How to Wash Stainless Steel Cookware?

OK, I bought Cooks Elite Stainless Steel Cookware (tri-ply with copper inside). Cost about $300 - $400 for the set. I bought this about 8 months ago.



When I first started using it I found it very difficult to clean with a sponge. The directions were clear not to use Brillo pads or SOS, so I bought a few sponges with the scrubby layer on one side. OK, well it cleaned the pan, but scratched the heck out of it.



Is the inside of these pans supposed to be scratched up?



(For the record, I don't let the pan sit too long after using. I don't use high heat. I use a lot of oil.)



Everything sticks to this stuff. I barely use it anymore. I dug out the old beat up and scarred teflon pans so I can at least cook something. I still use the Stainless to boil water.



I still read that using Stainless Steel is one of the best methods to cook and people swear by it.



I don't mind stains or spots, but I'd like to just wash my pans and get the food off of them. Preferrably without a lot of extra work.How to Wash Stainless Steel Cookware?
I have a Stainless Steel set that is Lagostina. They still look like new. One thing that I do is not cook with them on the highest temperatures, as you do. Also I do not add any salt to the water before they start boiling. (it supposenly warps them) Lagostina has their own brand name stainless steel cleaner that costs about $5 here in Canada, but I am sure that you could purchase it in the US. When cleaning your pots, just sprinkle it in, (it looks something like Ajax or Comet), just clean with a sponge, and it removes the scratches. I have even used it on my kitchen sinks and this stuff makes them look like new. If I were you, though, knowing that you are not happy with the product- Call the store first, ask to speak to the housewares manager. Explain to them the situation before boxing your pots up to return them. If they can't do anything, I would suggest making contact with the manufacturer. I am sure you would get good service.How to Wash Stainless Steel Cookware?
If this was brand new, but you have had to really scrub, and now you have scratches, I'd say it isn't really stainless steel cookware. Probably has a lot of aluminium in it, doesn't matter about the copper inside, that won't make a diff.. You've been ripped off. Stainless steel doesn't scratch easily. I've had mine for years, it's all I use, and mine has barely any scratches on it. Food rarely sticks to it, if it does, it comes very easily.

Take it back, and demand your money back, refer to the false advertising of it as stainless steel.
Previous answer is very good advice. To tag onto what was said...

Try this cleaning cloth. You have to buy in packages of 5 but they are only like $3 bucks a piece. I have ordered them and use them on everything, especially drying dishes because they leave everything spotless. cleaning windows and clean mirrors. They are made out of tiny fibers. They are guaranteed not to scratch and all you do is rinse the cloth under water, wring it out and wipe ANY surface with no streaks or scratch. Use em over and over. I have not thrown one away yet!

...I encourage you to try it out.