Cleaning Stainless Steel

Why Regularly Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances Matters

Over time, stainless steel can accumulate fingerprints, smudges, and watermarks, making the surface look less appealing.

Preventing Staining

While stainless steel is resistant to most stains, certain substances like acidic foods, mineral deposits, and oils can lead to permanent staining if not cleaned promptly.

Rust Prevention

Over time, dust, dirt, and food residue on stainless steel surfaces can combine with moisture and oxygen, leading to corrosion and rust. High humidity or coastal areas with salt in the air increase the risk of surface rust if not cleaned regularly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances

Cleaning stainless steel appliances is essential for maintaining their appearance and integrity, but there are some things to be avoided when approaching this. Here are some mistakes to avoid when cleaning stainless steel:

• Using Abrasive Cleaners: Abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool can scratch the surface of stainless steel, damaging its smooth finish. Stick to soft cloths or sponges to prevent scratches.

• Cleaning Against the Grain: Stainless steel often has a grain pattern. Cleaning against the grain can leave streaks or scratches. Always clean and polish in the direction of the grain for the best results.

• Using Chlorine or Bleach: Harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach can corrode stainless steel and compromise its corrosion resistance. Opt for stainless steel-specific or mild, non-abrasive cleaners.

• Mixing Cleaner Types: Mixing different cleaning products, especially those with chemicals, can lead to unexpected reactions and damage the stainless steel. Stick to one type of cleaner at a time.

• Applying Too Much Pressure: Be gentle when cleaning. Applying excessive pressure or scrubbing vigorously can damage the surface, potentially leading to rust.

Now that we’ve covered why cleaning stainless steel appliances is crucial and the mistakes to avoid, it’s time to gather the supplies for the cleaning process. 

To clean stainless steel appliances effectively, you will need the following tools and materials:

• Microfiber cloths 
• Warm water
• Mild dish soap 
• White vinegar
• Olive oil/Mineral oil
• Baking soda
• Rubbing alcohol
• Bucket
• Spray bottle
• Soft brush
• Non-abrasive scrubbing pad
• Soft-bristle toothbrush

How to Clean Stainless Steel Refrigerators

Cleaning stainless steel refrigerators is essential to keep them looking their best and maintain their longevity. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a stainless steel refrigerator:

1. Use a dry microfiber cloth or a soft brush to remove any loose dust or debris from the exterior of the refrigerator. Pay attention to the top, sides, and handles.

2. Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap in a bucket or spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought stainless steel cleaner, just ensure you follow the product’s instructions.

3. Moisten a microfiber cloth or soft towel with the cleaning solution. Gently wipe down the stainless steel surface of the refrigerator in the direction of the grain pattern. For stubborn stains or spots, you can use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water.

4. Rinse the cloth with clean water and wring it out thoroughly. Wipe down the refrigerator again with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap or vinegar residue. Immediately follow up with a dry microfiber cloth to dry the surface completely to prevent water spots.

5. Don’t forget to clean the handles and any stainless steel accessories like water dispensers or ice makers following the same steps.

6. For added shine, apply a small amount of olive oil or mineral oil to a clean, dry cloth. Buff the stainless steel surface in the direction of the grain pattern. Be cautious not to use too much oil, as excess will leave a greasy residue, attracting dust and grime.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Ovens and Stoves

After each cooking session, it’s a good idea to wipe down the stovetop and control knobs with a damp cloth to remove any spills, splatter, or residue. For ovens, spot clean spills as they occur. A daily to weekly wipe-down should be sufficient for routine maintenance, and deep cleaning can be done every month or as needed. 

Grease, spills, and food residues left on stovetops and inside ovens can harbour harmful bacteria and attract pests, potentially compromising the safety of your meals. Cleaning stainless steel ovens and stoves is essential for food safety and avoiding potential hazards associated with malfunctioning or dirty components.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean stainless steel ovens and stoves:

1. Use a dry microfiber cloth or a soft brush to remove any loose dust and crumbs from the stovetop, control knobs, and oven exterior.

2. Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap in a bucket or spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought stainless steel cleaner, just ensure you follow the product’s instructions.

3. Gently wipe the stovetop, control knobs, and any stainless steel surfaces with the damp cloth. Clean in the direction of the grain pattern to minimise streaks and scratches.

4. For the oven’s interior, remove the oven racks and set them aside. Sprinkle baking soda generously on the oven’s interior surfaces, avoiding the heating elements. Spray or drizzle white vinegar over the baking soda to create a foaming mixture. Allow it to sit for at least 15-30 minutes to break down grease and grime.

5. Using a damp cloth or sponge, gently scrub the oven’s interior surfaces, including the walls and door. Rinse the cloth or sponge as needed. Pay extra attention to stubborn stains or residue.

6. Wipe the cleaned surfaces with a damp cloth and warm water to remove any soap or baking soda residue. Dry them thoroughly with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

7. For added shine, apply a small amount of olive oil or mineral oil to a clean, dry cloth. Buff the stainless steel surface in the direction of the grain pattern.

Cleaning Smaller Stainless Steel Appliances

The process for cleaning smaller stainless steel appliances, like dishwashers, coffee machines, and microwaves, is similar to that of cleaning stainless steel refrigerators, ovens, and stoves. You can use the same materials for all appliances; just adjust the process accordingly.

How to Remove Rust From Stainless Steel Appliances

Removing rust from stainless steel appliances is essential to prevent further corrosion. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively remove rust from stainless steel surfaces:

1. Create a thick paste by mixing baking soda and white vinegar in a small bowl. The paste should have a toothpaste-like consistency.

2. Using a soft-bristle toothbrush or a non-abrasive scrubbing pad, apply the paste to the rusted area. Ensure that the entire rusted spot is covered with the paste.

3. With gentle circular motions, scrub the rusted area. Be careful not to scrub too aggressively to avoid scratching the stainless steel surface. Continue scrubbing until you see the rust starting to lift.

4. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove the paste and loosened rust. If the rust hasn’t been completely removed, repeat the process until the rust is gone.

5. Once the rust is removed, dry the area thoroughly with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

How to Remove Scratches From Stainless Steel Appliances

Baking soda is highly effective for addressing minor scratches on stainless steel surfaces. Its powdery texture acts as a gentle abrasive, making it ideal for buffing out light scratches. For deeper scratches, it’s best to consult with a professional who specialises in appliance repair. Here’s a natural approach to removing minor scratches:

1. Begin by cleaning the scratched area with a microfiber cloth or soft towel and warm soapy water.

2. In a small bowl, mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste. The paste should be thick enough to adhere to the scratch but still spreadable.

3. Dab a small amount of the baking soda paste onto the scratched area. Make sure to cover the entire scratch with a thin layer of the paste.

4. Using a soft cloth or your fingertip, gently rub the baking soda paste into the scratch using a circular motion. Apply light pressure, and be patient; this process may take some time.

5. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue. For deeper scratches, you may need to repeat the process multiple times.

6. To help minimise the appearance of scratches, apply a small amount of olive oil to a clean cloth and buff the stainless steel surface in the direction of the grain.

Conclusion

Cleaning stainless steel appliances is a straightforward process when you have the right tools and techniques at your disposal. By following these steps, you can keep your kitchen looking elegant with sparkling stainless steel appliances. Remember that proper maintenance not only keeps your appliances looking their best but also extends their lifespan. 

At Simply Spotless, we understand that not everyone has the time or desire to tackle the task of cleaning stainless steel appliances. That’s why our team of cleaning experts is here to assist you. Take the hassle out of cleaning – book a home cleaning service online today and enjoy a spotless kitchen.