Ways Which You Can Clean Stainless Steel

Because stainless steel is often used in environments that are damp, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is important to clean it well to prevent water damage over time, especially under conditions that might involve salts or a lack of circulation, as these lead to increased corrosion. Fortunately however it is easy to clean and is very hygienic, hence its extensive use in both domestic and commercial kitchens.

Stainless steel generally comes in two different types of finish when used in large quantities for items such as sinks or surfaces: brushed or reflective. There are different grades to these finishes, but most can be cleaned in similar ways, with reflective surfaces simply requiring a final buff with a soft cloth to maintain a high gloss after the practical cleaning is complete.

Daily Cleaning
For everyday cleaning, warm water and a cloth, used with a bit of elbow grease, may be all that is required. The important trick is to ensure that the surface is well-rubbed and dried after cleaning to minimise water damage. The best type of cloth for this nowadays is a microfibre one, which can also be used dry for certain marks, but any lint-free cloth will do the job.

Adding a detergent such as washing-up liquid to your water may be all you need for slightly more stubborn spots, or you might need to spot-treat stains with a slightly stronger mix of detergent and water and a period of soaking. It is important to remember not to leave the steel wet for too long, however, and a thorough drying after cleaning is recommended.

Stubborn Stains
Really stubborn patches can be treated with a paste of bicarbonate of soda in water at about the consistency of toothpaste; some people have even been known to use toothpaste with bicarbonate of soda in it! If this is required, remember that it is an abrasive, so be careful how hard you rub when working it in, or you may scratch the finish on your appliance or surface. It can be rinsed off easily with warm water, and the usual drying routine can be followed to complete the job.

Fingerprints
If your steel appliances or surfaces are prone to fingerprint marks, a quick wipe with glass cleaner or a vinegar/water solution such as you might use to clean windows or mirrors will restore shine without wetting the stainless steel too much. Lucky people with very modern stainless steel features may find that this is not too much of a bother, as some recent finishes have been created to be fingerprint-resistant.

Commercial stainless steel cleaners are available, and these may be useful in a last resort if there is already damage or scratching to the surface. They tend to contain very strong chemicals, so it is advisable to read the directions carefully and to use them in a well-ventilated area.