Stainless steel can be straightforward to clean without putting in too much effort and energy compared to other surfaces. It is considered to have the best feature, being its ability to be resistant against corrosion and rust, and it is highly subjected to grime, dirt, and dust. Because of this, it requires special attention and proper care when it comes to cleaning and maintaining it. Stainless steel surfaces get dirty from fingerprints primarily, and water stains are the main challenge of keeping them clean.

Although cleaning might be considered easy and time-saving, the ideal way to clean stainless steel can be quite expensive because this will require you to purchase a specially designed product. This method is inconvenient as those who cannot afford to buy this product feel left out on this. But not to worry, we will review ways in which you can clean at home without needing to invest so much.

Methods That You Can Use While Cleaning Stainless Steel At Home.

Cleaning surfaces that are stainless steel within your home can be done by following some of the guides that I will provide for you below:

• Make use of your glass cleaner

You will agree with me that fingerprints marks are just the most complained stains on stainless steel. People who have toddlers in their homes or get visited by children often experience this issue quite a lot, but this can be quickly resolved by you using a regular glass cleaner. Is it quite shocking? I agree. I have outlined some of the steps you will have to follow to achieve your desired results.

• You will need a glass cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth
• First of all, you will need to spray the glass cleaner on the microfiber cloth
• Then use this to wipe your stainless surface in circular motions in a consistent manner. The purpose of doing this is to ensure that you get rid of all the fingerprint marks on your character.
• You can now repeat this procedure as many times as you may like until you get satisfied that the outcome results are what you anticipated.
• After which, it is highly recommended that you thoroughly rinse off the surface and dry clean it with a clean piece of cloth.

 It would be best if you never sprayed the glass cleaner directly onto your stainless surface as this may leave behind stubborn marks and residue, causing you to do double more than what you planned to do before.

• Stainless steel cleaners

Some surfaces have stubborn stains and need you to put in some extra effort to ensure that they are clean. This option is available for this purpose for scenarios where you will get scratches too on the surfaces, although I have to tell you it is not cheap. The good news is that it will be worth your coins as they usually do an excellent job cleaning and polishing surfaces that seemed damaged before the end, giving you an impressive shine that will also last for quite some time. Also, make sure that you have read the instructions that are on the cleaning bottle. Please try it first on a small surface area before using it to clean the whole area.

• Steam clean

This method can be very effective, especially when you are looking to do some extra cleaning and do some sterilization on the surface. The steam from the cleaner is very efficient in killing germs and would probably disinfect the ones that are perhaps on the surface and are not visible. Avoid using a steamer containing a brush attachment, as this may be harsh on the stainless steel surface you are about to clean. Instead, it is recommended that you use a steamer that has a nozzle attachment for a smoother cleaning effect. After you are done steaming these surfaces, make sure that you wipe the surfaces with a dry microfibre cloth. In the end, you will be having excellent results and shiny surfaces.

• Dishwashing soap and oil

Many people swear that using a liquid dishwashing soap does the magic ultimately when it comes to cleaning their stainless steel surfaces. This is an effective method to use when aiming to remove the grime and residuals that get stuck on surfaces. It also gets rids of the oils that generally get stuck on the stainless steel, and it has been doing a fantastic job when you try to get that some extra shine on these surfaces as it polishes very well. Follow these steps for better results,

• You will need a microfibre cloth or towel of your choice and your favorite dishwashing soap that you have been using.
• Pour a small amount of water on the cloth to become wet, then add some drops of the dishwashing liquid.
• Use this piece of cloth to clean the appliance’s surface to remove grimes or oil and dirt.
• You can repeat this procedure a few times until it is according to your liking.
• You can use a paper towel in place of cloth, although I must warn you that it may not be as efficient as the microfibre since it might leave streaks. It is also advised that you consider that the cloth you are using is a soft one, not so abrasive on the surfaces in any way.
• After you have finished cleaning your surface, you can dry the surface using a clean microfibre cloth that should also be dry, as this usually helps get rid of the water streaks left on the stainless steel surface.
• At this point, you will now need another clean, dry microfibre cloth, and on it, add some drops of oil can be either mineral oil or baby oil; this is purely according to your taste and preference.
• Now wipe the cleaned area with this piece of cloth as this process will enhance the polishing process for quality results.

