff brush and plain hot water to clean. Never use harsh detergents or steel. Upon purchase, you’ll want to lightly coat vegetable oil on the pan before placing it in a cool, dry area for storage. Continue to season your pot periodically as you use it (see more below). Enameled cast iron can be cleaned with a mild detergent and does not require seasoning. Always preheat either form of cast iron prior cooking.

For Nonstick Cookware use only plastic, wood or coated utensils on your nonstick pans to protect the finish. Many non-stick coatings are covered under the non-stick manufacturer’s warranties, but scratches or other damage caused by misuse of the non-stick coating would cancel out the warranty. Only use butter or shortening in the pan, never use non-stick sprays – they will just make the pan sticky. Nonstick is not dishwasher safe & should always be washed by hand using a soft cloth or sponge and mild detergent.

Seasoning your cookware adds to its longevity. For stainless steel/aluminum/copper, be sure to season your pans before using them to help prevent food from sticking or burning. To do this, rub a few drops of cooking oil into the pan’s interior and wipe clean. Repeat this step as often as you deem necessary. For cast iron, spread a thin coat of shortening or vegetable and bake in a 200-degree oven for 1 hour, removing when cooled. Repeat seasoning throughout its lifetime as needed.

Some other general care tips worth remembering: To avoid warping, always preheat your cookware slowly and never poor cold liquid into a hot pot. Food sticking? It’s a good idea to avoid intense heats to prevent your food from sticking. And remember to follow the above seasoning and cleaning recommendations as well.