Stainless steel is a material that is used extensively in the kitchen due to its general resilience against things like heat and corrosion, along with a pretty good level of stain resistance. Usually, the chromium within stainless steel reacts to oxygen in the air and forms a protective film, preventing problems like rust and reducing the risk of permanent marks. With gentle care and regular cleaning, stainless steel will often last for many years and resist developing rust or stains! However, while stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, it's not completely impervious. If it’s treated with harsh chemicals, like bleach, or its surface is coated with grease or dirt and not regularly cleaned, the stainless steel is more vulnerable to corrosion and wear. Regular gentle cleaning is required to preserve the appearance and integrity of its surface. In fact, stainless steel actually thrives with frequent cleaning, and, unlike some other materials, it is impossible to "wear out" stainless steel by excessive cleaning.