Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances: What You Need to Know

Stainless steel is best known for its properties like rust and corrosion resistance. For the same reason, people choose stainless steel appliances widely in bathrooms and kitchens. However, having one at our home makes us realize how rarely stainless they are and how difficult it is cleaning stainless steel appliances. Water stains and fingerprints are likely to be present on the surfaces of ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators, especially if we have children running around in our homes. 

Too much dirt and grime will also make stainless steel appliances prone to rusting. Using harsh chemicals might help revive their showroom beauty, but such products might also lessen their lifetime. You need not use expensive harsh chemicals on these appliances to make them look fine - you can start with the basics to achieve the finest look. While going through several summer cleaning tips for cleaning and home maintenance, we will also have to understand how to clean stainless steel appliances at our homes. 

What To Keep In Mind While Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances?

• Find out the direction of the grain on the appliance to clean with the grain. Wiping vertically to the grain will let more residue go into the crevices, so wiping with the grain gives the best shine. However, nothing dramatic will happen if you do not clean with the grain, and you will not ruin your appliance.

• Make sure to get non-abrasive cleaning cloths to clean stainless steel. Cotton cloth is a great choice as they would not have residual lint. Paper towels are also good picks to clean stainless steel appliances, but they might leave some lint on the surfaces. 

Here are some other alternatives to use while cleaning stainless steel appliances to help you achieve the desired outcome. 

Dish Soap and Baby Oil 

Dish soap is very effective for cleaning grime on stainless steel as it cleans off oil and helps in simplifying the final polishing. You can put some dish soap onto a damp cotton rag and wipe the surface along the direction of the grain. Cleaning and polishing the appliance afterwards helps to get optimal results. 

Lemon Oil Polish 

We do not recommend the direct application of furniture polish on the stainless steel surfaces, as it cannot get applied evenly. It can make the cleaning more work as you might have to clean off the excess oil. Therefore, clean the surfaces by applying a bit of furniture polish onto a cotton rag followed by wiping with a clean microfibre cloth. 

White Vinegar and Olive Oil 

Spray some white vinegar on the surface of the appliances or apply some amount of it onto a microfibre cloth and let it sit for some time. You can then wipe the appliances along the direction of the grain on the surface. Continue with the cleaning and see if you need to apply more vinegar to clean grime.

Follow by dabbing a clean towel with a little olive oil and polishing the cleaned surface. You can use a clean cloth to wipe if there is any residual oil on the surface of the appliances.

Glass Cleaner

Fingerprints are likely to form more often on stainless steel appliances, especially if we have children at our home. But, do not worry, you can use a glass cleaner to remove fingerprints. Spray the glass cleaner onto a microfibre cloth and apply it evenly on the appliance. Clean it in a circular motion, and repeat as necessary. Do not apply glass cleaners directly on the surfaces as they may cause splatter residue and drip marks on the surfaces.

Water and Rag

Using water for cleaning stainless steel has zero risks. It also has the benefit of cleaning the majority of dirt situations. Wipe the surfaces with a warm towel to prevent the formation of water spots on their surfaces as minerals in the water tend to leave their deposits on steel surfaces.

Follow the direction of the grain while wiping to get good results. You can use a microfibre cloth to wipe the surfaces as they do an exceptional job of absorbing water without scratching the surfaces. Special polishing cloths are also widely available in the market. You can get one to clean the smudges and give stainless steel appliances of your home a polished look.

Flour

Use this cleaning tip for cleaning pots and pans made of stainless steel. You can also use flour to clean the kitchen sink. Cover the sink in flour after cleaning it thoroughly to get rid of dirt and dust. Use a cloth and rub the sink in circular motions until the sink starts to shine well. It is one of the most natural ways to clean stainless steel utensils and sink. Hence, those who are allergic to other cleaners can always rely on flour for cleaning stainless steel utensils.

What Not to Do While Cleaning Stainless Steel?

• Do not use steel wool, ammonia, bleach, or any other scrubbing powders on stainless steel. It will damage the finish of the appliance.

• Never wipe the surfaces against the metal’s grain to minimize streaks. Scrub sinks and pots made of stainless steel in a circular motion - it helps to hide scratches from them. 

• Avoid letting stainless steel appliances sit and air dry. Cleaning them with a clean microfibre cloth will keep the stains and streaks away.

Stainless Steel Appliances Cleaning Service in Singapore

If you are in Singapore and are worried about cleaning your kitchen or stainless steel appliances, get in touch with the best cleaning service provider in Singapore - the Sendhelper.

All you have to do is download the Sendhelper app and book a regular or deep cleaning service. The app remembers your preferred location and services, which lets you book a service with just one tap the next time. We will be there at your doorsteps at your preferred schedule.