Want to know the best ways to clean stainless steel? Howard’s got you covered…
From appliances to sinks and countertops, stainless steel is a popular surface material in modern kitchens. After all, stainless steel is attractive, durable, and stain resistant. It even keeps germs under control since it’s difficult for bacteria to grow on stainless steel.
But there is one drawback to stainless steel… fingerprints!
Cleaning stainless steel can be tricky. There are certain cleaning methods that work well on many surfaces but don’t work well on stainless steel, and can even damage the finish.
Wha-wha-whaaaatttt??
Yep… as it turns out, “stainless steel” can actually be stained after all! It’s stain resistant but not actually stainless, so I’m sure if there are lawyers reading this they may now be preparing the class action lawsuit of the century. But while you wait for that life-changing $1.75 settlement check to arrive in the mail, you can at least start cleaning your stainless steel the right way.
Here are some tips on the best ways to clean stainless steel — and we also point out some common cleaning mistakes you definitely want to avoid!
Let’s start with what NOT to do…
Stainless Steel Cleaning Mistakes
First, if you’re thinking of using a commercial cleaning product, be sure it’s safe to use on stainless steel before you go “all-in”. In other words, be sure to read the instructions and use as directed. Test it on a small, less noticeable area first. Be advised that using the wrong cleaners could even void the warranty on your stainless steel appliance.
As mentioned above, some common household cleaning products work great for many other surfaces but should be avoided with stainless steel.
- Stay away from using anything abrasive. That includes cleanser, steel wool, or abrasive sponges. These can scratch the surface.
- Avoid glass cleaner, furniture polish or chlorine-based cleaners, which can damage the finish and even leave stains.
The Best Stainless Steel Cleaning Solution
With all the fancy (and expensive) cleaning products out there, isn’t it hilarious how some of the safest and most effective cleaning can be done with the least expensive and most common household products?
In the case of cleaning your stainless steel surfaces, simple soap and water will work — just use a soft cloth or sponge and rinse with clean water before drying with a microfiber cloth.
But probably the best cleaning solution is simple, everyday, inexpensive white vinegar. Not only does it clear up those pesky fingerprints and oil, but it’s also a natural disinfectant.
Just fill a spray bottle with pure, undiluted white vinegar, spray the surface, and wipe with a rag in the direction of the grain. Then rinse by wiping with a rag dampened with clean water. If the vinegar fumes get a little too intense, just open a window or turn on a fan… the fumes will dissipate quickly.
Of course, sometimes as soon as you clean something, here comes someone to mess it up! It’s like the cleanest surfaces instantly become a magnet for dirty hands. So here’s a “post-cleaning” tip to help prevent new fingerprints after you’ve cleaned the surface: simply apply a small amount of olive oil or baby oil to a soft cloth and buff the surface. This adds a bit of shine and also helps repel new fingerprints, at least for a while.
The Best Way to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink
To effectively clean a stainless steel sink, we take the vinegar solution a step further.
First, rinse your sink thoroughly.
Next, make a paste of 1 part baking soda to 2 parts water and spread it across the sink’s surface. Don’t worry if you can’t cover it fully… just sprinkle a bit more baking soda around the sink.
Now, spray the surface with white vinegar. It will start bubbling-up. Don’t worry, as much as this looks like a science experiment, it will not blow up your kitchen. Instead, this chemical reaction is actually doing some cleaning for you.
At this point, take a clean soft sponge or rag and gently scrub the surface before rinsing with clean water.
Voila! A clean sink!
We love giving useful cleaning tips, but maybe you would rather have a true cleaning professional deal with your stainless steel surfaces and the rest of your kitchen… and then the rest of your home. We don’t blame you. That’s what we’re here for!
Whether you need regularly scheduled cleanings, one-time cleanings, move-in / move-out cleanings, or construction cleanup, and even other services like carpet steam cleaning and window cleaning… we handle it all, so give us a call. We are your ONE-STOP-SHOP for taking care of your home.
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Call Howard: 949.215.9550