Don't ruin your stainless steel appliances with these cleaning mistakes

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Do you need to know how to clean stainless steel appliances ? We have put everything together for you, including tips on what not to do and how to avoid unsightly stretch marks.

Stainless steel is a durable surface for appliances that adds a modern aesthetic to any kitchen. Your sleek stainless steel refrigerator, microwave, or stove may be rock hard, but they can look unsightly if they're covered in fingerprints and stains. Fortunately, it's also easy to clean and you don't need any special detergents to do it. Follow these simple cleaning tips to keep your stainless steel appliances looking new.

Common mistakes when cleaning stainless steel equipment

Cleaning stainless steel surfaces is really only possible with little effort. You can use specialty stainless steel cleaners to quickly clean fingerprints and other oily residue if you want. However, there are some DIY cleaners you can make from pantry items that work just as well.

Before you begin, it is important to understand what not to do when cleaning stainless steel. Common mistakes when cleaning stainless steel are:

• Use of abrasives . Although it is a durable surface, stainless steel is easy to scratch. Abrasives, including natural cleaners like baking soda , scrub a surface to remove dirt and are more likely to damage stainless steel.

• Use steel wool or abrasives . How abrasive cleaners , abrasive cleaning pads, and steel wool will scratch the grain of the steel and make your equipment look dull. Even a paper towel can be too rough. Use a soft microfiber cloth instead.

• Use bleach . Bleach is ideal for brightening and disinfecting surfaces. It is not intended for use on stainless steel surfaces. While imperceptible at first glance, the bleach will remove the finish from the stainless steel over time.

• Allow dirt and grime to settle . When dirt and grime settle on the surface of the stainless steel, it becomes more difficult to remove later. Dry damage requires more friction, which can scratch the surface. Removing spilled material immediately will save cleaning time and minimize the risk of accidentally scratching the stainless steel.

How to clean stainless steel appliances

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Now that you know how to not clean stainless steel, you'll be glad to know that it is relatively easy to clean it correctly. Throw away those expensive commercial cleaners and make your own. Here are some articles that can help you make your own stainless steel cleaners without harsh chemicals. Requires:

1. For easy daily cleaning, dilute the white vinegar 1: 2 with water. Put the diluted vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar solution with a dry microfiber cloth (or use a window with no ammonia or no vinegar and a glass cleaner like Windex) and wipe the surface.

Related Reading: More Places In Your Kitchen That You Can Cleanse With Vinegar

2. For heavier and stickier dirt, mix a teaspoon of dish soap in a quart of hot tap water. Dip a microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution and wipe in the direction of the grain on the surface of your equipment. If necessary, you can carefully rub off stubborn dirt (microfiber does not scratch). Work in small sections. Rinse the towel with clean warm water and wipe the surface again. Use a dry microfiber cloth to dry the surface.

3. To prevent dirt from adhering to the surface of your stainless steel devices and making them shiny and new, apply a light coat of mineral oil to the surface. Rub it well with a cotton flour bag to avoid any sticky build-up. Do not use cooking oils, including vegetable oils and olive oils , as these can go rancid.

More tips for cleaning stainless steel

What about all the unsightly scratches after you've removed the dirt and grime? The key to avoiding streaks is cleaning with the grain . By cleaning in the direction of the stainless steel grit, you can clean out the microscopic grooves that collect dirt and keep scratches away. The strips are created by rubbing against the grain or in circular motions.

Another thing to consider is the hardness of your water. Hard water deposits deposits on stainless steel surfaces . If your water is hard, consider using filtered water in making your detergents and wiping off any spilled water on surfaces before it dries.

Also, keep in mind that every stainless steel device is different so cleaning can vary with each surface. For specific cleaning instructions, see the manufacturer's instructions that came with your equipment.

Chowhound's sister site, CNET, has more tips on cleaning stainless steel , including an interesting way to use up leftover orange peel.

Remember what's inside

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Header image courtesy of gerenme / E + / Getty Images

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