Safe for Stainless Steel: Cleaning Dos and Don’ts
- “Dos” First up to bat, we’ll start with the proper cleaning techniques. Unlike other kitchen surfaces, stainless steel is easy to clean. ...
- “Don’ts” Not every technique is safe to use when cleaning stainless steel appliances. ...
- Bonus: Fingerprint-Resistant Finish These cleaning tips will help protect your appliances, but a little added coverage never hurt. ...
- A Clean Kitchen is a Happy Kitchen ...
What is the best cleaner for stainless steel appliances?
- Powder stainless steel cleaners mix with water to become pastes. ...
- Creams have a thick consistency designed to be scrubbed onto stainless steel and left to sit for several minutes. ...
- Sprays and aerosols are the most common type of stainless steel appliance cleaner because they’re easy to use. ...
What is the best natural cleaner for stainless steel?
Simple Smudge-Free Cleaner for Stain Steel
- ½ cup vinegar (white distilled works best, but you can substitute cider vinegar)
- ½ cup of warm water
- 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to make homemade stainless steel cleaner in just minutes?
Instructions
- Using a.funnel, pour the vinegar and olive oil into your spray bottle.
- Add your essential oils
- Gently swish to mix.
What to use for cleaning your stainless steel appliances?
Materials you’ll need
- Microfiber cloth or an old t-shirt/rag
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Hot water
What is the easiest way to clean stainless steel appliances?
Many people swear by the simple combination of vinegar and olive oil for keeping their stainless-steel appliances clean. Add white vinegar to a clean spray bottle. Spray down your stainless-steel appliance. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Once clean, dip your cloth into a small amount of olive oil.More items...
What should you not clean stainless steel appliances with?
Avoid using harsh abrasives, scouring powders, steel wool, bleach, and ammonia, all of which can damage the finish. Always check the owner's manuals and manufacturers' websites for other cleaners to avoid. Some manufacturers advise against using glass cleaner on stainless steel, for example.
Are stainless steel appliances hard to keep clean?
Going with stainless steel appliances has a hidden downside, though: They can be tough to clean. The prominence of those shiny surfaces becomes a drawback if they start to serve as magnets for water spots, smudges, fingerprints, and other signs of mess you don't want in your kitchen.
Is it easy to clean stainless steel appliances?
Stainless steel needs a little more love and care than other appliance finishes, but unlike many other kitchen surfaces, it is easy to clean. With a little elbow grease and some at-home cleaning solutions, you can wipe away unwanted smudges with little effort.
Can I use Windex on stainless steel?
If all you're dealing with are those smudgy fingerprints, you can give your stainless steel appliances a quick touch-up using glass cleaner. Brands like Windex will do just fine, here. Once again, spray the solution onto your cleaning rag and apply it to the smudgy areas on your appliances using a circular motion.
Does vinegar damage stainless steel?
Never leave stainless steel to soak in solutions that contain chlorine, vinegar, or table salt, as long-term exposure to these can damage it.
What is the disadvantage of stainless steel?
Some Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Being difficult to manufacture, stainless steel often comes with a steep price tag, which is the primary reason why it is so rarely utilized in certain industries, such as the automotive industry. Kitchen appliances made from stainless steel can be quite expensive as well.
Is it worth getting stainless steel appliances?
There's a reason it's still the top choice of many kitchen designers. It's resistant to the bad stuff. Because of its elemental makeup, stainless steel is incredibly durable. It fights off rust, fire and heat which makes it top-choice for those who want an appliance that will last and not show wear and tear.
Do paper towels scratch stainless steel?
Avoid Making Scratches You may be tempted to use a paper towel but paper towels may scratch the surface of your stainless steel appliances. A microfiber cloth is softer and will produce a better result.
How do you clean stainless steel appliances without streaking?
5 Ways To Clean Stainless Steel Appliances Without StreaksUse Lemon Oil Polish. Lemon oil polish is an effective product that helps remove water stains and scratches. ... Use Dish Soap & Mineral Oil. ... Use Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaner. ... Use Wet Cloth & White Vinegar. ... Use Glass Cleaner.
How do you keep fingerprints off stainless steel?
Unlike other surfaces that mask dirt, he says, stainless steel shows when it needs to be cleaned. The best way to prevent fingerprints from showing is to use a wax-based spray made for treating stainless steel. There are many on the market, but Pash likes 3M's Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish.
Can you use Clorox wipes on stainless steel?
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are a ready to use disinfectant wipe. These easy to use wipes are safe to use on chrome, glass, metal, plastic, stainless steel, tile, and wood. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are bleach free and have a clear drying formula, leaving surfaces with a shine. Formulated to kill 99.9% of bacteria.
Can you use Clorox wipes on stainless steel?
