Some stainless steel pans can have a cloudy appearance due to mineral deposits that remain in the pan after boiling water. These mineral deposits contain calcium and salt. To avoid this, try bringing the pan in water before you begin cooking. You can also use a cleaning agent that does not contain bleach.
Stainless steel is easily scratched and using abrasive cleaning products will harm and dull the finish. Steel wool and scrub brushes can also leave behind tiny particles that may later rust.
Distilled white vinegar (in a spray bottle) Olive oil. Microfiber cloths that are gentle on stainless steel (never an abrasive like a Scotch-Brite pad)
White rust is a white, chalky substance that can form on the surface of zinc materials, like galvanized steel. White rust can form when zinc is exposed to hydrogen and oxygen. This combination creates a zinc hydroxide, as opposed to the iron oxide which is common form of rust.
While resistant to the effects of saltwater, environmental fallout, and UV damage, stainless steel will eventually succumb and start to oxidize. The material will start to look hazy, maybe even slightly brown from a light dusting or rust.
To easily clean off grease and food splatters from your stainless steel appliances, use a mixture of Dawn® Platinum and water, then rinse off and wipe dry.
To get rid of tougher marks, you can use glass cleaner or stainless steel cleaner as needed. They'll be more effective on fingerprints than just water and dish soap. And they can restore stainless steel's shine.
Vinegar is safe to use on stainless steel and helps remove oil and grime. Fill a reusable spray bottle with a combination of 1:1 white vinegar and water. Spritz it on, and wipe it off — no need to rinse!
Soak in Distilled White Vinegar
Soak the glassware on all sides in the vinegar for at least 15 minutes. If you are cleaning a cloudy glass window or object that cannot be soaked, pour undiluted distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz the glass.
If you've ever purchased a stainless steel appliance, you may have noticed that the surface often comes covered with a protective film. This film is designed to protect the stainless steel from scratches and other damage during shipping and installation.
Dish soap: The surfactants in dish soap lift oil and grease, making it ideal for cleaning stainless steel. We used Dawn Ultra and Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Dish Soap. Warm water: A small bowl of warm water—or a sink nearby—works.
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar. To make the vinegar solution smell better, you can add a few drops of lemon juice. Shake the bottle well and spray the stainless steel surfaces you wish to clean. Wipe your appliances with a soft cloth, being sure to follow the direction of the grain.
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.
The Magic Eraser is great for many surfaces, but it is not recommended for stainless steel appliances.
ProtectaClear Stainless Steel Restoration Kits will restore and protect your stainless steel to stay looking freshly polished and will protect from salt air, salt corrosion and rust. Kits Include: ERW-XL Cleaner & Rust Remover for removing tea-staining or light rust.
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.
Problem: Chalky White Spots
Solution: The unsightly spots on a gleaming pan are typically caused by a buildup of the calcium found in water. Remove them by boiling a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Let it cool completely, then wash and dry the pan as usual.
Hard water can leave white, cloudy-looking residue on your stainless-steel pans. To get rid of this chalky buildup, bring a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to a boil in the pan. Let it cool, then wash with soap and water.
Most people think of calcium as white and chalky, but it's actually a silver, shiny metal.