How do you clean stainless steel like new?

Author: Bianka Purdy  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Baking soda and vinegar are two pantry staples that can be used to clean stainless steel. You can use baking soda by making a paste with water to gently rub on the surface of your appliance. Vinegar can be used as a stainless steel cleaner when mixed with mineral oil.

How to make stainless steel look new again?

Combine one part vinegar with eight parts water. Spray the solution on the stainless surfaces and let it sit for five minutes. Afterwards, rinse with cool water or wipe with a damp cloth. After your stainless steel surfaces have dried, sprinkle them with olive oil and wipe them with a clean cloth.

What is the best thing to use to clean stainless steel?

The Best At-Home Methods for Cleaning Stainless Steel

Many people swear by the simple combination of vinegar and olive oil for keeping their stainless steel appliances clean. Add white vinegar to a clean spray bottle. Spray down your stainless steel appliance. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

How to get stainless steel clean and shiny?

- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. - Dampen a microfiber cloth in the soapy water and wipe down the stainless steel surface to remove dirt and fingerprints. Rinse: - Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe off any soap residue. Dry: - Use a dry microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry the surface.

How do you get brown stuff off stainless steel?

Use Baking Soda

Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. If you have a very stubborn stain on your pan, like burnt food, you can add a few tablespoons of white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the water before it boils. Let the water boil for about 10 minutes.

How To Clean a Stainless Steel Appliance Like a PRO!

Does vinegar damage stainless steel?

Vinegar is highly acidic and should (almost) never be used on stainless steel because it can begin to eat through the protective coating over time. While it may not be evident at first, you will gradually start to dull the surface as the acid eats its way through the exterior coating and will make an uneven finish.

What causes brown stains on stainless steel?

Stainless steel sinks are known for their durability and sleek appearance. However, over time, they can develop brown stains caused by hard water, food particles, or rust. These stains can diminish the sink's beauty, but the good news is they are easy to remove with the right approach.

Can I use Windex on stainless steel?

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.

How to make stainless steel shine like chrome?

Using a bit of flour and elbow grease:
  1. Cover the entire stainless steel surface with a thin layer of flour (no clumps, just a fine coat).
  2. Once the flour is applied over the entire surface, repeat the buffing process with a dry cloth.
  3. Wipe away any excess flour after buffing.

How to make a stainless steel sink look like new?

Six Steps To Clean A Stainless Steel Sink
  1. Empty your sink.
  2. Sprinkle with baking soda.
  3. Add some dish sap.
  4. Scrub.
  5. Rinse.
  6. Dry or Buff.

What not to clean stainless steel with?

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.

Can you use Dawn to clean stainless steel?

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.

What is the best wash for stainless steel?

Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser, Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser, and Bar Keepers Friend MORE Spray+Foam are perfect for regularly cleaning stainless steel sinks and cookware. Each of these products is non-abrasive and won't harm the chrome oxide barrier when used properly.

What is the best cleaner for stainless steel?

You can clean stainless steel naturally with various nonabrasive techniques like microfiber cloths, sponges, and cleaning solutions like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, mild soaps, and more.

How do you make stainless steel look old?

How to Make Bronze and Steel Look Old
  1. Turn on a hotplate of your stove and place your item there.
  2. After it gets hot, carefully use tweezers to grab it and throw it in a small glass filled with olive oil. I guess every sort of oil will do the job.
  3. That's it! Your item will oxidize the moment it touches the oil.

How to make stainless steel shine without polish?

To make the surface of your stainless steel appliance shiny and protect it from fingerprints, add a small drop of olive oil to a cloth and buff it on the surface, working in the direction of the grain, and then wipe away excess with a dry cloth.

How do you clean stainless steel so it shines?

Boil with Vinegar and Water

Hard water can leave white, cloudy-looking residue on your stainless-steel pans. To get rid of this chalky buildup, bring a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to a boil in the pan. Let it cool, then wash with soap and water.

What is the best thing to polish stainless steel with?

It's best to use greystar with a fixed buffing wheel when working on stainless steel.

Does vinegar clean stainless steel?

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.

Can I use Clorox wipes on stainless steel?

Using any cleaner containing bleach, such as Clorox wipes, should not be used on metal surfaces like stainless steel, as this could result in corrosion or rust.

What liquid is used to clean stainless steel?

Light soiling Soap, detergent or dilute (1%) ammonia solution in warm clean water. Apply with a clean sponge, soft cloth or soft-fibrebrush then rinse in clean water and dry. Proprietary traffic film removers (TFR) as used for cleaning cars show good results and are easily removed to leave a streak free finish.

Why does my stainless steel always look dirty?

Problem: Chalky White Spots

Solution: The unsightly spots on a gleaming pan are typically caused by a buildup of the calcium found in water. Remove them by boiling a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Let it cool completely, then wash and dry the pan as usual.

Which bar keeper's friend for stainless steel?

Bar Keepers Friend Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish contains no harsh abrasives and is formulated specifically to clean stainless steel without scratching or dulling surfaces. The finest in stainless steel care, this stainless steel cleaner shines stainless steel and wipes away easily.

How do you season stainless steel?

To season stainless steel:
  1. Preheat pan on medium-high.
  2. Add a small amount of oil to the pan, just enough to coat with a thin layer. ...
  3. Use a paper towel to evenly spread oil around the surface.
  4. Wait until the oil starts to smoke, then remove the pan from heat. ...
  5. Wipe out any excess oil with a paper towel.

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