How to Keep Your Stainless Steel Appliance Looking Like New

Steel appliances are the number one choice for many homeowners due to their sleek appearance, ability to resist corrosion, and the fact that they match nearly any kitchen decor.

The downside is that they’re notorious for collecting smudges and fingerprints! They need plenty of cleaning TLC to look their best. Read on if you own steel appliances or are planning to purchase them for your kitchen.

Warm Water Is Stainless Steel’s Best Friend

Start by wiping your stainless appliance with warm soapy water and a damp cloth. This will remove the lightest stains and help set the foundation for the next steps in the process.

If you’re dealing with a tougher stain, such as grease or burnt food, apply a little elbow grease and rub the area with a sponge soaked in soapy water.

Use Vinegar to Spot Clean

After removing the surface dirt from your appliance, it’s time to focus on those pesky fingerprints.

Mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle and spritz it onto the fingerprints.

Let the mixture sit for about five minutes before wiping it away with a soft, dry cloth.

Baking Soda Is a Great All-Purpose Cleaner

Baking soda is one of the most versatile cleaning products on the market. And it’s cheap!

Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the steel surface with a sponge, and then rinse away. This same method works for stubborn grease or burnt food stains.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals can damage the finish on your appliance and make it more susceptible to corrosion. If you must use a chemical cleaner, dilute it with water and test it on a small area of the appliance first.

Use a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner, white vinegar diluted with water, or homemade baking soda paste for general cleaning.

Give It a Final Rinse, Finish with a Microfiber Cloth

Give your appliance one last rinse with distilled water or streak-free glass cleaner to prevent streaking.

Finish cleaning with a dry microfiber cloth. This will also help reduce future fingerprints and smudges.

Polish It Up

After cleaning, if your appliance looks dull, apply a polish designed for stainless steel appliances. Test the polish on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the finish.

Use Baby Oil

For a natural polish, place a few drops of baby oil on a clean, soft cloth and rub the baby oil into the steel in a circular motion. This will remove any remaining fingerprints and leave your appliance with a brilliant shine.

Work Top to Bottom

When dusting or cleaning your stainless steel appliance, start at the top and work your way down to prevent streaks and avoid missing spots.

Don’t overlook the nooks and crannies! Use a toothbrush or cotton swab to get into hard-to-reach areas.

To prevent future smudging, keep your stainless appliance clean and dry. Wipe up spills immediately.

You can also buy products that create an invisible barrier on the surface of stainless steel and make it harder for dirt and grime to stick. Before applying any product, read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Cleaning Maintenance

The key to keeping your stainless steel appliance looking new is regular maintenance. Wipe it down after every use, and give it a deeper clean weekly. Your appliance will thank you with many years of service and a gleaming, like-new finish.

Call Us at West Coast Chief Repair

Questions? Call us at West Coast Chief. Unlike your friends and family, we never tire of talking about appliances, and can offer unlimited maintenance tips and first-rate appliance repair.