• Club soda

Using club soda has proven its efficiency when it comes to cleaning stainless steel surfaces and appliances. You will need a soft piece of cloth or towel that is not abrasive. Here are the steps that you will follow

• Fill up your spray bottle with club soda.
• You can now spray the soda onto your surface or appliance and then use this cloth to clean off the grains on the surface.
• Make sure that you clean while you are following the grain on your surface as it is the most effective way to remove smudges, and it also helps to hide the scratches that are the stainless steel.
• After you are satisfied with the results, you can now wipe your surface with a clean and dry cloth.
• This cleaning solution is so good in removing food residuals on the surface and restoring the initial glossy shine of the stainless steel.

• Olive oil with vinegar

White vinegar is considered one of the many ways to effectively clean stainless steel surfaces, as it removes all the grime residues that are stuck on the surface. Vinegar can also remove foul odors and unpleasant smells, leaving your spaces smelling freshly clean for a longer time. Outlined below is the procedure you need to know and follow for the best-desired results.

• You will need a clean piece of cloth, diluted vinegar.
• Fill up your spray bottle with your diluted vinegar.
• In this method, you can either spray on your piece of cloth or spray it directly on the surface.
• If you choose to spray on the cloth, you may want to let it sit first for a little while.
• Now use it to clean your surface following the direction of the grain.
• You can repeat this procedure as many times as you want all the grime was removed.
• You can now add some drops of oil to another clean piece of cloth.
• Use it in polishing your cleaned surface while still following the grain this will give you an extra shine.
• You notice some oil residue on the surface; you can easily clean this using a clean, dry towel

• Plain warm water and a rag

With just warm water and a cleaning rag, it can be effective and efficient this method can be in getting your stainless steel surfaces cleaned. Plain water is mainly known for being the best cleaning solution for many cleaning procedures. Here is what you will need to do in this method.

• Spray some warm water on the surface you are about to clean
• Use the cleaning rag to wipe it on the surface.

Be careful while using this method, as water is also known to leave deposits on the stainless steel ( this usually comes from the minerals found in water). Cleaning cloths are essential in this method as they help absorb moisture from the surfaces and are unlikely to scratch the surface, causing damages.

• Now you will use a clean cloth that is dried to wipe your stainless steel surface following the direction of water streaks and smudges.

The procedure will give you the best results as it will give your surface a shiny polish without you doing so much or investing a lot. As simple as this cleaning process might sound, the outcome you get from this will be pretty surprising.

• Use Bar Keepers Friend with paper wax

In this cleaning method, you will follow the following simple steps.

• You will need a paper wax, a flour sack, and some Bar Keepers Friend.
• Sprinkle some Bar Keepers Friend on the surface that you are aiming to clean.
• Now rub it into the surface while using a wet flour sack.
• Conduct this process in circular motions ensuring that you are covering the whole surface area.
• Now wet another part of the flour sack that has not been used and use this part to wipe the surface following the direction of the grain.
• After this, take another part of the flour sack, making sure it is scorched, and use it to wipe the surface dry.
• Finally, you can take the paper wax and use the wax part to rub and wipe the cleaned surface.

You will need to be very fast while doing this procedure. It is essential when your goal is to achieve great results.

A tip that you always need to remember is that do this process one section at a time. The purpose of using wax paper is to remove stains and not leave behind any streak marks. It may also be able to keep fingerprint marks and smudges away for quite a period.

• Lemon oil furniture polish

This method is quite a simple and easy one to do. And can be used to remove tough stains and grime deposits that may have gotten stuck on the surfaces. Here are the steps that you need to follow

• You will need a clean piece of cloth and some lemon oil furniture polish.
• Put some tiny amount of lemon polish onto a clean cloth or towel.
• Once you have applied, use the cloth to rub it on the stainless steel surfaces.
• Make sure that you are applying it evenly and in the direction of grime on the surfaces or appliances.
• After this, clean your surface with a different piece of cloth to ensure that it is polished.

Do not apply this lemon polish directly on the surface as this may result in uneven distribution during the application, requiring you to do the unnecessary work of cleaning again to get rid of the excess.

Here Are Some Of The Best Home Remedies To Clean Stainless Steel.

There are some of your household and kitchen stuff that you can comfortably use to clean your stainless steel surfaces without breaking the bank. I will take you through as we discuss some of the remedies that you need to try.

• Polishing using oils

If you are looking for ways to enhance your polishing process well, I have your back on this as I have a few you can try out and see how it works. Consider starting to use natural oils like baby oil, lemon oil, and olive oil in your house to assist you in cleaning your stainless steel surfaces.

