Kitchen Cleaning - How To Clean Stainless Steel And Make It Shine
Stainless steel's glossy finish looks great but gets easily smeared by fingerprints and smudges. Although there are dozens of ways to clean stainless steel appliances, here you'll find three of the most effective ones. Keep reading!
Method #1. Vinegar and baby oil
It's not surprising that vinegar made it into this list, as its acidic properties make it perfect for removing stains on almost any surface. Follow these steps:
- Prepare a microfiber cloth: Using a paper towel could leave residue, so it's best to use a microfiber cloth instead. Damp the rag with a vinegar and water mix and wipe the appliance using the proper technique coming up next.
- Clean in the direction of the grain: Look closely. Stainless steel has grain, just like wood and other materials. So, to achieve a better result, wipe in the direction of this grain. Otherwise, the tiny residue could get trapped in the numerous grain crevices and slits.
Once you finish wiping, your appliance will look like new. So what's with the baby oil? If you want to give your steel surfaces a shiny look:
- Buff the surface: Use a microfiber cloth and a few drops of baby oil. Remember: follow the grain.
- Avoid applying it on your stove or cooktop: Baby oil (like any mineral oil) is petroleum based, and it's best to avoid accidents.
Method #2. Baking soda
Some people don't like oil in its stainless steel surfaces as they think it attracts dirt and dust more easily. So, an alternative like baking soda comes great as it will clean your appliances while making them shine. Just keep in mind that this method takes longer to carry out.
- Make a cleaning mix: Prepare a paste by mixing three parts of baking soda and one part of water until reaching toothpaste thickness (adjust quantities if necessary).
- Apply the paste: Spread the mix over the surface you want to clean and let it act for about five minutes.
- Remove the paste: Use warm water to dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe the paste. Do this along the grain.
Note: You won't need to buff your stainless steel surface. The mild abrasiveness of the baking soda will clean and polish your appliance.
Method #3. Clean water
Now, you may think, what's the point of vinegar and baking soda methods if water is a simpler option? Well, water only helps you with small, non-greasy smudges. Anything more than that, and you will need to bring out the big weapons.
To apply water to your stainless steel appliances, do the following:
- Wipe with a warm cloth: Dampen your preferred microfiber cloth with warm water and wipe the smudges off.
- Dry the surface: Water can sometimes leave spots after evaporating. So, don't finish the job without drying the surface with a clean cloth.
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