In a spray bottle, prepare a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray the solution directly onto the hard water stains and let it sit for five to 10 minutes. Use a microfiber cloth or sponge to gently scrub the stains. Rinse the area with clean water to remove any remaining vinegar solution.
Spray the vinegar directly on to the water stain, and let it sit for about five minutes. Then take your cloth or paper towel and gently wipe the sprayed area in the direction of the stainless steel's grain. Repeat this process until the stain has been removed.
To remove stains from stainless steel, use a mixture of baking soda and water to form a paste, apply it to the stain, and gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge. For tougher stains, you can use vinegar or a stainless steel cleaner. Always rinse thoroughly and dry to prevent water spots.
The best way to clean stainless steel is to use a mixture of vinegar and water. The acidic properties of the vinegar will help dissolve dirt and grime, while the water prevents it from scratching.
Olive oil is a great option for cleaning stainless steel, such as pots, pans, and appliances.
To make: Start with a clean spray bottle. Pour in white vinegar, Blue Dawn liquid dishwashing detergent and water. Apply the spray top and shake to mix. To use: Shake to mix then spray it liberally on the stainless steel surface you want to clean.
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.
Don't Use Magic Erasers on Chrome or Stainless-Steel Surfaces & Fixtures. Contrary to popular belief cleaning stainless steel or chrome surfaces with harsh cleaning tools like scouring pads, SOS pads or others is a big no.
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.
"When water evaporates, it leaves behind all the minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, or other deposits that can adhere to the surface," says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean. "Over time, these deposits build up and appear as white cloudy spots and streaks."
Baking soda is a classic method of removing hard water stains from a multitude of surfaces. Simply mix baking soda and water until you have the consistency of a paste, and then apply the paste to the surface with water stains. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and then scrub it gently with an old toothbrush or sponge.
So can hydrogen peroxide be used on anything in the home? It's safe to use on most nonporous surfaces such as tile or stainless steel, and many people use it to disinfect surfaces, whiten fabrics (it works like bleach), and remove stains from light-colored upholstery and carpet.
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.
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.
Stainless steel brightener can help remove rust and yellow stains. Baking soda and water can help restore stainless steel with heat discoloration. Clean away water spots with the help of diluted white vinegar. Buff fingerprints off your stainless steel finish with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Baking soda is a powerful all-purpose cleaner. Its slight abrasiveness won't harm your stainless steel, but it will help unstick stuck-on stains. Make a thick paste with baking soda and water, and apply it to tough stains. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then wipe, rinse, and dry.
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar, then add a few drops of lemon juice or essential oils, recommends Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance. AD tested Therapy Clean Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish on a fridge that is opened a dozen times a day by elementary school kids.
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.
Just add some white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the affected part of the surface, then dilute it with water and rub the solution into your pan with a sponge or soft cloth. The stain should come away easily.
After cleaning with a vinegar-based solution, rub oil onto the stainless steel surface–first wiping in the direction of the grain, then in a circular motion to polish and shine. Most oils work equally well, but olive oil, mineral oil, or almond oil are all good choices.