How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

Many modern homeowners rely on stainless steel appliances every day. Getting your first stainless steel appliance can be an exciting time, especially if you’ve never had one! However, stainless steel won’t stay clean forever and can be challenging to maintain. Although they look great, you’ll likely find that without regular cleaning, many of these appliances won’t perform optimally.

And if you’re reading this, you might have a refrigerator filled with streaks, an oven marred with smudges, or a dirty sink. Fortunately, you’ll find some of the best ways to clean your stainless steel appliances in this article. Let’s go over some of the following tips:

Start with the right cloth

One of the most basic tips about cleaning stainless steel is the type of cloth you use and the movement of that cloth. Stainless steel can be easily scratched if you go with a rough cloth. Opt for a microfiber cloth, which will give you the best result. You can also consider using soft paper towels if you’re in a pinch and can’t use a traditional microfiber cloth. Then, make sure to clean in one direction to prevent streaking.

Know your appliance

Different types of appliances sometimes require different methods of cleaning. Look at (or look up) your appliance user manual for specific recommendations. You may find different kinds of stainless steel on the market, each of which might respond better to different cleaning techniques. If you’re unable to locate your user manual, start with tried and true solutions like the ones we recommend first.

Use the right solution

First, if you have stainless steel cleaner wipes (like those from Weiman) already on-hand, use them! You can also use solutions made at home if you’re so inclined, though Some homeowners may not be comfortable in creating their own concoction. You can also consider Simple Green cleaner and polish for stainless steel appliances. If you’re looking for something natural but still don’t want to create a mixture yourself, the Therapy brand makes a stainless steel cleaner and polish made with coconut oil.

One popular at-home cleaning mixture is composed of vinegar and olive oil. Simply mix some white vinegar in a clean spray bottle for use on your stainless steel. You can also use dish soap and a little bit of mineral oil. Use the dish soap on its own; then put a few small drops on the cloth.

Watch out for common mistakes

Don’t clean your appliances with tap water. Although it may sound like a simple solution, using plain tap water can lead to much longer cleaning times and actually leave unwanted spots. Also keep in mind that many manufacturers have specific instructions on what cleaners you can use to clean your appliance. They often list product that shouldn’t be used to clean their stainless steel.

When you’re looking for cloths to buy, never purchase steel wool alternatives. These materials are usually harsh and abrasive, which can scratch and damage your stainless steel appliances. This can include certain types of cloths, sponges and scrubbing pads. Another thing you’ll want to avoid is using cleaners not meant for cleaning stainless steel. Oven cleaner is an excellent example of a cleaner you want to avoid when cleaning stainless steel appliances. Finally, make sure that you don’t use cleaners that have a chlorine-based compound or that has chloride in its makeup.

The Takeaway

The biggest thing that you should take away is to be careful on what you use to clean your stainless steel appliances. Remember to find the perfect cleaning routine for your household. By doing this, you’ll ensure a clean kitchen with the results you want and need.

Still have questions? Ask an HVAC expert directly via chat or phone.

---

Recommended Reading