How To Clean Stainless Steel

No matter if you are in an industrial kitchen or just your household kitchen, maintaining the look and the cleanliness of your stainless is essential.

There are plenty of products on the market that claim to be able to help you, but you can also do just as good with just knowing how to handle it.

Stainless steel is hard to keep clean because streaks and fingerprints show up easily. It is easier to see grime, grease and fingertips on stainless than on windows. To help you to keep your stainless steel countertops, utensils and appliances clean, follow these basic rules of thumb.

Clean With The Grain:

Take a close look at the grain of the stainless steel. Do not rub against it as this will cause it to become permanently scratched.

Don’t Use Abrasives:

This will cause the stainless steel to become permanently scratched.

Cleaners:

Here are a few of the things that you probably have lying around your home that can help you to get a great look from your stainless steel.

First try a clean terry cloth and plain water. Make sure that you go over the area with a dry paper towel to shine it for a streak free look.

Glass Cleaner:

Glass cleaner works really well to remove fingerprints. This is especially helpful on your stainless steel refrigerator or other appliances. Make sure that you rinse them thoroughly and always shine with a dry paper towel.

Mild Detergent:

Regular liquid dishwashing detergent works really well to remove grease stains and fingerprints. Rinse with warm water and shine.

There are also stainless steel cleaners on the market that you can use. These help mask scratches and may help with staining. You can use them to polish the area as well. Follow the directions provided with the product to get the best results.

Vegetable or Baby Oil:

Mrs. Clean, (we are a real house cleaning company btw) uses baby oil to clean and shine stainless steel. Wiping very well with a paper towel to give the surface a high shine

Baby oil will help to get rid of hard to remove streaks and help mask scratches.

Club Soda:

You can apply club soda to the area of the stainless when there are streaks or stains.

Vinegar:

Use white vinegar that is applied to a terry cloth. Clean and polish the stainless with this product, undiluted. This can help to remove heat stains that you have on your stainless.

Below you will find some additional tips to help you keep stainless steel clean, especially on your utensils.

Keeping Stainless Steel Clean:

You can use the methods below to help you clean your stainless steel.

• Wash the stainless flatware as you would any other dish product. Most products can be placed in a dishwasher.
• Rinse them off before you place them in the dishwasher. Use a mild dish detergent to clean.
• Do not use abrasive cleaning products on stainless steel. It will cause scratching and wear.
• Keep pans and utensils from burning as this will permanently mark most of them.
• Using baking soda to help you remove the foods that are stuck or burned on.