Observe the surface gloss: Is it dull or grayish? After use, while the pot is dry, observe the inner wall at an angle under natural light. If the original mirror-like shine becomes dull (without shine), especially in areas frequently in contact with soup, it indicates slight oxidation or mineral buildup. It is recommended to boil it in citric acid or soak it in white vinegar.
Check for limescale and residue: Are there white spots or ring-shaped deposits? After boiling water or stewing soup, check the rim of the pot and near the water level for white crystalline patches. These are calcium and magnesium ion deposits from hard water, which will corrode the polished layer if left untreated. If found, remove them immediately with an acidic solution (such as lemon slices boiled in water).
Touch the inner wall: Feel for scratches or roughness. After cleaning and drying, gently run your fingertips along the bottom and sides of the pot. If you feel a "sticky" sensation in a certain area, it indicates scratches that are not visible to the naked eye but have damaged the surface. At this point, avoid continuing to use hard tools for cleaning and consider localized polishing repair.
Check the seals and valves: are they aged or clogged? Although this doesn't affect the mirror finish, safety performance directly impacts the user experience. Check if the rubber seals are hardened or cracked, and if the vent pipe is blocked by food residue. A decreased seal not only affects pressure efficiency but can also cause steam condensate to overflow, accelerating pot corrosion.