Stainless steel appliances have become a popular choice for modern kitchens due to their sleek, contemporary appearance and durability. While they're known for their resilience against rust and staining, they can still lose their shine over time. In this guide, we'll show you how to clean stainless steel appliances and ensure they continue to dazzle in your kitchen.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies:
Before you start cleaning, it's essential to have the right tools and materials on hand. Here's a list of what you'll need:
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Microfiber cloths
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Warm water
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Mild dish soap
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White vinegar
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Baking soda
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Olive oil or specialized stainless steel cleaner
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A soft-bristle brush or toothbrush
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Rubber gloves (optional)
Daily Maintenance:
To keep your stainless steel appliances looking their best, make it a habit to wipe them down regularly with a microfiber cloth and warm, soapy water. This simple step helps remove everyday smudges, fingerprints, and spills. Remember to always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks. It’s also just as important to use a clean, dry cloth to dry the appliance completely, to remove any remaining water droplets.
Removing Stubborn Stains:
Sometimes, tougher stains or dried-on spills can mar the surface of your stainless steel appliances. For these situations, try the following:
1. Make a vinegar cleaning solution:
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Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. This natural solution effectively breaks down stains without damaging the steel.
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Spray and soak: Spray the vinegar solution onto the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the stains.
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Scrub gently: Use a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the stained areas in the direction of the grain. Be very gentle to avoid scratching the surface.
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Rinse and dry: Wipe away the residue with a clean, damp microfiber cloth, then dry the appliance thoroughly to prevent water spots.
2. Make a baking soda and water solution:
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Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water. The consistency should be thick enough to adhere to the stain.
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Apply the baking soda paste to the stain, ensuring full coverage.
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Let it sit for 15-30 minutes to allow the paste to break down the stain.
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Wipe the paste away with a damp cloth. Make sure to wipe in the direction of the grain for the best results.
3. Barry's Restore It All Stainless Steel Cleaner:
Commercial stainless steel cleaners such as Barry’s Restore It All Scratch-B-Gone Homeowner Kit are formulated specifically to remove tough stains without harming the surface of your appliance. Barry's Scratch-B-Gone comes with easy-to-follow instructions and the company has also provided a detailed video demonstration.
Polishing for Shine:
To give your stainless steel appliances that showroom-worthy shine:
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Apply a small amount of olive oil or a specialized stainless steel cleaner to a microfiber cloth.
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Buff the surface in the direction of the grain. This will help remove any streaks and restore the stainless steel's luster.
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Wipe away any excess oil or cleaner with a dry cloth to avoid a greasy residue.
Protecting Against Future Stains:
Consider using stainless steel polish or a protective spray to create a barrier that prevents fingerprints and smudges. This extra step can save you time on cleaning in the long run.
How to Clean Black Stainless Steel Appliances?
If your stainless steel appliances have different finishes, like brushed or black stainless steel, it’s always best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning to avoid damage or discoloration, if provided. However, a good home remedy we always recommend is using warm water, mild dish soap, and a microfiber cloth for deep cleaning black stainless steel. If you’re looking for a black stainless steel cleaner, we recommend Therapy Clean Stainless Steel Cleaner as it is safe to use.
Tips to Know:
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Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers.
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Do not use harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia.
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For the best maintenance and longevity of the appliance, it’s best to wipe it regularly with a damp microfiber or soft cotton cloth to prevent dirt and grime build-up.
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You can buff out your appliance! However, be sure to use a soft cloth as this won't scratch it but rather give it a bit of sparkle!
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Use a food-grade and non-toxic solution to avoid contaminating food.
With just a bit of regular care and the right cleaning techniques, you can keep your stainless steel appliances looking as good as new. As someone who may be extremely busy, you no longer need to spend hours scrubbing and polishing. Incorporate these cleaning tips into your routine, and your kitchen will continue to shine! So go and enjoy your beautiful stainless steel appliances in your dream kitchen!
If you’re ready to purchase additional stainless steel appliances, call us at 1 (866) 212-9706 or book a consultation with one of our stainless steel product experts!
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