4 Easy Tricks To Clean Stainless Steel

Stainless steel appliances are a popular choice for many homes. This is because stainless steel’s smooth finish blends well with most décor and gives the kitchen and bathroom a sleek, modern look.

Also, stainless steel is well known for its resilience against heat and rust, thanks to its protective layer. However, it’s never stainless from water spots, streaks, and fingerprints.

Therefore, it’s necessary to clean and maintain stainless steel appliances to keep them looking their best and last longer.

Cleaning stainless steel appliances is an easy DIY task. Here are ways on how to keep them gleaming.

Basics of Cleaning Stainless Steel

• Follow the grain when cleaning. Stainless steel consists of a grain that runs either horizontally or vertically. It is recommended to follow the grain when cleaning and polishing the appliance for extra shine.
• Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads, steel wool, and other hard scrubbing materials. These abrasive materials can damage the protective layer of the appliance, making the steel beneath to be vulnerable to damage. A microfiber cloth works best when cleaning stainless steel appliances as it absorbs as much water as possible and does not scratch the surface.
• Do not use products that contain chlorine and chemicals that are corrosive to stainless steel. Such products corrode the steel making it prone to rust.
• Avoid extremely hard water when cleaning. Hard water can leave mineral deposits and streak.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

There are a variety of products and ways to clean and polish stainless appliances. Here are ways you can clean the appliances:

1. Using vinegar and olive oil

This simple combination of vinegar and olive oil can clean and remove lime scale and grime to perfection.

• Put white vinegar in a spray bottle
• Spray onto the surface. You can also apply the vinegar onto a microfiber cloth
• Wipe in the direction of the grain
• Once clean, add some drops of olive or mineral oil to a clean microfiber cloth and polish in the direction of the grain. If extra oil remains, wipe away with a clean cloth.

2. Using mild dish soap and water

• Using warm water and mild dishwashing liquid, wipe in the direction of the grain.
• Rinse using a clean cloth soaked in warm water to remove all soap residues.
• Dry using a soft cloth to prevent water spots
• Polish with a small amount of baby oil or olive oil

3. Using baking soda

Baking soda acts as a very gentle abrasive that can remove tough stains and sticky spots on your stainless steel appliance. It can be used in conjunction with vinegar.

• Make a paste by adding water
• Apply to dirty spots and gently scrub with a microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain.
• Wipe the residue and rinse.

4. Commercial stainless steel cleaner

You can also use a specially designed cleaning product to clean and polish your stainless steel appliances.

• Spray the product on the appliance and allow it to soak for about 2 minutes
• Wipe with a clean non-abrasive cloth
• Be sure to follow the instructions written on the product because the cleaners may vary

Maintaining Stainless Steel Appliances

Regular care for stainless steel makes cleaning easier and prevents stains and further damage. Below are a few maintenance tips for stainless steel appliances.

• Keep the area around the appliance as dry as possible.
• Wipe spillages as soon as they occur to prevent permanent marks.
• Cleaning should not be done once in a blue moon. Accumulated stains make cleaning harder and lead to more damage.
• For small scratches, you can apply a thin layer of toothpaste and buff gently. Deep scratches, however, are best left to the experts like Nationwide Appliance Repairs.

Stainless steel appliances are great and never get out-dated. And with the methods and tips above, you can keep them clean and shinning, and extend their life.