You can use Windex on stainless steel for fingerprints, but it's not ideal long-term because its ammonia can damage the protective layer, leading to streaks or rust over time; it's better to use specific stainless steel cleaners, mild soap and water, or vinegar, always wiping with the grain for best results. For occasional use on smudges, Windex on a microfiber cloth might work, but specialized cleaners or even mineral oil are better for deep cleaning and shine without the risk of corrosion.
Baking soda and vinegar are two pantry staples that can be used to clean stainless steel. You can use baking soda by making a paste with water to gently rub on the surface of your appliance. Vinegar can be used as a stainless steel cleaner when mixed with mineral oil.
DON'T use chlorine bleach, chloride, oven cleaner, or other abrasive cleaners. Many different cleaners contain chlorides or chlorine. These chemicals and other abrasive cleaners will cause surface pitting. They can also strip the protective chrome oxide barrier from stainless steel.
Bleach and Chlorine: These common household cleaners are incredibly harsh on stainless steel, causing it to corrode and discolor. Avoid them entirely, especially in concentrated forms. Hydrochloric and Sulfuric Acid: Found in some heavy-duty cleaners, these acids can leave stains or pitting on stainless steel surfaces.
To easily clean off grease and food splatters from your stainless steel appliances, use a mixture of Dawn® Platinum and water, then rinse off and wipe dry.
To refresh your pieces, soak them in soapy water, then buff them with a soft cloth. For a deep clean, apply a small amount of Quick Shine Stainless Steel Cleaner + Polish with a microfiber cloth and gently rub to restore the shine.
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WD-40 can effectively clean stainless steel surfaces by removing fingerprints and smudges, but it's essential to test it on a small area first and wipe with the grain of the metal.
DON'T...
To ensure optimal maintenance of stainless steel, we recommend the use of ethyl alcohol or a solution of water and alcohol. Spraying directly on the surface, followed by drying with a soft cloth, ensures impeccable results. For those who prefer more natural approaches, vinegar and lemon are good alternatives.
When it comes to cleaning your cookware, never ever use abrasive cleaners or cleaning sponges/cloths. In fact, just come to terms now with the fact that you should never use anything other than mild dish soap and a soft sponge for cleaning stainless steel.
If you have small scratches or marks on your stainless steel, a little bit of toothpaste can do the trick. Apply the toothpaste to a toothbrush and gently brush the scratch. Wipe the surface clean and repeat as needed.
Use a soft, nonabrasive cloth and a mixture of dish soap and warm water to wipe the surface of your appliance in the direction of the grain. With a second clean cloth, wipe again with warm water before thoroughly wiping the surface dry, always in the direction of the grain.
Avoid using any chemical products– soap and water will work best. Wipe the inner walls and all the shelving. If your refrigerator comes with an ice maker or water option, you will want to run some water through the lines before ingesting it.
Bottom Line. Olive oil is an efficient and affordable way to clean your stainless steel appliances. It is inexpensive and natural.
Any version of barkers friend will work whether it's the soft cleanser, the more spray formula, or the original powder cleanser. If you have water stains or any other grime on your stainless steel surface, barkeepers friend can remove it.
When cleaning your stainless steel appliance, it's important to wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid leaving behind streaks. Find the direction of the grain by looking for little horizontal or vertical lines in the stainless steel. If the stainless steel grain is horizontal, wipe from left to right.
The plastic and glass surfaces on most small kitchen appliances, such as blenders, coffee makers, and toasters, are safe to clean with vinegar, but you want to avoid any rubber parts or metal that vinegar can corrode. This includes stainless steel.