As you will read above and below, to avoid scratches on your stainless steel, you should never use anything rough or bristled, and definitely do not use steel wool. You should also never use paper towels. Paper towels leave behind lint and depending on the brand of paper towel you use – it can also leave scratches.
The minerals in water can leave marks on stainless steel, so it's important to use a microfiber cloth; other types of cleaning cloths may not absorb all of the water.
DON'T use chlorine bleach, chloride, oven cleaner, or other abrasive cleaners. Many different cleaners contain chlorides or chlorine. These chemicals and other abrasive cleaners will cause surface pitting. They can also strip the protective chrome oxide barrier from stainless steel.
Stainless surfaces can become scratched and then they're less pretty. Wipe them down with microfiber cloths, which have short, fine fibers and won't mess up the finish.
As you will read above and below, to avoid scratches on your stainless steel, you should never use anything rough or bristled, and definitely do not use steel wool. You should also never use paper towels. Paper towels leave behind lint and depending on the brand of paper towel you use – it can also leave scratches.
Microfiber Cloth for Stainless Steel. All Weiman stainless steel cleaners and polishes work even better when used with the Weiman Microfiber Cloth for Stainless Steel. One side is designed to clean, the other to polish. The results are simply flawless.
Use a microfiber or soft cloth when wiping down your appliances. Avoid cleaners that can damage steel and finishes. Instead, clean your stainless steel appliances with a dish soap like Dawn® Platinum. Its unique formula is tough enough to break up grease and grime while staying gentle on stainless steel surfaces.
Remove deep scratches from stainless steel by cleaning the surface with a mild detergent and water. Use wet sandpaper (400-600 grit) to sand along the grain, then switch to finer grit paper (800-1000) for smoothing. Finish by applying a stainless steel polish or rubbing compound to restore shine.
The best abrasive grains to cut and grind stainless steel alloys include aluminum oxide, zirconia, and ceramic. Zirconia will outperform aluminum oxide in stainless steel applications.
To reduce scratches on stainless steel, apply a fine layer of toothpaste with a soft cloth in the direction that your custom stainless steel panel has been brushed.
Olive oil
This kitchen staple not only cleans stainless steel, but it also helps protect it from water spots and fingerprint smudges.
Avoid using regular Windex on stainless steel, as the ammonia content can damage the material. Although it is possible to clean stainless steel with ammonia-free Windex, it is best not to take the chance because it is difficult to tell how a cleaner will react with stainless steel.
Experience a gratifying clean with Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Scrubbers. These pot scrubbers cut through and remove tough soil and burnt-on food fast. Use these tough dish scrubbies to target grease, grime and dirt on safe-to-use surfaces, such as stainless steel cookware, pots, pans, grills and broilers.
Be careful not to use any of the following on your stainless steel appliances as they can scratch or damage the finish: products containing bleach, abrasive or grainy cleaners, glass cleaner, oven cleaner, ammonia or abrasive cloths or pads like steel wool.
Vinegar and olive oil are two must-haves in any kitchen.
They're ideal for cleaning stainless steel surfaces too! Here's how to use them: Wipe down the surface to remove any dust and grime. Spray a small amount of vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar) onto the surface.
Chloride ion is the most common of these and is found in everyday materials such as salt and bleach. Harsh pitting corrosion is a localized damage that eats pits into stainless steel. In addition to chloride ion, can be caused by elevated temperatures for extended amounts of time or lack of oxygen to the surface.
Because scourers can scratch your stainless steel, opt for soft, microfiber towels instead. Here's a list of the tools and cleaners you should have on hand for cleaning your appliances: Warm water. Dawn dish soap or Bar Keeper's Friend.
Abrasive scouring pads and harsh chemicals might tackle grime, but they also leave behind microscopic scratches that dull the surface. Opt for gentler cleaning methods - warm soapy water and a soft microfiber cloth are your best bet. If the steel will be used for cooking, avoid using metal spatulas and whisks.
Proper handling of stainless steel is crucial to prevent corrosion and extend the life of stainless steel. For cleaning, always use a microfiber cloth and cleaning products specifically designed for stainless steel. Avoid using chloride cleaners, abrasive scrubbers, or any cleaning agents that can damage the surface.