If harder stains or rust remains, sprinkle baking soda or another non-abrasive scrub cleaner on a soft, damp cleaning cloth, mixed with liquid soap. Clean problem areas gently, going with the grain of the stainless steel. Spray the surface with vinegar-water mixture or glass cleaner and wipe again. Pat dry.
- 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.
To clean cloudy stainless steel, a simple solution of warm water and mild dish soap can often do the trick. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the cloudy areas, following the grain of the stainless steel. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft towel to prevent water spots.
When a stainless steel sink looks dull, it's often because it's been scrubbed with cleanser that contains chlorine bleach, with a bleach-loaded scrub pad, or — worst of all — fine steel wool that comes pre-loaded with detergent and bleach.
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.
Stainless steel can be repaired if damaged or scratched without having to strip the entire project. All of our coatings are self-annealing and will blend to themselves resulting in a smooth finish. Useful sacrificial coating for easy removal of graffiti, allowing for low effort and low cost removal and re-coating.
When oxygen interacts with the chromium present in stainless steel, it forms a protective layer of chromium oxide on the metal's surface. This layer is responsible for the metal's signature shine. However, if this protective film is damaged or stripped away, the underlying metal can oxidize, leading to discoloration.
Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is fantastic because it is great at removing food stains, grease and water deposits. Add in a small amount of vinegar which will cause the paste to fizz and then clean the paste away. Your stainless steel sink will look a lot cleaner once you have done this.
Removal of oxidized stains and even “surface rust” can be done by using a paste made from baking soda and water or a cleaner that contains oxalic acid, such as Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser. If using baking soda and water, use a cloth or soft bristle brush to rub the baking soda paste in the direction of the grain.
Fortunately, this is very easy to do! Mix up a 3:1 solution of water and vinegar (any kind), put the solution in the affected pot or pan (make sure to completely submerge the mineral deposits), and turn heat it up on the stove.
A stovetop cleaner such as TriNova is also effective in cleaning grimy stainless steel range hoods as well as oven and dishwasher doors. More great options for cleaning stainless steel are a grill cleaner or even a silver polish like Wright's.
Hand Polishing Stainless Steel
You should get a nice sheen with a commercial polish and a clean, dry cloth. Start at one edge and work across the surface in circles, like waxing a car. When you finish, make sure you wipe away any excess polish with a clean, dry towel.
Key processes for polishing stainless steel include cleaning the surface, sanding with progressively finer grits, and buffing with the appropriate compounds. You can also use natural alternatives like baking soda and vinegar for minor polishing tasks.
Grab some vinegar, some water and a scrubbing tool to easily wipe away the gunk from any chrome fixture. Mix a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water. Using equal parts water and vinegar for a solution should be effective but still gentle. Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe the surface.
Apply a bit of baking soda on the surface, then apply white vinegar (it can be in a spray bottle or a small amount dabbed on a kitchen towel). Gently wipe away the spot with a soft cloth or paper towel and rinse with warm water. Another insider secret for banishing buildup, according to Shimek, is to use club soda.
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.
Non-abrasive Cleaners
Some examples of non-abrasive cleaners are Bar Keepers Friend and Method Stainless Steel Clean + Polish. If you're using a powder cleaner, you'll want to mix it with some water to create a paste. From there, take a damp cloth and rub toward the direction of the grain.
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.
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.
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.