Stainless Steel appliances add a modern, sleek look to your kitchen. However, they require proper care and maintenance to maintain their shine. Over time, stainless steel appliances become dull due to improper care. A professional cleaning company can help get that shine back.
If your appliances look dull and old and you’re wondering how to clean stainless steel appliances, this comprehensive guide is for you. We will explain why you should treat stainless steel unlike your other appliances and how to clean them.
Why Does Stainless Steel Require Special Care
Stainless Steel appliances are the chef’s choice because they are highly durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. They are the workhorses of professional kitchens. However, the smooth surface attracts fingerprints, grease, and water stains.
Improper cleaning methods could lead to scratches, streaks and discolouration. Highly quality stainless steel pans are meant to last for decades. Following the best cleaning practices ensures that your stainless steel pan will last for years to come.
The Dos of Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances
1. Microfibre Cloths for Cleaning
Microfiber cloths are soft, non-abrasive, and absorbent, making them ideal for cleaning stainless steel. They effectively remove dirt, fingerprints, and grease without leaving scratches behind.
How to use a microfiber cloth to clean:
- Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and gently wipe the surface of the appliances.
- Always follow the grain of the stainless steel to avoid streaks.
- Wipe off the excess water with another clean and dry microfibre cloth.
- For extra cleaning power, lightly spray the cloth with white vinegar to disinfect the appliance.
2. Clean with Mild Dish Soap and Warm Water
For everyday cleaning, use mild dish soap and water. This is a very safe and effective way to clean stainless steel appliances. However, do not scrub too aggressively, as you could risk scratching the appliances.
Steps:
- Mix some mild dish soap and warm water in a bowl
- Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and squeeze out some of the water
- Firmly wipe the appliance following the grain of the stainless steel
- Rinse the appliance under warm water
- Dry the appliance immediately
3. White Vinegar for Stubborn Stains
White vinegar is a natural cleaning solution that is great at removing those stubborn stains. It will get rid of fingerprints, streaks, and grease build up easily.
How to:
- Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar
- Spray the stainless steel a couple of times
- Following the grain, wipe with a microfibre cloth
- Dry the appliance immediately after
4. Season with Mineral Oil
Seasoning stainless steel pans with mineral oils will help to prevent food from sticking. It is a common misconception that seasoning pans is only meant for cast iron, but stainless steel pans also benefit. The oil will add shine to the pan and create a protective layer.
Steps:
- Apply a few drops of olive oil or mineral oil onto a microfiber cloth.
- Rub it into the stainless steel, moving in the direction of the grain.
- Buff the surface with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess oil.
- Repeat as needed to maintain a sleek, polished look.
5. Baking Soda for Tougher Stains
Baking soda is a great gentle abrasion cleanser. It is abrasive enough to remove tough stains and burnt-on residue but gentle enough to cause scratches. The alkaline properties in the baking soda help to neutralise the burnt-on residue.
How to use:
- Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water
- Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes
- Gently scrub with a microfiber cloth
- Wipe clean and dry immediately
- Repeat the process as necessary till the stain is removed
6. Disinfect with Rubbing Alcohol
If the previous cleaning methods were not enough, we have one last one. Consider using rubbing alcohol to disinfect all your stainless steel appliances. Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving no streaks and kills all bacteria.
Steps:
- Dampen a microfiber cloth with some rubbing alcohol
- Wipe down the surface along the grain
- Leave to air dry immediately
The Don’ts of Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances
1. Abrasive Scrubbers/Sponges
Scouring pads, steel wool or rough sponges could be scratching your stainless steel appliances. These little scratches create room for dust and dirt to collect over time. Scratches also cause your stainless steel appliances to have a dull appearance.
Instead of using rough pads, sponges, or steel wool, use a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge. If a scrub is required due to stubborn residue, try a soft bristle brush or a nylon scrubber.
2. Chlorine or Bleach-Based Cleaners
Chlorine, bleach-based cleaners and other harsh chemicals can corrode stainless steel. Leading to your appliances being damaged or discoloured.
Consider opting for less harsh cleaners. At home remedies such as equal parts water and baking soda to create a paste. If you feel that it’s necessary to disinfect your appliances, pour some rubbing alcohol onto a towel and wipe the appliance down.
3. Letting Water Air Dry
Don’t leave your stainless steel appliances out to air dry.. Allowing the water to air dry on the appliances will lead to streaks and water marks. These will leave them looking dull and you will need to clean them again to remove these marks.
You should always dry your appliances straight away with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Use the cloth and paper towel to buff out any remaining streaks to ensure the pan is fully dry.
4. Applying Too Much Oil
Seasoning your appliances with oil will help them to get their shine back. But using too much oil will create a greasy residue on all the appliances, attracting dirt and causing it to stick to your appliances.
All you need is a couple drops of oil onto a microfiber cloth or straight into the pan, then start to surface the surface. Follow the grain of the stainless steel for the best results. If you feel the surface is too greasy, just grab a dry cloth and wipe the surface down until there is no more left over grease.
5. Ignoring Rust Spots
Many people will ignore the rust on their appliances thinking its just a stubborn stain. While rust on stainless steel is unlikely, too much moisture and harsh chemicals corrode the surface. Leading to discolouration and corrosion.
To avoid rust its pretty simple, keep the appliances dry! Wipe them down immediately after washing. For harsher cleaning methods, use baking soda and water to ensure the surface isn’t damaged.
6. Scrubbing Against the Grain
Using abrasive scrubbers against the grain can cause visible streaks and scratches. This makes your shiny stainless steel appliances look dull.
To keep your appliances shiny and stainless, don’t scrub against the grain. Follow the same direction, wiping an oil with a microfiber cloth. If you’re unsure of the grain direction, shine a bright light from above to find the pattern.
Conclusion
Knowing how to clean stainless steel appliances the right way will make a huge difference in keeping the sleek polished look for longer. By following these dos and don’ts you will be able to keep your appliances for years to come.
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