Stainless steel is one of the best known and most coveted materials in appliance construction, and knowing how to clean it safely is important. With the ability to resist corrosion and rust it’s a popular choice in kitchens and bathrooms alike. If your home or business is equipped with stainless steel appliances, you probably know that while they may be rust and corrosion free, they are decidedly not free from stains. Fingerprints and water stains tend to stand out on these shiny surfaces, including ovens, cooking ranges, range hoods, refrigerators, and dishwashers.
Regular appliances cleaning is necessary to avoid these bits of dust and grime scratching through the stainless coating and exposing the metal beneath to the risk of rust. If you’ve ever looked into special cleaning products for stainless steel, you’ve probably realized they’re overpriced and ultimately not very effective. Thankfully there are a number of tried and true techniques that not only can get your stainless steel clean but can actually protect them and extend their lifespan as a result.
Identify the grain and clean with it
It may surprise you to learn that stainless steel, just like wood, has a grain to it that you can detect by looking for the faint striations that are evident in the surface. Every sheet of stainless steel has the same grain, but if your stainless appliance has handles or knobs, their grain may be different. While cleaning against the grain will not cause any damage to your appliance, cleaning with it will allow for deeper cleaning as grit and dust get pulled out of those crevices.
Mineral oil, baby oil, or dish soap
Dish soap can be used to easily clean the surface, followed by a rag dipped in mineral or baby oil to reseal the grain. The dish soap will gently remove the oils and dirt from the stainless steel surface effectively. Make sure you dry it off thoroughly to avoid having any water spots appear on the surface.
Olive oil & white vinegar
Vinegar is a well-known cleaning agent that, while powerful, also has a reputation for being remarkably gentle on surfaces cleaned with it. The best way to use it on stainless steel is to mist it over the entire surface and give it a moment to break up dirt and oils. Then wipe it down with a microfiber cloth to get rid of any grime. Follow it up with olive oil to gently polish it and restore its beautiful gleam.
Club soda
Using club soda to clean gentle surfaces isn’t a new concept. It’s a common solution for clothes that have become stained, and the carbonation makes it great for lifting dirt and oil away from stainless steel surfaces. As always be sure to wipe it down with a microfiber cloth to produce a clean, lint-free gleam.
WD-40
WD-40 is a well-known way to clean stubborn grease and oil in automotive circles. It may surprise you to learn that its perfectly suitable for cleaning stainless steel surfaces. This will eliminate the presence of other oils and dirt on the surface while simultaneously producing a sturdy coating that will prevent future fingerprints. WD-40 is a petroleum-based product, of course, so take care when using it in food preparation areas.
These tips will help you care for your stainless-steel appliances and keep them looking their best. If you want an even better clean, then you may consider hiring a professional cleaning service like Miss Maid’s Oven and Appliances Cleaning team. Whether for your business or home, you can schedule regular cleanings that will ensure that your stainless appliances never lose their gleam.
