Stainless steel is beautiful and durable, making it a popular choice for appliances, lighting fixtures, and all related products. However, stainless steel needs to be cleaned regularly to remove fingerprints, dust, and dirt to keep it looking like new.
Lauren Bowen, director of franchising at Two Maids & A Mop, explains that while your cleaning method will depend on the level of mess, you should polish large appliances every two weeks or as needed.
Bowen and Molly Maid President Vera Peterson shares tips on how to care for your stainless steel items to keep them looking like you just bought them from the store.
Before we dive into specific methods, there are a few tips to keep in mind that will help maintain the integrity and beauty of your stainless steel.
Tip: “Like wood, stainless steel has blurry lines called grain,” says Peterson. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the stainless steel grain to avoid streaks and scratches.
Both Peterson and Bowen recommend using dish soap as the best way to clean stainless steel appliances and cookware.
“This method is quick, easy, and the best for cleaning dirty stainless steel cookware,” says Bowen, explaining that it’s especially useful for stainless steel that needs to be degreased or has a lot of food residue on it.
Start by filling your sink with warm water and adding a small amount of dish soap. Soak the stainless steel in the soapy water for at least five minutes. Then wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth, following the grain of the metal to avoid scratching or damaging it.
Large appliances don’t fit in the sink and shouldn’t be submerged in water. You’ll also need to clean stainless steel faucets and other fixtures. Peterson recommends cleaning other types of stainless steel by mixing warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a small spray bottle. Then spray the solution onto the stainless steel and wipe the mixture off with a microfiber cloth (in the direction of the grain). Dip a microfiber cloth in a small amount of mineral, coconut, or olive oil and apply to the stainless steel to give it a shine. Peterson emphasizes that you don’t need a lot of oil to create a beautiful shine.
If your stainless steel appliances and fixtures have greasy fingerprints and food stains (large or small), Peterson recommends using vinegar to remove them. “Vinegar is an all-natural, non-caustic, and effective disinfectant,” she said.
Start by filling a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar. If you want the vinegar solution to smell better, Peterson recommends adding a few drops of lemon juice. Shake the bottle well and spray the mixture onto the stainless steel surface you want to clean. Wipe down all surfaces with a soft microfiber cloth, following the direction of the grain. Be careful not to scrub too hard at this point, as the vinegar will cut through the grease with ease.
Dampen a second cloth with water and add a few drops of dish soap. “This removes the acidic residue left by the vinegar, ensuring it won’t negatively react with the metal over time,” says Peterson. Rinse the soapy cloth and wipe the stainless steel again to remove any soap residue. Finally, apply a small amount of olive oil to a third soft cloth and wipe the cookware one last time to gently seal the grains.
According to Bowen, “carbonated water works best for polishing already clean stainless steel to a sparkling shine.”
To use, pour some sparkling water into a spray bottle and spray onto appliances or dishes. Then wipe with a microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain. If necessary, rinse with warm water and allow to dry completely.
Tip: “Don’t wipe the steel with a cloth soaked in club soda, or pour club soda directly onto the steel, as it will be difficult to dry completely without leaving streaks,” says Bowen.
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There are countless articles on different ways to clean stainless steel, and Bowen says it all depends on the job at hand. “Greasy dishes? Dish soap is best,” she said. “Want your fridge to sparkle? Club soda is the way to go.”
Stainless steel can generally be cleaned with soap and water, so soak pots and pans in soapy water. For items that are too large to fit in the sink or are not waterproof, use a spray bottle filled with warm, soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia, and always wipe with the grain.
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