How To Maintain Your Kitchen’s Stainless Steel Appliances.
The appliances in your kitchen get a lot of use. From cooking family dinners and microwaving a quick bite to eat to cleaning off plates and silverware in the dishwasher… you rely on them to get through your daily routine. But let’s face it. All that use can leave your stainless steel appliances with unsightly fingerprints, smudges, and dirt that take away from their beautiful appearance.
Instead of getting frustrated every time a new mark pops up, use this kitchen cleaning guide that will help keep your kitchen’s stainless steel spotless.
Remove Knobs & Handles
In most cases, you probably give your stainless steel appliances a simple wipe down to keep them looking fresh. But did you know that dirt and grime can actually get caught behind your appliance’s knobs and handles? When possible, it’s recommended that you remove the knobs or handles from your oven, dishwasher, microwave, and other appliances when cleaning them. This will allow you to remove any unsanitary buildup in those hard-to-clean crevices.
Use Microfiber Cloths
Stainless steel provides your kitchen with a luxurious look, but that look can go from fab to drab quickly if you aren’t using the proper materials to clean them. Whether you’re giving your appliances a quick wipe or doing a deep clean, you never want to use something that is abrasive. Using a scratchy or abrasive material may seem like it’ll provide a deeper clean, but it can create scratches and abrasions on the surface of the appliance. You may also be tempted to reach for a paper towel — but you should avoid this option as well. While a paper towel can leave some scratches, it is also likely to leave dust on the face of your appliances. Instead, opt for damp microfiber cloths that will provide a gentle, yet thorough cleaning that won’t cause any blemishes to crop up.
Fight Oxidization
Although it isn’t likely to happen right away, stainless steel is known to oxidize over time. This means that if left untreated, you may find yourself with discolored appliances in your kitchen. To help prevent oxidation of your stainless steel appliances, take a mixture of pumice powder and water and apply it to the appliance. Make sure you apply the paste in the same pattern as the grain of the stainless steel. Once applied, you can remove the mixture with warm water and a cotton cloth. You’ll notice how black the cloth is — that’s the oxidized layer coming off of your appliances!
Dry Your Appliances
Whether your appliances become wet from the cleaning materials you chose to use or they’re covered in moisture from condensation created by cooking, you should never forget to dry your stainless steel appliances. Leftover moisture or wetness on the kitchen appliance will cause a dark splotch or watermark to appear on the face of the appliance. To keep your stainless steel appliances looking as good as the day they were installed, wipe them down with a soft cotton cloth when exposed to moisture. By drying them off, your appliances will remain free of unsightly watermarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT USE ON STAINLESS STEEL?
When taking care of your stainless steel appliances, it’s important that you use the right materials to prevent causing unwanted damage or blemishes. Avoid using steel wool or steel brushes. Not only can these scratch the surface because of their abrasive texture, but they are also known for leaving particles behind that can rust and stain your appliances. Stainless steel is also more likely to rust once it has been scratched, which is why it is best to use soft cloths made of cotton or microfiber to keep them looking good as new.
HOW DO YOU MAKE STAINLESS STEEL LOOK NEW AGAIN?
Are your stainless steel appliances looking a bit dull lately? Restore them to their full glory by giving them a quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth on a daily basis. Keep them dry to prevent watermarks, but when they do happen, use dish soap or vinegar to remove hard water stains from the stainless sleep appliances. On a regular basis, apply olive oil to a microfiber cloth and buff the appliance to give them sparkle and shine! You can also use stainless steel polish to create the same effect.
HOW DO YOU REMOVE STAINS FROM STAINLESS STEEL?
Because stainless steel is a porous material, it does absorb liquids and foods that can cause it to become stained. If you’re noticing stains regularly, it’s recommended that you have an eco-friendly cleaning option like vinegar on hand. Apply white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the stain and gently rub it into the surface with a microfiber or cotton cloth that will not scratch the appliance. If you don’t have vinegar at your disposal, you can also opt for baking soda, dish soap, or stainless steel cleaner.
HOW DO YOU REMOVE STUBBORN FINGERPRINTS FROM STAINLESS STEEL?
There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing the number of fingerprints built upon the outer surface of your stainless steel appliances. Luckily, there’s an easy and effective way to keep your appliances looking good as new. Create a mixture of dish detergent mixed with warm water and gently apply the solution with a cotton cloth to the surface, focusing primarily on the areas affected by fingerprints. Use the cloth to rub on the soapy water, rinse out the cloth, and continue the process. Make sure you thoroughly dry the stainless steel after you’ve removed the fingerprints so you aren’t left with any watermarks or dark blotches.