What should you not use to clean stainless steel appliances?

Author: Lora Osinski  |  Last update: Sunday, July 6, 2025

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.

What is not recommended to clean stainless steel?

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.

What is the best thing to clean stainless steel appliances with?

The Best At-Home Methods for Cleaning Stainless Steel
  • 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.
  • Move the cloth in the direction of the grain.

Is Dawn dish soap safe on stainless steel?

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.

What products should not be used on stainless steel?

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.

The best Cleaner for Pots, Pans, Stainless Steel and Bathrooms 🧽

What chemicals ruin 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.

Can I use Windex on my stainless steel appliances?

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.

Can I use vinegar to clean stainless steel?

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.

How to clean LG stainless steel appliances?

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?

Can I use Murphy's soap on stainless steel?

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.

How to make stainless steel look new again?

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.

Can I use Clorox wipes on stainless steel?

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.

How do you clean stainless steel without leaving marks?

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.

What do professionals clean stainless steel with?

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.

What is bad for stainless steel?

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.

What not to use bar keepers friend on?

Don't Use Bar Keepers Friend on Non-Recommended Surfaces
  • Marble and other natural stones: BKF original powder can scratch and damage the polished surface.
  • Non-stick cookware: The coating can be worn away, compromising its effectiveness and safety.
  • Gold or silver-plated items: It can strip away the plating.

Can you use Dawn to clean stainless steel appliances?

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.

What is the best thing to clean a stainless steel refrigerator with?

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.

Can you use a magic eraser on stainless steel?

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.

Can you use Windex on stainless steel?

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.

What should not be cleaned with vinegar?

But eight places you should never use vinegar include:
  1. Stone Countertops. Surfaces that often get ruined by vinegar are stone countertops, like marble and travertine. ...
  2. Dishwashers/Washing Machines. ...
  3. Clothes Iron. ...
  4. Tile Grout. ...
  5. Knives. ...
  6. Small Appliances. ...
  7. Hardwood Floors. ...
  8. Electronic Screens.

Is olive oil good for 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.

What is the best homemade stainless steel cleaner?

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.

How often should you clean stainless steel appliances?

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.

Can you use comet on a stainless steel fridge?

For fine scratches, cleaners such as Comet and Revere Stainless Steel and Copper Cleaner are non-abrasive cleansers that will gently buff stainless steel.

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