Stainless steel appliances are sleek and attractive, but they can also be difficult to clean. Fingerprints, grease splattering, and water drops are just some of the problems that plague them. Additionally, rust can set in once the stainless steel appliance loses the chromium film on its surface. With routine maintenance and cleaning, you can keep your stainless steel appliances looking like new for many years.
Choose Your Cleanser Carefully for Best Results
Many commercial cleansers are too harsh to use on stainless steel appliances. The good news is that it's easy to make your own. Equal parts vinegar and water can keep the surface clean if it doesn't already have marks on it. If your appliance has persistent stains, use baking soda and vinegar mixed together. To eliminate rust, add one tablespoon of baking soda to one cup of water and scrub in even circular motions.
Tips for Effective Cleaning
After selecting or creating your mixture, the next step is to spray or rub it onto your appliance and gently wipe it off. A lint-free cloth or a clean paper towel are excellent options for this step. However, it is important to make even movements in the direction of the grain to avoid leaving large smudges behind when you're done cleaning. You will need to scrub rust or stubborn stains rather than wipe them off, but make sure that you don't use an abrasive sponge since it could scratch the appliance.
If you own stainless steel silverware, you can use these same tips to keep them clean. It is simple to maintain both your silverware and appliances between cleaning sessions by spraying them with water or a rubbing alcohol solution after each use.