1. Prepare the tools: A clean, soft cloth, water, dish soap, and cooking oil.
2. Clean the pan: First, use a soft cloth dampened with water to wipe the inside and outside of the stainless steel pan, removing any surface dust or impurities. Then, wash the pan again using dish soap and water to ensure it is completely clean and free of grease.
3. Apply cooking oil: Place the clean pan on the stove and heat it over a low flame until all moisture inside has evaporated. Next, use a clean, soft cloth to apply a thin, even layer of cooking oil to both the interior and exterior surfaces of the pan. Be careful not to apply too much, to avoid waste.
4. Heat the pan: Place the oiled pan on the stove and heat it over a low-to-medium flame for about 5 minutes, allowing the oil to fully penetrate the surfaces. During this process, you can gently wipe the pan with a soft cloth to ensure the oil is distributed evenly.
5. Remove excess oil: Once heating is complete, pour out any excess oil and use a soft cloth to wipe away any remaining oil residue from the interior and exterior surfaces.
6. Let the pan cool: Finally, place the stainless steel pan in a well-ventilated area to cool naturally; it is ready for use once it has cooled completely.