• Baby oil

This one comes in handy and can be easily found and accessed. Here are the steps to using it:

• Put some oil on a piece of cloth
• Use this piece of cloth to wipe the surface
• Continue doing this process until you see that your surface has started glimmering.
• You will notice that your surface will have a glossy shine that can maintain for a while.

• Lemon oil

By just using a few drops of lemon from your kitchen, you will experience great results that will have you and others admiring the beautiful shine is seen on your surfaces and appliances. Here is how to do it;

• Put a few drops of lemon on a clean piece of cloth
• Use this piece of clothing to wipe on your surfaces, and while doing this, ensure that you are not exerting too much pressure.
• This will end up giving your surfaces an incredible shine in the areas that you have used to clean them. It sounds easy.

An important point to note is that it is not advisable you use this oil to clean up the surface that produces heat because this can results in fires due to its highly flammable feature.

• Olive oil

The olive found on your kitchen shelf is not only for cooking, you can use it to clean your stainless steel surfaces and appliances. It can do some magic in three easy steps

• Add some olive oil to a clean piece of cloth
• Use this piece of fabric to rub it in on your surface.
• Repeat until you see your surface shining.

Ensure that you are not soaking the piece of cloth, as this will only result in a not-so-attractive shine and will also attract more grime and dust to your surface.

• Use baking soda

You will need ordinary baking soda in your kitchen, a clean cloth or towel, and water in this cleaning method.

Follow this process,

• Mix water with the baking soda until you achieve a paste
• Apply this paste on the surfaces that you intend to clean. Leave this paste for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• After this, you can now use a clean piece of cloth, a toothbrush, or a soft scrubbing pad to remove the paste. This helps to cut through tough spots and stains that are on the surface.
• Now proceed to wipe away the paste using another clean but damp cloth or towel.

The procedure will leave your stainless surface sparkling clean.

• Lemon slices

As we may all know, lemon contains acid properties. This usually helps in cutting through grease that is surfacing. You will need lemon slices, a clean cloth, and water. Here is what to know.

• Use the cut slices of lemon.
• Rub them on the targeted surfaces as this will help to remove grime and stains.
• Now dip the clean piece of cloth in water and then wipe down the surfaces to remove any residues that may be left.
• Use a dry-clean piece of cloth to wipe the clean surface to dry any wet areas.

• Rubbing alcohol

Sometimes we might encounter stains that seem stubborn to remove from stainless surfaces. Some good news is that rubbing alcohol can help with this issue of tough stains. Here are some steps to follow:

• Add some rubbing alcohol to a spray bottle.
• Spray this on the surface that you are going to clean.
• Use a clean piece of cloth to rub it in.
• Gently continue rubbing it in until you see that the stain is disappearing.

Note that it is not advisable to use this on surfaces that produce heat, leading to fires.

• Use flour

Did you know that flour can be used to clean stainless surfaces better than some cleaning methods? Well, I am going to guide you on how to achieve good results using this method. Although you might be ready to encounter mess in your kitchen area, considering this method for your pots, pans, and sink will be a great deal. Here is what you need to know:

• First of all, you will be required to ensure that you cleaned your sink to get rid of grime, dirt, and dust on these surfaces.
• Dry the surface thoroughly.
• Then cover your surface with the amount of flour according to your preference. There are no restrictions at all.
• Now take a piece of cloth, make sure it is dry, and buff in a circular motion.
• Continue doing this until you start seeing that your sink is starting to shine like a new one.

Isn’t that a fantastic way to clean your surfaces?

Does Vinegar Damage Stainless Steel?

Although vinegar is an impressive cleaning agent on stainless steel, you might need to take several precautions while considering using it. Vinegar has proven that it can be corrosive to surfaces. Another reason is that when vinegar gets subjected to high temperatures, it can be highly concentrated and acidic. While you are doing your cleaning routine, do not let the vinegar soak on the surfaces. People have recommended diluting vinegar before using it on cleaning as it is considered much safer after diluting. You can quickly dilute vinegar using water, as this solution is said to be friendlier to stainless steel surfaces. Always make sure that after using vinegar for cleaning purposes, you have thoroughly wiped the surfaces to wipe them off completely.

Conclusion

Stainless steel has been so popular these days, and as much as we can all agree, using stainless steel in our day-to-day lives can be very easy, but we also need to put so much effort into cleaning and maintaining them well. By doing this, we can be sure that it will serve for a reasonable amount of time. This will enhance how attractive these surfaces and appliances will look on our houses.

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