3 Tips for Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances

At a Glance:

Tips For Cleaning Stainless Steel Basics

How to Clean Major Stainless Steel Appliances

Nothing sticks out more in the world of kitchen appliances than gleaming stainless steel. The popular finish is eye-catching, elegant, and complements practically any kitchen color combination. But then there's real life. Fingerprints, smudges, and the occasional spill or splash may dull a gleaming stainless-steel finish. But the good news is that those surfaces can be made to appear like new again in no time with a few tricks for cleaning stainless steel appliances.

With this how-to guide for cleaning stainless steel appliances, we'll teach you how to keep your stainless steel appliances from developing a dull, grey tone. Continue reading for the best stainless steel cleaners, dos and don'ts to cleaning stainless steel appliances, and basic cleaning instructions for each appliance.

Stainless steel gives every kitchen an air of refinement and sophistication. But if you don't clean it frequently enough, you can end up with a room full of drab, grey equipment. Fortunately, stainless steel is simple to care for. All you need to remember are a few basic dos and don'ts to restore that luster without causing damage to your surfaces.

Tips For Cleaning Stainless Steel Basics

Stainless steel is more difficult to keep clean since it attracts fingerprints and might seem streaky. As a result, when cleaning, it's critical to move your cloth in one direction and go with the grain. If you're unsure which way to go, start small and test things out. Most homeowners find a clean microfiber cloth works best, while paper towels can also be used.

You should also keep in mind that there are several sorts of stainless steel. You may need to experiment before determining what works best for your unique appliance. In fact, if you have many stainless-steel appliances, each one may have a somewhat different cleaning regimen.

Here are some cleaning tips for stainless steel appliances that will work on most finishes:

Check your appliance's handbook for cleaning instructions from the manufacturer.
A gentle cloth wet with warm water is frequently sufficient for general cleaning.
Glass cleaner is effective in removing fingerprints.
To avoid streaks, wipe along the direction of the grain.
To avoid water spots, towel dry after cleaning.
If necessary, use a professional cleaner to remove stains from stainless steel, but read the guidelines carefully and spot-test beforehand.

However, there are certain important dos and don'ts when it comes to cleaning stainless steel appliances:

Steel wool and other abrasive sponges or scrubbing pads should be avoided.
Use of bleach or chlorine-based cleaners, as well as any other harsh solutions, can harm the finish.
Use an oven cleaner sparingly.
Use treated hard water to avoid water marks or stains.

Best Stainless Steel Cleaners

Finding the finest cleaning for stainless steel appliances in your house is entirely up to your preferences. So, when it comes to the best cleaner for stainless steel, you have two options — chemical cleansers and natural DIY cleaners.

Natural DIY Cleaners for Stainless Steel

If you'd rather avoid using potentially dangerous chemicals in your stainless steel cleaner, make your own natural stainless steel cleaner at home. Try these homemade cleansers for cleaning appliances for yourself and see what you think — just remember to spot-test any stainless steel cleaner before using it.

Cleaning Stainless Steel with Vinegar and Olive Oil

White vinegar is a cheap yet excellent household cleaning tool. Simply spray white vinegar straight on a stainless-steel surface or use a microfiber cloth to clean it. Allow the vinegar to stand for a few seconds before wiping clean in the grain direction. Repeat this procedure until the filth has been removed. Polish the surface of your steel by rubbing a clean cloth with olive oil and cleaning in the direction of the grain. A clean towel can be used to remove any residual olive oil.

Cleaning Stainless Steel with Dish Soap and Baby Oil

This procedure necessitates using ordinary dish soap and either baby oil or mineral oil. Begin by dabbing a nonabrasive cleaning rag with dish soap; cotton is the most effective material. Wipe your device clean in the same direction as the grain, using just enough water to moisten your rag. The grain of your stainless steel is the subtle banding visible on the surface, similar to wood. Wiping against the grain isn't always harmful, but it can leave cleaning residue deep inside the grain's crevices. If any watermarks remain, wipe them away with a clean cloth. After that, use baby oil or mineral oil to polish the surface. Simply dab a few drops of the oil on a clean, non-abrasive cloth and polish with the grain.

