No steel wool. Ever.

Cleaning a stainless steel lunch box is easy: warm water, a soft sponge, and baking soda — then dry it before you store it.

Steel wool and the green scouring side of a sponge are the only real enemies. Stainless steel scratches easily, and once those tiny marks are in there, food sticks to them and the box looks permanently dull. A regular dish sponge and dish soap handle most meals. For stuck-on food, make a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit a few minutes, then scrub gently. Baking soda is abrasive, but softer than the steel, so it cleans without scratching.

For stubborn tea or coffee stains, or that rainbow discoloration, use Bar Keepers Friend (the powder kind). It’s an oxalic acid polish made for stainless steel. Use a small amount, rub lightly with a damp cloth, and rinse thoroughly. Avoid chlorine bleach — it can actually pit the metal.

Water spots are just minerals from tap water drying on the surface. Solve it by drying the box with a towel right after washing, or do a final rinse with a splash of white vinegar, which evaporates without leaving spots. And never store it sealed while it’s damp — leave the lid ajar so it airs out, or you’ll get that stale metallic smell. Dishwasher is fine if the label says so, but it’ll leave spots and dull the finish over time, so hand washing is better if you care about how it looks.

One clean box, zero regrets.