We would not recommend abrasive cleaners such as bleach and hydrochloric acid-based cleaners being used on the appliance. Residue salt and vinegar from cooking being left on the stainless steel can also cause rust spots as the salt will damage the protective Chromium oxide layer.
We also recommend staying away from cleaners that contain fluorine, iodine, bromine, or any other chloride. Chlorides are far too abrasive and will often lead to dull discolorations on your stainless steel that can corrode and rust.
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.
Exposure to corrosive process fluids and cleaners, high humidity or high salinity environments such as sea water can remove the native protective layer (chromium oxide) and can cause stainless steel corrosion.
What makes stainless steel different is the addition of chromium (Cr) and other alloying elements such as nickel (Ni) to create a corrosion-resistant product. Steel corrodes because iron, the metal used to make steel, occurs in nature in combination with other elements.
Despite being known for its extremely corrosion-resistant features, stainless steel is prone to rust in certain circumstances. Although rusty metals are often a result of water exposure, stainless steel will also rust from exposure to damaging chemicals, saline, grease, or prolonged exposure to heat.
+Clean your appliances using mild soap and a soft cloth. +Always dry your appliance after cleaning it – use a soft, dry cloth. +Routinely wipe down your stainless steel appliances with a stainless steel cleaner or use mineral oil. +Always wipe away standing water as soon as possible.
Try Vinegar
It contains acetic acid, which eats away rust and dirt by acting as a mild corrosive cleaner. You can also use vinegar to remove rust stains from a tub or other stainless steel areas.
Many people swear by the simple combination of vinegar and olive oil for keeping their stainless-steel appliances clean. 1: Add white vinegar to a clean spray bottle. 2: Spray down your stainless-steel appliance. 3: Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Small Appliances
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.
Avoid using regular Windex on stainless steel, as the ammonia content can damage the material. Although it is possible to clean stainless steel with ammonia-free Windex, it is best not to take the chance because it is difficult to tell how a cleaner will react with stainless steel.
CLR Spot-Free Stainless Steel is specially formulated to be used safely on any stainless steel appliance and surface. So if you want to know how to clean a stainless steel sink, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, grill or small appliances, and keep them clean, our stainless steel cleaner has the answer.
Stainless steel appliances come with a protective layer made of chromium oxide. When the film breaks down, your appliances are prone to rust. Improper care can damage the protective layer. Oxygen and moisture attacks the exposed metal.
Even with these impressive features, stainless steel can and does rust after all, it's 'stainless' not 'stainfree'. Some types of stainless steel are more prone to corrosion than others, depending on the chromium content. The higher the chromium content, the less likely the metal will rust.
WD-40 can help remove rust from metals like iron, chrome, and stainless steel without further damaging the surface of the metal or removing the paint. The Multi-Use Product is great for loosening and removing excessive surface rust.
Unlike iron or carbon steel, stainless steel does not rust.
One of the best ways to clean stainless steel is to use a cloth rinsed with warm water and dishwashing liquid. Follow this up with a rinse down with plain warm water. Don't allow the warm water to dry on the surface of the stainless steel. Instead, wipe it off with an absorbent cloth.
While resistant to the effects of saltwater, environmental fallout, and UV damage, stainless steel will eventually succumb and start to oxidize. The material will start to look hazy, maybe even slightly brown from a light dusting or rust.
Avoid Making Scratches
You may be tempted to use a paper towel but paper towels may scratch the surface of your stainless steel appliances. A microfiber cloth is softer and will produce a better result.
Avoid cleaners that can damage steel and finishes. Instead, clean your stainless steel appliances with a dish soap like Dawn® Platinum. Its unique formula is tough enough to break up grease and grime while staying gentle on stainless steel surfaces.
From faucets and kitchen sinks, to refrigerator doors and coffee machines; if it's a stainless steel surface, toothpaste should be the cleaner!
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar. To make the vinegar solution smell better, you can add a few drops of lemon juice. Shake the bottle well and spray the stainless steel surfaces you wish to clean. Wipe your appliances with a soft cloth, being sure to follow the direction of the grain.