Tools and Materials
Tools
Materials
Distilled White Vinegar
Olive Oil
- Liquid Dish Soap
Baking Soda
- Microfiber Cloths
- Stainless Steel Cleaner
Cleaning Stainless Steel
Stainless steel appliances have become a staple in many homes, and for good reason. They blend in well with a variety of decors and look great. When your stainless steel appliances are clean and shiny, they enhance the kitchen. But what about when those same appliances have fingerprints, grease, smudges, water spots or dirt on them? That can affect the look of the whole kitchen.
Who doesn’t love the look of a clean stainless steel fridge or stove? Whether your stainless steel appliance is a microwave, sink, dishwasher, refrigerator or stove, the good news is that you can clean them in a few easy steps.
While one or all of the methods below may work for you, make sure you check your appliance’s manual for any specific cleaning instructions. Always test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous part of the appliance before using it on the entire surface.
Method 1 – Clean Stainless Steel Appliances Using Distilled White Vinegar and Olive Oil
This method takes advantage of two ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Not only does distilled white vinegar cut through grease but it also contains 5 percent acetic acid which has been shown to have antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Make sure you use vinegar that doesn’t contain sulfuric acid which can damage stainless steel.
Distilled White Vinegar and Olive Oil Cleaning Method
Method 2 – Clean Stainless Steel Appliances Using Distilled White Vinegar and Water
Distilled white vinegar also works well when diluted with water.
Distilled White Vinegar and Water Cleaning Method
Method 3 – Clean Stainless Steel Appliances Using Dish Soap and Water
Cleaning stainless steel appliances with dish soap and water is gentle while cutting through grease and dirt.
Dish Soap and Water Cleaning Method
Method 4 – Clean Stainless Steel Appliances Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is another great choice for cleaning stainless steel appliance. It’s also helpful when you need to tackle tough stains.
Baking Soda and Water Cleaning Method
Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaners and Polishers
If you’d rather not go the DIY homemade cleaner route, another cleaning method to consider is a commercial stainless steel cleaner. These cleaners are made specifically for stainless steel, and some are a cleaner and stainless steel polish in one. Stainless steel cleaners come in different forms, including liquid, spray and foam.
What Not to Use on Stainless Steel Appliances
While stainless steel is strong and durable, it can still scratch. When cleaning your stainless steel appliances, steer clear of these items that could damage your appliance:
- Harsh abrasives
- Scouring pads
- Scouring powders
- Steel wool
- Brushes
- Oven cleaners
- Anything that contains ammonia (like some glass cleaners)
- Bleach
- Cleaners with chlorine or chloride
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances
How do you make stainless steel look new again?
Olive oil works great at reviving the shine in stainless steel. Simply add olive oil to a clean, dry microfiber cloth and, working in the direction of the grain, buff the appliance.
Can I use glass cleaner on stainless steel appliances?
It’s best not to use a glass cleaner unless you find one that doesn’t contain ammonia. Some glass cleaners have ammonia which can damage stainless steel.
Does vinegar damage stainless steel?
Distilled white vinegar is safe to use on stainless steel appliances. It removes grease and grime and it doesn’t contain a coloring agent which can stain the surface of stainless steel.