Properly maintained andclean stainless steeladds elegance and sophistication to any kitchen. However, if you don’tknowhow to clean stainless steel appliancesorcleanthemoften enough, you could be left with a room full of dull, grey appliances.You can maintain that brilliant stainless shine—as long as you knowhow to clean stainless steellike a pro!All you need to remember is a few simple do’s and don’ts to get back that shine without damaging your surfaces.
Stainless steel presents more of a challenge than other finishes because it shows fingerprints and streaks easily.There are also different types of stainless steel, so expect to experiment before youfindwhat works best for your appliance. If you have several stainless steel appliances, you may find that each one requires aslightlydifferent cleaning routine.
10 Tips forCleaning Stainless SteelLike a Pro
Before youcheck outhow to get streaks off stainless steeland other must-knows,check out the manufacturer’s instructions. Thoseinstructions are thebest way to clean stainless steel.They typically include not only what to use but also whatnotto use on your particular appliance.
But what do you do if you don’t have your appliance’s paperwork or manual? You let The Maids guide the way while you learnhow to clean stainless steel appliances. Here are10field-testedtipsthatapply tomoststainless steelfinishes.
- A soft cloth dampened with warm water will often be enough for general cleaning.
- Glass cleaner is good for getting rid of fingerprints.
- Wipe in the grain’s direction to avoid leaving streaks.
- Towel dry after cleaning to prevent water spots.
- Use a commercial cleaner to remove stains on stainless steel if needed, but always read the directions and spot-test first.
You may consider using other methods to tackle grime lurking on your stainless steel. Don’t be tempted!
- Stay away from steel wool and brushes.They will scratch the surface of your stainless steel and make it more susceptible to rusting and staining.
- Abrasive cleaners will scratch the surface and dull the finish.
- Bleach and cleaners with chlorine will stain and damage stainless steel.
- Don’t leave dirty water and cleaning solution residues to dry on your stainless steel; it will create a dull finish and could leave permanent stains.
- Some tap water can be harsh and leave spots or stains. Use distilled or filtered water instead.
The Maids has cleaned tens of thousands of homes across North America, so we know a thing or two abouthow to clean stainless steelandkitchens. Follow the pro tips above for general cleaning and when you need more firepower, turn to safe, natural stainless steel cleaning ingredients.
Cleaning Stainless SteelNaturally
The latest and greatest commercial cleaner may not be the best stainless steel cleaner — or the safest. There are plenty of ways toclean stainless steelwithout using potentially harmful commercial cleaners! Try these DIY cleaners on your appliances and see for yourself — just remember to spot-test any stainless steel cleaner before using it.
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Dish Soap and Baby Oil
Here’s what you’ll need: dish soap, baby oil, warm water, and three microfiber cloths.
Dilute one teaspoonofdish liquid in one quart of warm water. Dampen yourmicrofiber cloth with the solution and clean with the grain. Mix one teaspoonofdish liquid with one quart of water. Dampen a clean microfiber towel with clean, warm water and wipe away the residue. Let the finish dry and work in the baby oil, going with the grain.
Vinegar and Olive Oil
Here’s what you’ll need:distilled white vinegar, olive oil, and two microfiber cloths.
Look closely at your stainless steel and find the grain. Dampen your microfiber cloth with vinegar and rub with the grain to remove dirt,grease, and grime. Let the vinegar dry and dampen the other microfiber cloth with olive oil. Work the oil by rubbing with the grain. This simple procedure will clean, protect and shine your stainless steel quickly and easily.
Proper care and maintenance will help you clean your stainless steel appliances and avoid permanent damage and corrosion. With just a little effort,you can keepyour appliances looking shiny and newmore often.
How to Keep Stainless Steel Clean and Shiny
Who knew learninghow to clean stainless steelwould be this easy? But like every cleaning task, that clean never lasts. Not even ourone-time deep cleanings last forever!
Adding stainless steel cleaning to your regular housekeeping routines is a good start. You can also use quick and easy methods to keep your appliances cleaner longer. Although many commercial products exist specifically for this purpose, we recommend trying out a natural combination first. These are a few of our favorite techniques:
ClubSoda
This one is as easy as they come. Simply spray your appliance with a bottle filled withfreshclub soda. To clean the blotches and stains, wipe the appliance completely dry with a microfiber cloth. Make sure to wipe in the direction of the grain.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural all-purpose cleaner with just enough abrasiveness for safely removing buildup. Mix baking soda and enough water to make a firm paste, then rub the cleaner into the stain gently with a microfiber cloth. As always, be sure to rub with the grain to prevent damage. Wipe away the buildup and residue with a damp cloth.
Lemon Oil
When you want to knowhow to polish stainless steelsafely and enjoy the crisp clean aroma of lemons, you can’t beat lemon oil. Use a dry microfiber cloth dampened with lemon oil to polish the stainless going with the grain. Buff off the excess oil and enjoy your showroom finish.
If you want to makecleaning stainless steelappliances even more manageable, adopt the “clean as you go” routine. Sure, you could catch up on the grease and grime on the weekends—or you could clean your appliances while you cook. While you’re stirring whatever’s on the stove, wipe things down while you’re there. Pulling something out of the fridge? Bring a damp cloth along for a quick wipe down.
When you need to knowhow to clean stainless steel, and just about everything else in your home, count on The Maids. Tackle the work yourself using our handyhousekeeping guides or check out ourpopular residential cleaning services. Get afree online estimate and find out what we can do for your home. Keep that stainless steel shining and when you need us, we’re right around the corner!