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are a ready to use disinfectant wipe. These easy to use wipes are safe to use on chrome, glass, metal, plastic, stainless steel, tile, and wood. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are bleach free and have a clear drying formula, leaving surfaces with a shine. Formulated to kill 99.9% of bacteria.
How do you clean stainless steel appliances without streaking?
5 Ways To Clean Stainless Steel Appliances Without StreaksUse Lemon Oil Polish. Lemon oil polish is an effective product that helps remove water stains and scratches. ... Use Dish Soap & Mineral Oil. ... Use Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaner. ... Use Wet Cloth & White Vinegar. ... Use Glass Cleaner.
How do you make stainless steel look new again?
To remove a fine layer of rust that makes stainless steel look dull, scrub with something that doesn't contain bleach, such as a cloth embedded with baking soda or a scrub powder such as Bon Ami. Scrubbing is also the best way to make deep scratches in your sink disappear, or at least become less noticeable.
What stains stainless steel?
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.
How do you help remove stains and discoloration from stainless steel?
If you have particularly stubborn stains or discoloration that takes a little more effort, dilute some vinegar with water, wipe it on the stainless...
What is the best home remedy to clean stainless steel?
Baking soda is an efficient home remedy to clean stainless steel. Make a paste out of baking soda and water and rub it gently on the surface, alway...
What should you not use to clean stainless steel?
Avoid using any harsh chemicals or multi-purpose cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia on your stainless steel appliances, and only use a clean,...
Dish Soap & Baby Or Mineral Oil
First, you need to understand the direction of the grain. Just like wood and some fabrics, steel has a grain. These are the faint striations that y...
White Vinegar & Olive Oil
Apply white vinegar directly to a microfiber cloth, or spray directly onto your surface. Let sit for just a moment, and then wipe clean in the dire...
Lemon Oil Furniture Polish
Simply apply a bit of it to a clean towel and rub on your appliance. Once you have evenly applied, wipe clean with a different microcloth towel. It...
Glass Cleaner For Fingerprints
Fingerprints are the chief complaint about stainless steel. This is especially true for all the parents out there. However, they can be easily remo...
Bon Ami, Flour Sack & Wax Paper
Dampen a small section of a soft flour sack and sprinkle the moistened area with Bon Ami. Rub it onto your stainless steel in circular strokes, cov...
Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaners
If your appliance has staining, scratching or needs a thorough polishing, a commercial cleaner designed for stainless steel is another option avail...
How to clean stainless steel appliances?
Instead, she suggests using products like baking soda that can revive dull stainless steel. " [Apply] a small amount of baking soda onto a damp soft cloth and buff it out," she says, adding that you should make sure to rinse the surface well to avoid leaving any streaks behind. Wilkinson agrees, adding oil-based formulas and WD-40 to that banned list. "Any oil left on the surface will instantly grab any dust particles floating through the air," she says, noting that it will immediately make your surface look dull and dirty again. "Not to mention, as soon as you touch an appliance with a thick oil applied, you leave behind fingerprints—and now your hands are oily."
Why are stainless steel appliances so popular?
Stainless steel appliances are popular because of the sleek, modern look and high-end feel, they bring to the kitchen. However, they generally show spills and fingerprints more easily than some of their glossier counterparts—which means keeping up with a cleaning and polishing routine is a must. That's why we spoke with two experts to find out the best ways to clean your stainless steel gadgets. Ahead, what they had to share.
How to clean baked on grease off of stainless steel?
Step 3: To remove baked-on food and grease, make a paste of baking soda and warm water. Gently rub onto the surface using a soft cloth or sponge. Wipe with a clean wet cloth and towel dry. For scratches and stains, use a stainless steel cleaner and apply to the area, following directions. Rinse with a clean damp cloth, then dry.
Can glass cleaner be used on stainless steel?
Some manufacturers advise against using glass cleaner on stainless steel, for example. And Samsung even recommends you not use a grout cleaner with muriatic acid on the tile floor in your kitchen because the fumes from the grout cleaner can harm stainless steel appliance finishes.
Is stainless steel a popular appliance?
Stainless steel appliances remain popular in American kitchens. In fact, stainless appliances outsell white and black kitchen appliances, with dishwashers, ranges, and refrigerators boasting the stainless look in a big way. (One exception is the top-freezer refrigerator category—most of those sold are white.)
How to clean stainless steel appliances?
The oddest way to clean your stainless steel appliance is by using WD-40. Go look in the garage or wherever you store your tools, and you will likely have a bottle laying around. Simply spray some WD-40 directly onto your appliance, or into a rag, and then wipe away.
What is the best way to clean stainless steel?
Water and a Cloth. You’d be surprised how much routine cleaning you can accomplish with just warm water and a lint-free cloth. This is the least risky option for cleaning stainless steel. Plain water works to clean the majority of situations.
What to use to polish stainless steel?
Microfiber cleaning cloths are an excellent choice to use when polishing stainless steel because they do an exceptional job of absorbing all of the water without scratching the surface. You can buy special polishing cloths which are finer than normal microfiber to give your appliances a final polish.
