Different Methods for Cleaning Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom fixtures due to its durability and sleek appearance. However, despite its name, stainless steel is not completely immune to stains and marks. If you’ve ever owned stainless steel appliances, you’re likely familiar with dealing with fingerprints, streaks, and water spots.

To keep your stainless steel looking its best, it’s crucial to clean it properly using the right cleaners and methods. Harsh chemicals can damage the surface, leading to scratches and potentially causing rust over time. Thankfully, there are natural stain removers you can use.

By learning how to effectively clean stainless steel, you can maintain its shine and extend its usage time without the worrying about damaging it in the process. Let’s look into different methods for cleaning stainless steel.

How Often Should You Clean Stainless Steel

The ideal time to clean your stainless steel is actually when it’s dirty. This might sound obvious, but kitchen activity can differ a lot from one household to another.

To maintain your appliances’ shiny look, you might only need to clean them once to four times a year. However, in a busy kitchen or if cleanliness is a top priority, you might need to clean certain items every day.

Before Getting Started

Before you start cleaning a stainless-steel surface of appliance, it’s always best to check what the manufacturer recommends. There are different types of stainless steel, some tougher than others. Some appliances have a special finish that can be damaged by certain cleaning products. Can’t find the manual? No problem, you might be able to get it online.

What Will You Need?

After you’ve got everything ready, here are the list of things you’ll need:

• A cloth (one that won’t damage the steel): Most of the time, simply wiping your stainless steel with a clean cloth or microfiber towel soaked in hot water does the job. Like wood, stainless steel has a grain pattern. Find the direction of the lines on your appliance’s surface and wipe along that direction, starting from the top and moving downwards. Rinse with water and make sure to dry it completely.
• A bowl or a bucket
• Natural dish soaps
• Vinegar: If you have tough grease spots or water marks, using a mixture of water and vinegar on a soft cloth can help. Mix two parts waters with one part vinegar to make the solution you’ll need. Wipe the whole surface, starting from the top and going down. Make sure not to leave vinegar on the surface for too long. Then, rinse and dry the surface completely.
• Baking soda: First, mix baking soda and water to form a soft paste. Apply this paste to the stain and let it sit for around 20 minutes. In a bowl, mix water with dish soap to create a cleaning solution. Using a soft cloth dampened with the water and dish soap solution, gently scrub the stained area. Remember to work in the direction of the grain to prevent scratches. Thoroughly rinse the area with warm water to remove any remaining residue from the cleaning solution. Dry it well with a clean cloth to prevent streaks. Following these steps will help you effectively clean stubborn stains on stainless steel surfaces without causing damage.

 

How to Keep Your Stainless Steel Clean Longer

Taking care of your stainless-steel appliances and equipment is crucial to keep them looking great and functioning well. Neglecting maintenance can lead to stains, discoloration, and even permanent damage. Luckily, maintaining stainless steel is easy. By establishing regular cleaning routines, you can prolong the lifespan of your items and keep them looking brand new.

To add shine and prevent fingerprints, you can use a simple trick with olive oil. Just put a drop on a cloth, buff it onto the surface following the grain, and then wipe off any excess with a dry cloth. This leaves the surface shiny without feeling oily.

Another option is using non-abrasive polishing pastes. These create a protective layer on the surface, making it easier to clean and maintaining its sparkle for months. However, remember that polishing paste is only suitable for decorative surfaces, not cookware.

When cleaning stainless steel, avoid abrasive tools and cleaners like sandpaper, steel wool, or metal brushes. Even soft abrasives should be tested in a hidden area first. Always wipe in the direction of the grain to ensure the best appearance.