Stainless steel appliances have been trendy for over two decades now. Many are attracted to its modern, sleek look and how it complements any kitchen décor. Perhaps this is your reason for choosing stainless-steel over white or black appliances.
A downside about stainless steel appliances is how easily it displays fingerprints, water stains, smudges, and streaks. But the good news is stainless steel is easy to clean.
Did You Know
Stainless steel is made of a combination of metals that makes it durable and resistible to rust and corrosion. It is also non-porous, which means it resists lingering germs and bacteria. This is a big plus for keeping your kitchen hygienic.
There are different grades and finishes of stainless steel, such as matte, brushed, and satin. For this reason, consult your appliance’s manufacturer website or owner’s manual for recommendations and know if there are any products you need to avoid.
Regardless of the type of stainless steel, to prevent damage to its beautiful finish, avoid using abrasive cleaners, scouring powders, and steel wool. If in doubt, before trying any cleaning agent, test it first in an inconspicuous spot. It’s also important to work fast and not allow any cleaner to dry on the surface to avoid staining.
Make it a Daily Routine
Especially if you have little ones, you know how hard it is to keep your appliance fingerprint and smudge-free. Make it your aim to wipe down your appliance daily with a soft cloth and hot water to avoid stains and water spots from building up, making it more challenging to remove them later.
If you prefer to use a store-bought stainless-steel cleaning product, Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes is a great choice. It effectively eliminates surface fingerprints, grease, streaks, and residue build-up.
Suppose you don’t have any store-bought products to clean your stainless-steel or prefer not to use them. In that case, you can utilize simple household items you already have in your kitchen to clean grease and residue build-up off your appliances effectively.
Utilize These Household Products
Water and Dish Soap
This is a good choice for light cleaning. Mix a few drops of dish soap to a cup of water. Make sure you use a soft cloth like a microfiber one and clean along the grain. Rinse the cloth, wipe, and completely dry with a clean cloth to avoid streaks.
Distilled White Vinegar
To remove stubborn stains, you can use white vinegar. Simply mix a solution made of 2-part water and 1-part vinegar. Spray on the soft cloth and wipe the appliance. Rinse thoroughly with a clean damp cloth and dry it.
Baking soda
Another option for stubborn spots is using baking soda. Just mix a little bit of baking soda and water to make a paste. Let sit for at least 10 minutes and scrub with a soft damp cloth in the direction of the grain. Wipe with a clean damp cloth and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Revive a Dull Look
Now that you have cleaned the grease and stains, there is a simple way you can restore the shine to the stainless-steel.
Lemon Oil
This is a chemical-free option to buff your stainless steel. Simply put a few drops of oil onto a cloth and softly rub in small circular motions. If you don’t have lemon oil, you may use other oils such as mineral oil, olive oil, and even baby oil. Buff until your desired shine is achieved. Then wipe off the oil with a clean cloth in the direction of the grain.
If you rather buy an oil-based cleaner, Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish Trigger will do the job. It contains a protective barrier that prevents fingerprints and smudges, thus reducing the amount of cleaning.
Conclusion
True, stainless-steel appliances attract smudges, fingerprints, and dirt, but you can help minimize them. Whether you use a commercial cleaner or a chemical-free household item, you can clean and polish your appliances to achieve a clean and sheen look. The key is to keep a regular routine. Do you need help in scheduling your household cleaning? Dirtfree can help you create and maintain a schedule. Try it today with a 2-week free trial!
