Stainless steel appliances add a visual appeal to your kitchen with their smooth, matte exterior finish that gives your kitchen a luxurious and sleek appearance. Its non-porous surface is also resistant to water and bacterial growth which is one of the many reasons why stainless steel appliances are so popular. Stainless steel as we know it is also durable and anti-rust but that does not mean it cannot get damaged. By cleaning your stainless steel appliances the correct way, you are protecting it against vulnerabilities that can shorten its lifespan. Continue reading the article to learn about proper care tips to keep your stainless steel appliances looking shiny without causing harm.
Looking for the Grain
Just like leather, stainless steel has a grain. It is recommended by experts that you should look for this grain when polishing and wiping your stainless steel appliances. The grain can either run horizontally or vertically in a brushed motion. Spotting the grain and cleaning in the same direction can provide an extra shine to your appliances.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances
There are several cleaning solutions and products you need to avoid when cleaning stainless steel and they include the following:
- Polish that contains corrosive chemicals may corrode off the surface of the stainless steel appliances
- Products that contain chlorine bleach or chloride are too harsh for stainless steel
- Using steel wool and brushes or scrubbing pads which may scratch the surface as the protective layer of the stainless steel is scrubbed off
- Avoid cleaning the stainless steel while it is still warm as the protective layer may be wiped away
Things to Use
You need to use specific types of cleaning supplies to tackle the different areas of stainless steel appliances to keep them sparking longer. Below is a simple guide you can refer to:
- You can use diluted vinegar for limescale. Use it along with a soft cloth to buff away the limescale in a gentle motion.
- Adhesives like stick tape leave a residue. This can be gotten rid of by using a small amount of mile acetone solution or a nail polish remover. Use it on a soft cloth and wipe away gently.
- Tea and coffee also leave a residual stain. Sprinkle some baking soda on the affected area and leave it on for a few minutes. It will be absorbed into the stain and you can easily wipe it away with a clean piece of cloth.
- To get rid of water without any stains, you can use a microfiber cloth. It is soft and does not scratch the surface of the stainless steel appliance. Furthermore, microfiber is a good material for water as it is highly absorbent.
Applying a Layer of Shine on Stainless Steel Appliances
Major scratches are best left to the experts but tiny scratches can be eliminated on your own with simple home remedies. Apply a thin layer of toothpaste to the area with scratches and leave it on for a little while before buffing it with a soft toothbrush. This can easily get rid of superficial surface scratches efficiently in no time.
