How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

JSP-The housewife wipes the dirty surface of the iron with a yellow rag

Modern kitchens still favor stainless steel appliances. Ovens, microwaves, refrigerators, and dishwashers are all superior kitchen appliances made of white or black stainless steel.

Stainless steel appliances have grown in popularity over time. With the sparkling gleam that lights up your kitchen, it’s easy to see why. Stainless steel’s versatility and ability to seamlessly blend with modern kitchen designs makes it so luxurious and enticing. Moreover, you can incorporate stainless steel appliances into any kitchen design trend.

The only downside about stainless steel appliances is their demanding maintenance. So, you’ll have to know how to clean stainless steel appliances properly. Your shiny new appliances may show signs of wear after a few months. Then stainless steel discoloration in a year. This means you’ll need to take time from your day to maintain your appliances’ appearance.

Basics of Cleaning Steel Appliances

Although stainless steel requires more care than other finishes for appliances, it’s easy to clean. Before you start cleaning your stainless steel appliances, it’s a good idea that you read the manual. Please do not use harsh chemicals as they can stain the steel finish.

You can use a store-bought stainless steel cleaner or make a DIY cleaning solution. Just make sure that it is safe to use on stainless steel. Avoid using steel wool, bleach, ammonia, and scouring powders on stainless steel because these chemicals can cause damage to the finish’s texture and glossiness. Additionally, manufacturers are against using glass cleaners because they can cause streaks and other damage.

Home cleaning solutions are the most efficient and cost-effective method to clean your appliances. Luckily, there are many ways of cleaning stainless steel appliances safely and effectively. So, to answer the question, what cleans stainless steel appliances? Here’s what you’ll need:

Cleaning tools

To make a natural stainless steel cleaner remedy that’s easy to do. Here are the materials you’ll need:

  • Empty spray bottle
  • Dish soap
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Oils (olive oil or mineral oil, or baby oils)
  • Degreaser

Drying tools

Use a non-abrasive, soft cloth to dry stainless steel surfaces. Microfiber is perfect because it absorbs lint and doesn’t leave behind a trail as you clean. Make sure to have a couple of microfibers for wet and dry applications.

You can also use coffee filters if you are on a budget. They are designed to resist tearing in wet conditions, making them more durable than paper towels. And, best of all, they are virtually lint-free. Layer a few on top of each other and wipe with a microfiber towel.

Tips in Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances

1. Dip a microfiber cloth in warm water with mild dish detergent. A detergent that has a degreasing capability is recommended. To prevent water spots, wipe the surface using a dishcloth.

2. Make a paste with baking soda and warm water. This can remove grease and food-related smudges. Use a microfiber cloth to gently rub the surface, working along the metal’s grain. Use a damp cloth to clean the surface and dry with a towel. This mixture can also remove stains and stainless steel discoloration.

3. Spray distilled vinegar onto your appliance, and rub the surface lightly. Use your microfiber cloth to wipe away the vinegar the same way as the grain. Use a clean cloth to rub some olive oil on the appliance to help prevent streaks.

4. Use warm water to dilute dishwashing liquid in a bowl or bucket. Mix well. Use a small amount of the cleaning solution to coat the microfiber cloth. Spread it evenly on your stainless-steel appliances. To remove fingerprints and smudges, wipe the grain with a microfiber cloth. Dry it and apply baby oil to your metal with a clean cloth to restore the appliance’s shiny appearance.

5. Put club soda in a spray bottle and spray it onto your appliance. Then use a microfiber cloth to clean it following the direction of the metal’s grain.

6. To sterilize stainless steel, you can use a steamer with a nozzle attachment. You can disinfect the surface with steam and then wipe it dry using a soft cloth. Avoid using brush attachments or stiff cleaning tools because stainless steel is susceptible to scratching.

How often should stainless steel appliances be cleaned

Keep your stainless steel appliances clean every week to keep them looking good. Make sure you clean up any spillages or splatters quickly before they stain.

Before you start cleaning your ovens or microwaves, make sure all surfaces are cool, and you know what cleans stainless steel appliances effectively.

Things to Avoid When Cleaning Stainless Steel

You need to avoid some things when it comes to stainless-steel. These are:

  • Abrasive Tools: It might seem tempting to use steel wool and a metal brush to remove stubborn grease or dirt. However, these tools can scratch stainless steel and increase the risk of rust.
  • Strong cleaning products or bleach: These could damage your stainless-steel appliances and leave them pitted.
  • Used dirty sponges and cloths: Make sure to use clean sponges of cloths when cleaning stainless steel. You can scratch your steel with other cleaning products or bits of debris, such as crumbs.
  • Hard water: It would be best to avoid using hard water when cleaning, as it can leave behind water stains. It’s advisable to use distilled or filtered water only.

Conclusion

Stainless steel appliances look great in any kitchen. However, the appeal may fade once you notice stubborn smudges or fingerprints that your multi-purpose cleaner can’t handle. Your appliances may require natural home remedies that are easy to do and apply. Fortunately, the tips and guides mentioned above may greatly help you maintain the shine of your stainless steel appliances.

Let Kelly’s Dry Cleaners Bring Back the Glory of your Stainless Steel Appliances.

Relive the first day you had your eyes on that pristine shine that your stainless steel appliances had. To bring it back to life, let electronics restoration in Durango, CO restore your stainless steel appliances’ luxurious and modern look. Our team has the skills, the right tools, and years of experience tackling every detail on how to clean stainless steel appliances. So, what are you waiting for? Call us now for an assessment.