Cleaning Stainless Steel

Most modern kitchens will have stainless steel in them and a common question is how to clean stainless steel. There are many commercial products available for this purpose, however it is easy to clean stainless steel using basic ingredients most homes already have in their cupboards.

What you use will depend on the degree of marks, dirt on your stainless steel. Always start with the mildest method first.

What you will need:

• 2 x microfibre cloths or an old t-shirt or a sponge.

• Warm water.

• Mild detergent.

• White vinegar.

• Bicarbonate of soda.

Light marks

• Add a small amount of mild detergent to warm water. Wet the cloth or sponge, it should be damp, not dripping wet.

• Rub the area, going in the direction of the grain.

• Dry the area with a cloth to prevent streaking and water marks.

Fingerprints

• Spray the area with white vinegar or glass cleaner & wiping off with a cloth. Again, always go in the direction of the grain.

Oily/greasy spots:

• Make a paste of bicarbonate of soda. Apply to the area and gently rub.

• Wipe the area with a damp cloth & then dry thoroughly.

Cleaning stainless steel sinks:

• Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda onto a damp sponge.

• Scrub the sink.

• Rinse clean.

• For extra shine, finish off by spraying with white vinegar and drying with a cloth.

• For more stubborn stains in a stainless steel sink, apply some cream cleanser, scrub the area with a cloth or sponge and rinse clean.

Cleaning a stainless steel pan:

• Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the bottom of the pan. Add a small amount of water to make a paste.

• Leave to soak for 30 minutes.

• Wash by hand, removing the residue.

Stainless steel care:

• Avoid touching stainless steel surfaces with fingers.

• Do not use harsh abrasives on stainless steel.

• Do not use bleach products on stainless steel.

• Do not use steel wool on stainless steel.

• Do not rub in the opposite direction to the grain as this will lead to scratches.

• Always dry stainless steel surfaces with a cloth after cleaning to avoid leaving water stains.

Other tips:

Baby oil is another method that is reportedly good for removing stains, and shining up stainless steel appliances. Apply a small amount to a cloth & wipe over the stainless steel, going with the grain.

Lemon oil is another good stain remover. Apply to a cloth and wipe over the stainless steel.

Also see:

Black mould, Cleaning a burnt pan, Cleaning a sink,  Cleaning grout, Cleaning a laptop screen, Cleaning a microwave, Cleaning granite benchtops, Cleaning stainless steel, Disinfecting kitchen sponges, Environmentally friendly cleaning,  Removing candle wax, Removing grass stains, Removing mould & mildew from walls, Removing red wine stains, Removing water stains from wood, Window condensation