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.
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.
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.
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.
Acids: Strong acids destabilize the passive layer. Hydrochloric and sulfuric acids can cause general surface corrosion. Hydrochloric acid is used in plastic production and descaling agents, while sulfuric acid is used in mineral processing, oil refining, and wastewater processing.
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.
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.
Warm soapy water, no amonia, scratchy cleansers, or spray cleaners. Then wipe dry and polish with a microfiber towel. Takes less than 2 minutes to do this. Method Brand stainless steel spray cleaner also works, but why spend the money when warm soapy water does the trick?
Murphy's oil soap is said to have miraculous effects on stainless steel appliances. If you want to say goodbye to those annoying streaks and drips, this is the way to go. Head to the hardware store and start browsing.
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.
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.
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.
A cleaner: There are specialized cleaners for stainless steel that leave it with a bright shine. If you do not have any on hand or try not to use chemicals in cleaning, there are other common alternatives, including dish soap, white vinegar, and glass cleaner.
Adding salt to cold water
Adding salt to cold water in stainless steel pots can cause pitting corrosion, creating small, irreversible pits on the surface. Always wait for the water to boil before adding salt to prevent this type of damage.
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.
Make a paste out of baking soda and water and rub it gently on the surface, always in the direction of the grain. If you see any white residue left from the baking soda, just wipe away with a dry, clean cloth. Vinegar is also effective at cleaning stainless steel since it's natural and doesn't have any harsh chemicals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For fine scratches, cleaners such as Comet and Revere Stainless Steel and Copper Cleaner are non-abrasive cleansers that will gently buff stainless steel.