How Should You Clean New Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances?
The kitchen remodel is done, and it looks great!
But now…you can’t keep everyone from TOUCHING the surface of those beautiful stainless steel appliances! (You can dream of having your entire family wear gloves all the time, but that probably won’t happen.)
How to keep stainless steel appliances clean is a real problem after a kitchen remodel, but there IS a simple solution: know how to clean them properly. Really, that’s where maintaining your new appliances always starts—with the right attitude! Recognize now that you’ll have to get good at cleaning them with the right tools and tactics. (Spoiler alert: if you don’t clean stainless steel properly, you WILL damage it.)
Let’s take a look at these easy tips for cleaning stainless steel. Stainless steel is known for its ability to stay clean and resist corrosion, rust, dirt, dust and grime. But while it’s known for all those repelling powers, it’s reputation for staying clean really means it cleans easily—as long as certain rules are followed.
Yes, that’s right, it doesn’t stay clean on its own.
Microfiber cloth!
Using microfiber cloths and warm water is the least risky option for cleaning stainless steel surfaces. You then dry the appliance with a towel or a fresh cloth to prevent water spots (you know those all too well).
Wipe the appliance down in the direction of the polish lines. You can also keep a spray bottle of water and white vinegar on-hand to use instead of just water, which will help with the tougher stains. Dish washing liquid can be used if your cleaning needs more power!
And want to rebuff that brilliant shine? Use a microfiber cloth with a small amount of olive oil, and RELISH that fresh sheen once you’re done!
Fingerprints…ugh!
How many times have your friends come over and admired your new kitchen, only to leave their fingerprints all over your stainless steel appliances?!
Fingerprints are one of the biggest complaints about stainless steel but can be quickly taken care of by using glass cleaner or household ammonia. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and towel dry, and voila!
Stainless steel cleaner
If you have staining or scratching on your appliances, or need to REALLY polish your stainless steel back to perfection, a stainless steel cleaner may be a good option. Some of these dedicated cleaners and polishes are even created specially to help minimize scratching and remove stains, so choose according to your need!
Read the directions on any stainless steel cleaner you buy and test it out on an inconspicuous part of the appliance. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and towel dry, too.
These are considered industry-wide rules for cleaning stainless steel—not just my opinion (interested though you surely are in hearing it)! Remember that if you used the wrong product on stainless steel, like a chlorine-based chemical or harsh sponge, the product WILL be damaged and unable to be fixed.
Now for my opinion! Personally, as a designer, I am NOT a big fan of stainless steel…and for various reasons:
- It’s hard to keep clean
- It shows scratches
- And I really like appliances to “blend into” the background
I like to hide appliances into the design, including putting panels on them and making them completely invisible when I can. But that’s me, and stainless steel is clearly still a preference for many homeowners. Stainless steel appliances have been around a long time, and I don’t see them leaving any time soon! When selected right and cleaned properly, they can be a beautiful addition to your new kitchen.
Do you own stainless steel appliances and have tips you’d like to share?
To read more, check this article out.
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