Stainless steel can be damaged by abrasive pads, the wrong kinds of cleaners, and even ordinary things like water and salt. Despite its name and reputation, stainless steel can both stain and rust. Following a few basic "dont's" will help keep your stainless steel kitchenware out of trouble.
Never leave stainless steel to soak in solutions that contain chlorine, vinegar, or table salt, as long-term exposure to these can damage it.
Option 1: Dip a soft microfiber cloth in a mixture of warm water and mild dish detergent. Use a detergent with degreasing properties. Wipe the surface along the grain of the metal and wipe dry with a separate dishcloth to prevent any water spots.
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.
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are a ready to use disinfectant wipe. These easy to use wipes are safe to use on chrome, glass, metal, plastic, stainless steel, tile, and wood. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are bleach free and have a clear drying formula, leaving surfaces with a shine. Formulated to kill 99.9% of bacteria.
Stainless Steel
Even with as durable as stainless steel can be, using a Magic Eraser to clean it will likely end up leaving small scratches on the surface. While some people are fine with scratches and scuffs on their stainless steel, other people may want to protect that super shiny finish for as long as possible.
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.
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.
Olive oil or any mineral oil can refurbish your stainless steel appliances to look as good as new. So grab some olive oil from your pantry, and start buffing a small amount in the direction of the grain of the stainless steel. After this easy hack, your kitchen appliances will shine like new.
Baking Soda is a non-toxic, earth-friendly cleanser that is gentle enough for use on stainless steel yet powerful enough to remove the toughest grime.
Olive oil is an efficient and affordable way to clean your stainless steel appliances. It is inexpensive and natural. So, you're being environmentally friendly and you don't have to worry about breathing in harsh chemicals either. So, grab some olive oil and shine whatever stainless-steel appliances you have.
This is where baking soda comes in handy. Its powdery texture makes a very gentle abrasive that shouldn't scratch your stainless steel.
Rubbing alcohol is antibacterial so it gets rid of nasties that may be hanging out on handles and surfaces. It also dries quickly without leaving so much as a streak in it's wake. And adding a bit of water helps tone down the alcohol so it won't damage your stainless steel or leave an overpowering smell as it dries.
Stainless contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium. This chromium reacts quickly with surrounding oxygen to form a thin oxide layer on the steel's surface. Unlike iron oxide, which often is in the form of flaky and corrosive rust, the chromium oxide clings to the steel.
Of course, it's also important to know that stainless steel isn't completely impervious to corrosion. Under certain circumstances, stainless steel alloys can become corroded, showing signs of rust or other problems.
Simply spray some WD-40 onto a rag, and then wipe away. Remember that just like wood, stainless steel has a grain, and it's always best to wipe along the grain than against it. The surface of your sink will look clean and shiny. Use it on any stainless steel areas around the sink to keep them clean.
The baby oil will shine the surface, but won't really clean any significant grime off of it. For really tough grime, try adding a little bit of vinegar to the wet rag.
GOLDEN OIL, is made with Pure Orange Oil, the fresh scent of oranges, just can't be equaled by other perfumed cleaners that attempt to copy what Mother Nature does best. For use on all hard finished wood surfaces... fine furniture, antiques, railings and banisters, kitchen cabinets, Stainless Steel, etc.
Dish Soap and Baby Oil
Here's what you'll need: dish soap, baby oil, warm water and three microfiber cloths. Dilute one teaspoon dish liquid in one quart of warm water. Dampen your microfiber cloth with the solution and clean with the grain.
Glass cleaner is an excellent alternative to stainless steel cleaner as it quickly removes smudges and fingerprints without damaging the stainless steel. Abrasive cleaners, sponges, and materials should never be used as they can scratch the metal surface and affect the stainless steel's longevity.
Ammonia is safe for cleaning stainless steel. After using ammonia, clean the surface with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly to prevent hazing. There is no solution ratio for ammonia.
Soap and Water Stainless Steel Cleaner
According to Consumer Reports, the quickest way to remove fingerprints from stainless steel is with dish detergent, warm water and a cloth. Mix the liquids and dip the cloth into the mixture. Wipe the surface of the appliance, rinse the cloth and repeat.
Bar Keepers Friend, the well-known cleanser, is designed to remove and minimize the appearance of scratches in stainless steel. Start by applying the product to the scratched area of the sink and rub it in by following the grain with a non-abrasive cloth or a 3M Maroon Pad.
Avoid leaving steel and cast iron cookware in your sink for extended periods of time. Iron plus moisture on top of stainless can lead to surface rust and staining. Rubber dish mats, wet sponges and cleaning pads are a no-no for a lengthy stay in your sink. Since they trap water, discoloration and staining can result.