How to get fingerprints off of a kitchen sink?
Put just a little bit on your rag and moisten with a modest amount of water (just enough to dampen your cloth). Wipe along the grain of your appliance. For extra stubborn fingerprints, you might have to go over the area a few times. When you finish cleaning an area, dry any water streaks with a clean towel.
What to use to clean a kitchen appliance?
Use two non-abrasive cleaning rags, preferably those that are 100 percent cotton because they leave almost no residual lint. You can use paper towels, but there will be some lint left behind. Also, pick up some plain dish soap and baby or mineral oil. Get ready to clean your appliances.
Can rusting stainless steel appliances be a problem?
Fingerprints and water stains tend to decorate the surfaces of dishwashers, refrigeratorsand ovens. Dust, dirt and grime may put stainless steel appliances at risk for rusting.
Can you clean fingerprints off stainless steel?
This is especially true for all the parents out there. However, they can be easily removed with any common glass cleaner, such as Windex.
How often should I clean stainless steel?
As we mentioned, stainless steel is a durable material; it’s made to last. If your schedule doesn’t allow for daily cleaning, weekly or even bi-weekly cleaning will suffice.
Why is it important to keep your kitchen appliances clean?
It’s important to keep your appliances clean in-between meals and celebratory gatherings . If your kitchen is spotless, you and your appliances will sparkle and shine.
How to clean vinegar from grain?
Wipe away the vinegar in the same direction of the grain using your microfiber cloth.
Can you clean your kitchen appliances while cooking?
Now, if there’s a spill or cooking-related mess, you’ll want to take care of that right away, but simple touchups for aesthetic purposes can be done on your own time. If it helps, don’t even set a schedule—it's easier to clean your appliances while you cook. If you happen to see a smudge, wipe your appliance down and give it a good polish.
Is stainless steel safe to clean?
First up to bat, we’ll start with the proper cleaning techniques. Unlike other kitchen surfaces, stainless steel is easy to clean. It requires regular maintenance, but it’s simple enough to wipe away any unwanted streaks or smudges. It might take a little elbow grease to remove oil residue left behind from our fingertips, but there are all sorts of at-home cleaning solutions you can use that are effective and safe to use on your appliances .
Is it safe to clean stainless steel appliances?
Not every technique is safe to use when cleaning stainless steel appliances. To prevent damage to the appliance's finish, avoid scouring powders, steel wool, bleach, and ammonia.
Can you clean stainless steel in a circular motion?
It isn’t forbidden to clean stainless steel in a circular motion —it can actually help to hide scratches, but cleaning in the same direction as the metal’s grain helps to reduce smudging. And all three of these cleaning solutions also help to restore the material’s natural glossy shine.
How to clean old stainless steel appliances?
We recommend committing to daily wipedowns with a clean, soft cloth and hot water. Also, aim for weekly cleanings with an oil-based stainless-steel cleaner and polish ($7, Target ). This regular routine will help reduce buildup and keep your stainless-steel appliances easy to clean.
How to clean stainless steel?
You can also use a little dish soap if you feel like your stainless-steel surfaces are extra grimy. Pick a dish soap that doesn't contain chlorine ($1, Target) and put a drop on a cloth. Dampen the cloth with water and wring out excess water. Wipe down the surface and follow up with another damp cloth (sans dish soap), and, finally, dry the surface with a clean, dry rag.
How to make stainless steel shine?
Make your stainless steel extra shiny with a secret ingredient: lemon oil. Just put a few drops of the oil on a clean cloth and rub it into the surface. If you can't find lemon oil, you can use olive oil as a substitute. Aim to give your stainless-steel appliances this oil treatment once a month. And remember: Don't use this method on an oven or appliance surfaces that conduct heat.
How to clean water spots on stainless steel?
Start by wetting the cloth and wiping down the appliance. Then wipe the surface again with another microfiber cloth to dry. By giving the appliance a once-over with a dry cloth, you'll remove any excess moisture that could become future water spots. For extra shine, use a polishing rag to buff the steel.
How to get fingerprints off stainless steel?
Simply drop a little rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth and rub over the stains. The alcohol will zap the oily residue and grime left by a human hand.
What to use to remove rust from stainless steel?
For serious blemishes, invest in a stainless-steel scratch-removal kit ($9, The Home Depot ), which typically combines special polishes and fine-grade sandpaper to remove the problem.
Can you clean stainless steel appliances with baking soda?
Now that you know how to clean stainless appliances, you don't have to dread fingerprints. With a little bit of simple routine cleaning, some minimal elbow grease, and household ingredients (vinegar and baking soda straight from the pantry), and special care items for regular maintenance, you can ensure cleaning stainless appliances is a breeze and sparkling surfaces can be a real-life thing, too!
