Stainless steel appliances can bring modernism and elegance into any kitchen; however, sometimes cleaning them can be a slightly tricky task. Cleaning stainless steel appliances properly, in my opinion, involves preventing fingerprints, smudges, and stains and maintaining their luster for years. Whether a refrigerator, an oven, or a dishwasher, the proper cleaning techniques can make a significant amount of difference. I suggest one follow the simple cleaning procedures mentioned below and keep the stainless steel appliances looking new.
What Cleans Stainless Steel Appliances?
In cleaning stainless appliances, the right products and methods really matter. Stainless steel attracts dust, grease, and water stains easily, making regular cleaning very important. Here are some of the excellent methods for cleaning your stainless steel appliances:
- Microfiber Cloth and Warm Water: Your appliance won’t be too dirty, so dampening the microfiber cloth and wiping the smudges will suffice.
- Vinegar and Water Solution: This is an all-natural way to clean your stainless steel, and the best part is that it will leave no streaks. Combine one part vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the surface and wipe it off with a soft cloth.
- Dish Soap and Water: Dilution should follow commercial recommendations and apply mild dish soap and warm water with a sponge to soak up the grease and grime.
- Stainless Appliance Cleaner: Many canned cleaners claim to be made specifically for stainless steel surfaces. These help in getting rid of stubborn stains and in keeping the shine on appliances.
- Baking Soda Paste: If there are tough spots or stubborn stains, I think you should prepare a paste of baking soda and water. Lightly rub this onto the stains, then wipe if you want with a damp cloth.
What Is the Best Cleaner to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances?
If you prefer a store-bought stainless appliance cleaner, there are many different options available. Here are some of the best ones to use for cleaning stainless steel appliances:
| Best Cleaners | Why It Works |
| Vinegar and Water | Natural and streak-free cleaner |
| Dish Soap and Water | Mild and removes grease |
| Baking Soda Paste | Good for tough stains |
| Stainless Appliance Cleaner | Removes fingerprints and adds shine |
| Olive Oil and Lemon | Natural polish for extra shine |
When selecting a cleaner, I would recommend a non-abrasive product safe for stainless steel. If in doubt about a cleaner, always try it out in a small hidden area first.
DIY Cleaner for Stainless Steel Appliances
For anyone keen on natural solutions, you can create a homemade cleaner for appliances from simple ingredients. The preparation goes like this:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 5 drops lemon essential oil (optional for fresh scent)
Instructions:
- Combine the vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray on cleaning appliances and wipe down using a microfiber cloth.
- Apply a small amount of olive oil with a soft cloth to polish the surface and remove streaks.
- The DIY cleaner is cheap, green, and safe for your family.
Tips for Keeping Stainless Steel Appliances Clean
- Wipe in the direction of the Grain: Stainless steel has a brushed finish, and wiping in the grain direction helps avoid streaks.
- Don’t Use Harsh Scrubbers: I recommend using soft microfiber cloths instead of steel wool or aggressive scouring pads that might scratch the surface.
- Dry Immediately: Leaving water on a stainless surface may cause water spots, so drying immediately with a clean cloth is highly recommended.
- Regular Polishing: For that gleaming look, polish occasionally with olive oil; once a week is good.
FAQs About Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances
- What is the best home remedy for cleaning stainless steel appliances?
A mixture of vinegar and water is a perfect home remedy for cleaning stainless steel appliances. The mixture helps in removing the stains without leaving streaks.
- Can I use baking soda on stainless steel appliances?
Yes. Baking soda is safe and helps in removing tough stains without scratching the surface.
- Is glass cleaner safe for stainless steel?
It’s best to steer clear of ammonia-base glass cleaners, as those will leave streaky marks and damage the finish.
- How often do I clean my stainless steel appliances?
Spare a few minutes every day to wipe off fingerprints and smudges, whilst a proper clean will be best done once a week.
- What’s the best stainless appliance cleaner for fingerprints?
Either vinegar and water or commercially prepared cleaning agents for Stainless Steel Appliances will do wonders for fingerprints.
- Can I use olive oil on stainless steel?
Yes, olive oil is great for polishing and providing a natural shine to your cleaning stainless appliances.
- What should I avoid when cleaning stainless steel appliances?
Avoid using bleach, chlorine, and rough scrubbers that are able to scratch the surface.
- Do professional cleaning services clean stainless steel?
Yes, many appliance cleaning services offer professional cleaning for stainless steel to help remove stains and restore shine.
- How do I clean off hard water stain marks from stainless steel appliances?
Mix equal parts vinegar and water, apply them to the stain, allow it to sit for a few minutes, then wipe off with a clean cloth.
- May I use the magic eraser on stainless steel?
Not recommended, as it could potentially leave scratches that would be visible.
Final Thoughts
I can assure you, that cleaning stainless steel appliances does not have to be rocket science. Sticking to a good stainless appliance cleaner or some simple home remedies will definitely keep your kitchen looking clean. And if you need help from professionals, you can always call an appliance cleaning service like GOGETFIX to keep your stainless appliances in tip-top shape. Try those easy tips, and your kitchen will be cleaner and shinier!