Many kitchen appliances are made of stainless steel, which makes them more resistant to rust and corrosion. But they also tend to get dirty faster, especially if you have children or spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Before you know it, your brand-new stainless steel refrigerator will be covered in fingerprints and oil stains.
Stainless steel isn’t wholly rustproof, and with regular exposure to moisture and grime, the metal parts can start to erode, which can damage the appliance. While you can always look for specialty electronic parts for sale in case you need a part or two replaced, keeping it clean can keep the corrosion at bay.
Supermarket aisles are full of household cleaning products that claim to clean stainless steel, and that might be true. But many of these products are made of harsh chemicals that are dangerous to your health. You don’t need specialized products to clean your appliances. Many of these DIY cleaners can already be found in your home.
1. Dish soap and oil
Before I explain l further, let’s talk about steel grain. Look at a stainless steel surface. Chances are you’ll see faint patterns similar to wood surfaces. This is called the grain, and it goes in one direction. If the appliance is made of multiple steel components, each piece will have a different grain direction. When cleaning stainless steel, you need to move with the direction of the grain.
To remove food stains and grime from stainless steel, wipe the surface with some dish soap. Use a cotton cloth to ensure that lint doesn’t stick to the surface. Dip the cloth in water and apply dish soap. This will remove most stains. For dried food, you have to work the area harder, but it should come off with enough pressure.
Afterward, polish the stainless steel with mineral oil. Use a clean, dry cloth to apply the oil to the surface. Follow the direction of the grain and your appliance will look like new in no time.
2. Glass cleaner
Stainless steel surfaces are notorious fingerprint magnets. Touch the surface once, and you’ll see a faint outline of your fingerprint. After a while, the surface will be covered in fingerprints, especially if you have children running around.
To remove fingerprints, use a household glass cleaner. Spray some on a microfiber cloth and wipe the stainless steel surface in a circular motion. Make sure the fabric is dry to avoid splatters and water stains.
3. White vinegar
Another great way to clean stainless steel is with white vinegar. Sprinkle a healthy amount on a microfiber cloth and wipe it on the surface. For thicker and hardier stains, you can spray it directly on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. The stain will be gone after a few wipes. Don’t forget to follow the direction of the grain.
Stainless steel is a popular material for kitchen appliances because it is durable, but it still requires regular TLC to keep it in excellent condition. These pointers will help you clean your stainless steel appliances and keep it looking like new.
