The frequency of cleaning your stainless steel depends on its use and exposure to elements. In a busy kitchen with high traffic, daily cleaning might be necessary to prevent the buildup of fingerprints, grease, and other contaminants. For less frequently used items, a weekly cleaning routine should suffice.
I don't love the look of grimy fingerprints on stainless steel. But, such is life with children and stainless steel appliances. Dawn dish soap makes a good stainless steel cleaner. Simply add a squirt of Dawn to warm water and use a microfiber cloth to wipe (be sure to go with the grain of your steel) the appliances.
Diluted vinegar with a little dish soap is my go to for stainless steel. Barkeepers friend for the tough stains (careful not to stub too hard or can cause scratches), however be sure to follow instructions and DO NOT let it sit long.
If all you're dealing with are those smudgy fingerprints, you can give your stainless steel appliances a quick touch-up using glass cleaner. Brands like Windex will do just fine, here. Once again, spray the solution onto your cleaning rag and apply it to the smudgy areas on your appliances using a circular motion.
As a general rule, however, you should avoid these tools and cleaners on stainless steel, as they may scratch the surface, stain or dull the finish: Harsh abrasives. Scouring powders. Steel wool.
Vinegar is an excellent DIY stainless steel cleaner. You'll just need white vinegar, warm water and an empty spray bottle. Microfiber cloths are recommended as they don't leave lint behind, but you can use a paper towel too.
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.
Windex and Stainless Steel
On the other hand, some people recommend glass cleaners, such as Windex, for stainless steel because it gives a real shine, and you cannot tell if it is brand new or not.
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.
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.
Safe scrubbing on over a dozen different household surfaces including glass, non-stick coatings, granite, ceramic, wood and stainless steel. We've done the testing so you don't have to.
Add white vinegar to a clean spray bottle. Spray down your stainless steel appliance. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Once clean, dip your cloth into a small amount of olive oil.
It doesn't all wash off. In fact, it leaves toxic chemical residues behind on your dishes and glasses that pose significant health hazards over the long-term.
Yes, you can use Windex on your stainless steel appliances. However, it should be used sparingly and wiped off thoroughly to prevent streaking and potential damage to the protective surface.
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.
Olive oil
This kitchen staple not only cleans stainless steel, but it also helps protect it from water spots and fingerprint smudges. Apply a few drops to a dry microfiber cloth, then polish the steel by rubbing in the same direction as the grain.
While a professional polish may be necessary for tougher jobs, you can get your stainless steel looking great with something you have right in your pantry: olive oil! From your stainless pots and pans to the door of your refrigerator, a few drops of oil will get the job done.
"If your fixture can withstand the acidity of vinegar, it is the best option for cleaning your faucet head," she says. Vinegar should not be left on chrome for more than two hours, and this ingredient should not be left on nickel, gold, or brass for over 30 minutes, Parnell says.
Is Bar Keepers Friend just baking soda? Despite its similar appearance, Bar Keepers Friend is not the same as baking soda. Bark Keepers Friend is made from oxalic acid, a powerful cleaning chemical that can break down hard-to-move marks, grime, and dirt with ease.
BKF is not harmful to the skin during casual use. However, gloves are recommended for prolonged use or sensitive skin. The oxalic acid in BKF is mild, but it may irritate sensitive skin and will sting in any open wound (similar to lemon juice on a cut).
Ingestion: May cause irritation of the mouth and intestinal tract. Skin corrosion/irritation: Not a skin corrosive. Eye damage/ irritation: Causes eye damage. Respiratory irritation: Dust may be irritating to the respiratory system.