Cleaning Stainless Steel with Cloths and Water

A simple towel and water can clean various surfaces in your home, including stainless steel. This is by far the most affordable choice, and it works great with brushed stainless steel. Because microfiber absorbs water without harming the surface, it's recommended to clean your stainless steel using one. To avoid water marks, dry your stainless steel with a dry cloth after washing, just like you would your car.

Cleaning Stainless Steel with Club Soda

Several items in your house may readily clean stainless steel, including club soda. Club soda, like vinegar, may be sprayed straight onto your stainless steel surface and then wiped in the direction of the grain. It has a great gloss and does not require polishing.

Commercial Cleaners & Polishes for Stainless Steel

Professional cleaners are the next best option if you don't want to produce your own stainless steel cleaner. Various non-abrasive cleansers and polishes are particularly developed for use on stainless steel. Remember, avoid harsh chemicals (chlorine and bleach), and always spot test to ensure it isn't too powerful that it erodes the stainless steel finish.

Cleaning Stainless Steel with Furniture Polish

Do you enjoy using lemon oil furniture polish on your wood? It also works on stainless steel. After cleaning the surface, apply a little amount to a clean cloth and wipe down the appliance. After that, wipe down with a separate clean microfiber cloth. To avoid undesirable residue build-up, it's preferable not to spray furniture polish directly on stainless steel.

Cleaning Stainless Steel with Glass Cleaner

Fingerprints on stainless steel appliances are a common complaint among parents, and glass cleaner is an ideal solution. Simply spray the glass cleaner on the fingerprints and wipe them away with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion.

Cleaning Stainless Steel with WD-40

This one could catch you off guard. WD-40 rapidly cleans and shines stainless steel surfaces. Simply spritz your item or a towel with the cleaner and wipe away. While WD-40 is a powerful cleaner, it should be used with caution: WD-40 is petroleum-based, so it should be used with care around food-handling surfaces.

Cleaning Stainless Steel with Commercial Cleaners

Hundreds of professional cleaners are designed expressly for stainless steel, as you might anticipate. Unfortunately, these cleansers are the most expensive way to clean stainless steel. However, an industrial cleaner may be required to remove persistent spots and stains. Always follow the guidelines and try these cleaners in a hidden area of your stainless steel surface first.

How to Clean Major Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel, gleaming and brilliant, adds a bright and polished air to any kitchen. On the other hand, maintaining that great gloss requires some upkeep and cleaning. Here are some cleaning recommendations for each stainless steel device.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Refrigeration

This tip for cleaning stainless steel appliances will make your stainless steel refrigerator immaculate and streak-free.

Apply your concoction of choice, then wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth, going with the grain.
Rinse your cloth, then wipe again, repeating until clean.
Dry the cleaned surface with a fresh microfiber cloth.
Finish the job by dabbing your dry cloth with a little olive oil, mineral oil, or baby oil and smoothing it over the surface. This will add shine, get rid of any remaining streaks, and help prevent fingerprints.

If you need a new refrigerator, check out these options!

How to Clean Stainless Steel Dishwashers

Try cleaning your stainless steel dishwasher with these vinegar-based steps:

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. This will add some deep shine to your appliance and remove any remaining streaks or marks.

If you need a new dishwasher, check out these options!

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Wall Oven

You may use this vinegar and olive oil mixture to clean your stainless steel wall oven door.

Look closely at your wall oven to find the grain.
Dampen a microfiber cloth with vinegar and rub the grain to remove all dirt, grime, and grease.
Let the vinegar dry before dampening the cloth again with olive oil.
Rub the cloth on with the grain to work in the olive oil to clean, protect, and shine your stainless steel finish.

If you need a new wall oven, check out these options!

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Cooktop

This cleaning method will have your stainless steel stove looking like new in no time.

