If you have ever wondered how to clean stainless steel, you’ve come to the right place. This article will show you how to clean stainless steel without using abrasive cleaners. We’ll also talk about how to use a wet cloth and vinegar. Using a garment steamer is also a great option.
Avoiding abrasive cleaners
One of the easiest ways to maintain a stainless steel surface is to avoid using abrasive cleaners. Stainless steel is a rigid material whose complex oxide coating protects it from wear and corrosion. However, abrasive cleaners can wear off this protective layer making your stainless steel surface dull. Instead, it would help if you used a soft cloth to clean it.
Stainless steel is a hard surface, and abrasive cleaners can scratch the finish. Avoid using steel wool and brushes, as they can scratch the surface and increase the risk of rust. Also, avoid bleach and other abrasive cleaners. Bleach is incompatible with stainless steel, and the chemical reaction will dull and eat away the finish.
Using a wet cloth
If you have a stainless steel countertop, the most crucial step after cleaning it is drying it thoroughly. A dry cloth will prevent mineral deposits from building up and make cleaning more efficient. The best way to do this is with a microfiber cloth. If you prefer a liquid solution, you can use a mixture of white vinegar and water. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that works well on stainless steel.
You can use dish soap if you don’t want to use vinegar. Apply small dish soap to a cleaning cloth, then rinse it. If the soap has left any residue, you can use a Bounty paper towel to wipe it off. These paper towels can absorb a lot of liquid, which will help remove any buildup and blemishes.
Using vinegar
The best way to clean stainless steel is with a mixture of white vinegar and water. This solution is all-natural, non-abrasive, and inexpensive. To use it, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. You can also use lemon juice. After you mix the solution, spray it on the stainless steel surface. Once it has soaked in, wipe off the vinegar with a soft cloth. This solution will easily cut through any grease or grime.
Before using the vinegar, make sure that it is not too hot. It can damage the surface of stainless steel, so be careful when using it. If you are using it for cooking, try to heat it gradually to avoid a rainbow-like tint. Then, wipe away the residue with a soft cloth dipped in diluted vinegar. Rinse the stainless steel utensils after use is also a good idea, as acidic foods may cause them to pit.
Using a garment steamer
When using a garment steamer, you need to clean it regularly to keep it working correctly. Hard tap water can leave minerals in the steamer, reducing steam production. Some signs of a dirty steamer include white buildup on the nozzle and sputtering or spitting water. To avoid this problem, empty the water tank before cleaning.
Another effective cleaning method for stainless steel is using a diluted vinegar solution. Make the solution by combining two parts of water with one part of vinegar. Apply the solution to the stained area in a clockwise motion, and then wipe the area dry with a dry cloth. If you’re worried about leaving streaks, apply olive oil to the surface before cleaning. Just make sure to apply it to the grain of the stainless steel.
Using a degreaser
Using a degreaser for stainless steel cleaning can be dangerous if you’re not sure how to do it properly. This is because stainless steel has a natural grain, and using the wrong cleaning tools can ruin the grain and create permanent blemishes. Luckily, the process is quite simple and involves a few common materials you probably already have in your kitchen.
Stainless steel can become quite greasy over time. A quality degreaser can remove these stains. You can spray the degreaser directly onto the stainless steel surface or dilute it in a bowl and apply it to a microfiber cloth. It would help if you worked with the stainless steel grain when applying the degreaser, as this will give the surface a natural barrier against the grime. It will also give the appliance a shiny appearance.
