Stainless steel gives an air of sophistication and elegance to any house. However, if you do not clean it frequently enough, you may end up with a room full of gray appliances, doors, or windows. Fortunately, stainless steel is low-maintenance.
A few simple dos and don’ts are all you need to remember to restore shine without damaging surfaces.
4 Ways to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
Here are four easy steps for cleaning stainless steel:
- Apply your preferred solution, then wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth or any soft cloth in the direction of the grain. If you’re not sure which way the grain flows, experts recommend wiping side-by-side patches in opposite directions to detect a difference.
- Rinse your cloth and repeat wiping until it is clean.
- Utilize a fresh microfiber cloth to dry the cleaned stainless steel surfaces.
- Finish the job by applying a small amount of olive oil, mineral oil, or baby oil to a dry cloth and rubbing it over the surface. This will increase the sheen, eliminate any remaining streaks, and prevent fingerprints.
Glass cleaners are also effective at removing fingerprints. If necessary, use a commercial cleaner to remove stains from stainless steel, but always read the instructions and perform a spot test first.
Things You Shouldn’t Do When Cleaning Stainless Steel
Below are the things you shouldn’t do when cleaning stainless steel appliances, doors, and windows.
- Steel wool and brushes will scratch the exterior of your stainless steel, making it more prone to rusting and staining.
- Abrasive cleaners will scratch the surface and deteriorate the finish.
- Bleach and chlorine-containing cleaners will discolor and corrode stainless steel.
- Do not allow dirty water and cleaning solution residues to dry on stainless steel, as this will dull the finish and potentially leave permanent stains.
DIY Cleaning Solutions
The latest and greatest commercial cleaner may not be the most effective or safest stainless steel cleaner. There are numerous methods for cleaning stainless steel that does not involve potentially hazardous commercial cleaners!
Try these DIY cleaners on the appliances, and you’ll see for yourself how effective they are; just remember to perform a spot test before using any stainless steel cleaner.
Vinegar and Olive Oil
You will need white vinegar, olive oil, and two microfiber cloths. Find the grain in the stainless steel by examining it closely. Apply vinegar to a microfiber cloth and rub against the grain to remove dirt, grease, and grime.
Allow the vinegar to dry, then dampen the second microfiber cloth with olive oil. Use a rubbing motion against the grain to distribute the oil.
This straightforward method will efficiently clean, protect, and polish the stainless steel.
Dish Soap and Baby Oil
Dish soap, baby oil, warm water, and three microfiber cloths are required for this DIY cleaner
One teaspoon of dish liquid should be diluted in one quart of warm water. Moisten a microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution and wipe along the grain.
Combine one teaspoon of dish soap with one quart of water. With clean, warm water, wet a clean microfiber towel and wipe away the residue. Allow the finish to dry, then, working with the grain, incorporate the baby oil.
Can You Use Windex to Clean a Stainless Steel?
Many individuals recommend all-purpose cleaners like Windex for stainless steel, whereas others disagree. Here is everything you need to know about Windex and using it to clean stainless steel.
Windex: Its Purpose and Uses
Windex is an all-purpose cleaner for hard surfaces that can be used on a variety of surfaces. While it is primarily used for cleaning glass surfaces and kitchen countertops, you can also use it to clean patio furniture, eliminate stains, and kill insects.
There are numerous Windex products that serve various purposes and should be utilized accordingly.
Windex and Stainless Steel
Ammonia is a major component of Windex cleaning products. It is known to corrode stainless steel, and numerous experts advise against its use.
On the other hand, some people recommend glass cleaners, such as Windex, for stainless steel because it gives a real shine, and you cannot tell if it is brand new or not.
Additionally, ammonia-free Windex cleaners are available for cleaning stainless steel.
Is It Safe to Clean Stainless Steel with Windex?
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.
The unpredictability of different stainless steel cleaners makes it difficult to make a decision, as they may do the job or they may damage the appliances, especially if the cleaners contain ammonia.
Many stainless steel appliances include cleaning instructions that advise avoiding abrasive cleaners. When using Windex to clean stainless steel, it is essential to wipe in the direction of the metal grains. In addition, you may also use oil as a type of conditioner for stainless steel after cleaning it with Windex.
Seek Professional Help or Advice
You can clean the stainless steel appliances and prevent permanent damage and corrosion with proper care and maintenance. With relatively little effort, your clients’ appliances will retain their pristine appearance.
However, it is still safe to ask for an expert’s advice on whether the cleaning solutions you or your clients will use are safe for the steel door, window, or appliances.
To speak to our steel experts, you may contact us at 877-590-2741 at Euroline Steel Windows and Doors today!