Make a baking soda paste that's one part water and two parts baking soda.
Smear the paste onto the cooktop until it covers the entire surface.
Let the baking soda paste sit for two hours.
Spray vinegar onto the surface and let the vinegar and baking soda paste react to help break down the tough grease and dirt.
Wipe the cooktop clean after allowing time for the vinegar and baking soda paste mixture to work at removing all stains.
Dry off the stainless steel surface with a clean cloth.

If you need a new cooktop, check out these options!

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Range

With a good scrub, water, and soap, your stainless steel range will gleam like new.

Wash surfaces with warm, soapy water using liquid detergent and a nonabrasive sponge. Always rub evenly in the direction of the grain.
Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Use a clean, dry towel to polish the surface in the direction of the grain until it shines.
Water that is not completely dried off can cause discoloration (Water may contain iron that will initiate this discoloration).

If you need a new range, check out these options!

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Microwave

Try this easy club soda cleaning method for a spotless clean.

Add club soda to a clean spray bottle.
Spray down your stainless-steel appliance.
Rub the cloth in the direction of the grain to polish and shine your appliance.

If you need a new microwave, check out these options!

Friedmans Appliances has your back when it comes to cleaning stainless steel appliances! With these tips and methods for extending the life of your stainless steel equipment, they will always add to the beauty of your kitchen. We are delighted to assist our customers in locating top-of-the-line appliances with outstanding designs and performance for their California homes. An appliance is more than just a piece of equipment that cooks, washes, and cools food; it can also be a work of art, a space-enhancer, or a piece of you. The outside of your appliance will be the first thing that everyone who walks into your kitchen notices. So, why shouldn't it reveal anything about your personality?

Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances FAQs

We understand that a lot of information is available on how to clean stainless steel refrigerators, dishwashers, and cooktops. It is our mission as appliance professionals to ensure that your stainless steel range, wall oven, or microwave continues to heat, cook, and bake while still looking nice. So, here are some of the inquiries we hear from consumers like you who wish to keep the stainless steel finish on their appliances.

Q: What cleans stainless steel?

For a great natural shine, use olive oil, white vinegar, or a specifically formulated cleaner for stainless steel finishes.

Q: How do you bring stainless steel back to life?

To bring the shine back to your stainless steel appliance, you'll need:

All-purpose spray cleaner
Nonabrasive scrubbing sponge
Microfiber cleaning cloths
Rubbing alcohol
Stainless steel polish, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly
Sponge or rag

Now, all you have to do is:

First, wash the surface with the all-purpose cleaner.
Next, wet the microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe the appliance.
For that shiny finish, buff the stainless steel surface with the polish, oil, or jelly.

*If the stainless steel has a grain, scrub the oil in the direction of the grain.

Q: Does vinegar damage stainless steel?

It is fine to use diluted vinegar solutions for cleaning stainless steel appliances. However, we don't recommend letting your appliances soak in a vinegar solution for too long since the household is acidic in nature, which can lead to corrosion, and long-term exposure can damage the finish.

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Established in 1922, Friedmans Appliance has been the most trusted name in the Bay Area for over 100 years. What started as a small appliance store in Oakland has expanded to include every appliance you need for your home. Our commitment to value, inspiration, and character has only grown, creating an unbeatable reputation for top-notch appliances. At Friedmans, we strive to give our customers the best of the best, including our selection of top appliance brands and our exceptional customer service. Speaking of which, we offer a 100-day price guarantee on all our products — the longest in the industry!

Our wide selection of appliances is just one of the reasons we're the best Bay Area appliance store. We carry refrigerators in every style, every cooking appliance to show off your chef skills, and every dish care and laundry appliance you need for cleanup.

Shop Stainless Steel Appliances at Friedmans

See for yourself why Friedmans is a trusted name in the Bay Area and shop appliances online. While we are located in Pleasant Hill, we deliver to all of Northern California — even Reno! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help you find the right solution to cleaning your stainless steel appliances whether you call us at 925-808-2950, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our appliance store in Pleasant Hill to experience the quality in person. Visit us today!

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