How to Clean Stainless Steel

If you're wondering how to clean stainless steel, you've come to the right place. We'll go over the basics of cleaning steel appliances, as well as how to use a microfiber cloth and various cleaning solutions. You can also opt to use vinegar or bleach if you want a more intense shine. But which one is best? Read on to discover the best methods. Then, put your stainless steel appliances to good use!

Dish soap

To make cleaning your stainless steel appliances easier, you can use a solution of Bon Ami, which you can apply with a microfiber cloth. Instead of sprinkling the cleaner directly onto the stainless steel, rub it in a circular motion in the direction of the grain. Then, buff it thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth to restore a shiny finish. This way, you will be able to avoid streaking and maximize the shine of your appliances.

Vinegar

A cheap solution to sanitize stainless steel is to use vinegar to clean it. Commercial stainless steel cleaners are harsh and can permanently damage your stainless steel appliances. For an effective, inexpensive cleaning solution, mix equal parts of white vinegar and cream of tartar. Apply the mixture to the metal, and wipe it with a clean cloth. Allow the solution to dry before wiping it off. Use a soft cloth to dry off any leftover residue.

Microfiber cloth

Using a microfiber cloth to clean stainless steel surfaces is a very simple and effective cleaning technique. Unlike some other surfaces, stainless steel is very resistant to fingerprints. You should also avoid using abrasive cleaning products such as steel wool or brushes. These can cause stains and streaks on your stainless steel appliances. Using a microfiber cloth will help reduce stains and minimize streaks. To use a microfiber cloth, spray the cleaner onto the cloth and wipe the surface of the appliance.

Bleach

While you can use bleach to clean your stainless steel, you should avoid this method because it can corrode it. Bleach contains a strong oxidizing agent, which means that a small amount can cause a stain. Moreover, prolonged exposure to bleach will make the metal weaker and prone to rusting. To avoid damaging your stainless steel, you should use mild detergents and percarbonate-based cleaners.

Strong cleaning solutions

Chemical-based stainless steel cleaners contain petroleum distillates and refined mineral oil. They may also contain methyl ester, propane, or isoparaffinic hydrocarbons. Stainless steel cleaners based on these chemicals may contain side effects like eye irritation, dizziness, headaches, or nausea. You should use a safe alternative when possible. Here are some alternatives to chemical-based solutions:

Bleach can damage stainless steel

It is essential to use the right cleaning agents for your stainless steel appliances. Bleach is a very corrosive chemical, and it will cause your stainless steel to weaken, causing rust stains and discoloration. When cleaning your stainless steel appliances, always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging your utensils. In general, rinsing your stainless utensils with warm water and dishwashing liquid after each use will help to remove rust stains and spots from your surfaces.

Avoid abrasives

Stainless steel is highly scratch resistant, but the finish can still be dulled if you use harsh materials. To clean it well, avoid using any abrasive cleaner. Avoid abrasives such as steel wool, as these can scratch the surface. The softest bristles won't work well on a tough job. When using scrub pads, start at the lowest level and gradually increase the scrubbing pressure.

Stainless steel is prone to scratches

Cleaning stainless steel can be a challenge because of its delicate finish, but there are a few easy ways to remove these marks and restore its original shine. Using a damp sponge or sanding block, you can remove light scratches with the help of a chemical cleaner. Stainless steel is not as porous as granite or marble, so you should choose a sandpaper that has a fine grain.

Stainless steel is easy to clean

Stainless steel is easy to clean, but there are some things you should avoid. If you are not careful, your stainless steel appliance may become very dirty. You may notice surface corrosion or discoloration. To prevent this, you should use commercially available cleaning solutions and hydrocarbon solvents. Dish soap should be applied to a rag, and dampened with water. Apply the soapy solution along the grain of the stainless steel appliance. Repeat the process as necessary to get rid of stubborn fingerprints. For best results, use a microfiber cloth to dry.