How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

Sometimes names can be a bit misleading. Take peanuts, for example – they aren’t even nuts. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries aren’t berries. And don’t even get us started on jumbo shrimp.

You know another name that’s misleading? Stainless steel. As any homeowner with stainless steel appliances can attest to, it certainly does stain!

So that leaves us with an obvious question:  What are the best ways to clean stainless steel appliances and help keep them clean?  Let’s have a look:

1. Don’t use products containing chloride or harsh, abrasive cleaners like steel wool or hard-bristle brushes.
2. Wipe only in the direction of the grain, starting at the top of the appliance and working your way down.
3. If you have hard water, consider installing a water softener or use distilled water to clean with.
4. If your appliance doesn’t have an oleophobic finish, apply white vinegar directly onto a microfiber cloth, or spray directly onto your surface. Let it sit for just a moment, and then wipe clean in the direction of the grain. Apply the vinegar as many times as necessary to remove any grime. Then dab a clean towel into some olive oil and polish the freshly-cleaned surface in the direction of the grain. If any extra olive oil residue remains, wipe away with a clean cloth. This method works well because the vinegar gets rid of all the grime, while the olive oil gives it a fresh, shiny polish.
5. Remove food stains by gently scrubbing with a nylon scrubber and a little bit of mild dish soap. Rinse the surface clean and dry with a clean terrycloth towel.
6. Fingerprints are the chief complaint about stainless steel. However, they can be easily removed with any common glass cleaner, such as Windex. Spray the cleaner on a microfiber cloth and apply evenly in a circular motion to remove the fingerprints. Repeat as needed. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and towel dry. It’s not recommended that you spray directly onto your appliance, as you may end up with more drip marks and splatter residue, leaving you with more work than you initially anticipated.
7. Use a baking soda and dish soap paste to remove stubborn food stains. Gently rub the paste into the grain with a soft bristle brush or nylon scrubber, rinse clean, and towel dry. If the paste doesn’t cut through the stuck-on food, you can add a little vinegar to the mix but only if your appliance doesn’t have an oleophobic finish.
8. Maintain a lustrous shine by buffing the surface with a food-grade mineral oil or a specially made stainless steel polish. Again, buffing in the direction of the grain, and drying with a lint-free cloth.

Here’s one way  Norhio Plumbing can help – by installing a water softener to counteract the negative effects of hard water conditions. Contact us today or click here for more information.