Knowing how to clean stainless steel is essential because most of us have at least one item at home, whether it’s a pot, stove, sink, or even a refrigerator.
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We will show you some simple cleaning tips on how to clean stainless steel and maintain its original appearance for many years.
Items made of stainless steel need to be cleaned periodically, not just for aesthetic reasons, but also to preserve the integrity of the surface and prevent corrosion.
Cleaning is very easy, and with these simple cleaning tips, you’ll keep the items free from stains!
Let’s get to the tips!
1 – Cleaning Stainless Steel with Water and Detergent
- In a container, create a concentrated solution of water and detergent.
- Using a soft cloth, such as a microfiber cloth or the yellow side of a sponge, apply the mixture to the surface. Make firm and even strokes.
- Rinse with running water and dry with a clean cloth. Drying is the key to preventing stains caused by water droplets.
2 – Cleaning with Baking Soda and Vinegar
- In a pot, put 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 3 tablespoons of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of alcohol.
- Add warm water to dilute the mixture.
- Apply the mixture to the stainless steel using a soft cloth or the yellow side of a sponge.
- Finish by rinsing thoroughly with water and drying with a soft cloth.
Baking soda can also be used to remove burnt food residues from the bottom of a pan or skillet. For this, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 500 ml of hot water and let the item soak in 500 ml of water until the residues come off completely.
3 – Why It’s Important to Learn to Clean Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is commonly used in the kitchen because it is heat and corrosion-resistant and doesn’t stain easily.
Chromium, present in stainless steel, reacts with oxygen in the air to form a protective film, preventing issues like rust and reducing the risk of stains.
However, if the surface of stainless steel is greasy or has residues, this reaction doesn’t occur, and the stainless steel becomes vulnerable. Therefore, it’s essential to keep stainless steel items clean for greater durability.
TIP: Salt can corrode the material and compromise its use, so avoid leaving salty foods in stainless steel pans.
4 – How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
Known as the silver line, stainless steel appliances are stylish but require proper maintenance. Let’s see!
- To clean the appliances, use a soft, damp sponge with some suitable cleaner.
- Wipe with a damp and clean cloth to avoid water spots.
- If it’s greasy, use a degreaser as per the instructions on the packaging.
- Always use the soft sponge in the direction of the grain. Never use steel wool and abrasive cleaners. Avoid alcohol in cleaning as it can leave stains on stainless steel in the long run. If in doubt, read the product instructions.
- Clean regularly, and your items will shine for a long time.
5 – How to Remove Stainless Steel Stains
Vinegar is a great ally when it comes to removing stains from stainless steel, see here!
- Apply white vinegar to a soft cloth and wipe the entire surface of the item.
- Finish by drying with a dry cloth that doesn’t leave lint.
You can also use vaseline to prevent the formation of stains on the surface because the product forms a protective layer.
When applying, use a soft cloth and apply vaseline gently to the clean and dry surface.
6 – Special Care
To make your items shine and last for a long time, special care is needed.
- Always use soft cloths to clean stainless steel items to avoid scratches.
- Avoid the buildup of dirt, as it can damage the item and make cleaning more challenging, so keep it clean at all times.
- Always check the instructions before applying any product.
- Unlike other materials, stainless steel can develop stains from stagnant water droplets on the surface, so make a habit of drying after cleaning or washing.
- Be careful when stacking pots to avoid possible scratches.
- After using the stainless steel sink, rinse thoroughly as most soaps and detergents contain chlorides.
By following these tips, your stainless steel items will shine for a long time!
