How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
Whether you’re giving your entire house a deep clean or want to make your stainless-steel appliances sparkle, there are several cleaning tips and hacks for you to try. Contrary to its name, stainless steel gets dirty from kitchen spills, fingerprint smudges, etc. Cleaning your appliances regularly can help prevent a build-up of dirt, making it easier to clean. This article lists five steps to help you eliminate those stubborn stains. So, find a fun playlist, grab your cleaning supplies, and get cleaning!
How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
Explore the following steps on how to clean stainless steel appliances:
1. Gather All Your Cleaning Supplies.
To clean your stainless steel appliances, you need soft cloths or paper towels, a cleaning solution, a spray bottle, baking soda, vinegar, club soda, and dish soap that doesn’t contain chlorine. You can also buy specific stainless-steel cleaners if time and ease are of the essence. Cleaning products, such as bleach, all-purpose cleaners, and oven cleaners, can irritate your eyes and skin, so it’s essential to wear gloves, use them according to the instructions, and store them safely when you’re done.
2. Wipe Those Surfaces Regularly.
The easiest way to keep stainless steel surfaces and countertops clean is to clean them regularly. You can wipe stainless steel kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators and ovens, and stainless steel sinks with a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel because they trap and lift the dirt without scratching the finishing, which scrubbers might do. Fill the spray bottle with tap water, spray the surfaces you want to clean, and wipe in the direction of the grain. Wiping against the grain may cause abrasion.
If you want to get rid of food stains and fingerprints, you can use club soda, which removes these stains and adds shine. After wiping these surfaces with a damp cloth, go over them with a dry microfiber cloth to remove moisture because it prevents water spots from forming.
3. Scrub Away Stubborn Grease Stains.
Stainless steel cookware like pots, pans, and stovetops tend to get greasy because of the oils and seasonings people use to cook. To clean these stains, remove excess oil with a paper towel and add warm water to deglaze the pan. Grab a scouring pad, dish scrubber, and dish soap, and scrub the stains away. For tough stains, you may need to apply extra elbow grease.
If the stains won’t disappear, add some baking soda in the center of the pot or pan, add hot water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Switch the heat off, when the mixture evaporates it leaves a film you can scrub off, which may help remove stains. Wear gloves and use a brush with a long handle for your protection.
4. Get Rid of Rust.
Stainless steel appliances can rust – if the stainless steel has impurities or if you use products with harsh chemicals like bleach, rusting can occur. To prevent rusting, clean appliances with mild dish soap and wipe them with soft, clean cloths. If rusting has already happened, make a DIY paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the affected areas, and wipe gently toward the grain.
You can also use a bar cleaner powder, which contains oxalic acid – a chemical that reacts with rust, making it easy to get rid of. But a head’s up to use oxalic acid cautiously. Avoid steel wool because its small particles can stick to your appliances and cause rust.
5. Add Shine to Your Appliances
Once you finish cleaning your appliances, add a few drops of lemon or baby oil to give them that shine and make them look brand new. Mixing lemon or olive oil and white vinegar in equal parts and wiping in a circular motion can also help add shine and freshness to your stainless steel refrigerator while removing fingerprints and grime. Consider lightly buffing your appliances with sandpaper to level uneven surfaces and remove scratches.
You can make your stainless-steel appliances look brand new with some elbow grease, a handful of cleaning supplies, and a fun music playlist. Wiping these appliances regularly and using typical household ingredients like baking soda can improve their appearance. So, get cleaning to make your stainless steel appliances shine!