What is the best way to clean stainless steel appliances? Many homeowners in Hoboken, NJ, ask that question. They don’t want to damage those silver surfaces!

You will find easy and effective ways to clean them without much risk and effort in this blog post. Let’s learn a little about stainless steel first:

Understanding stainless steel

Stainless steel appliances are common in New Jersey homes. This is a trendy option! Every home looks sleeker and more sophisticated with stainless steel. It also offers many benefits like resistance to damage and rust.

Sinks, fridges, and other kitchen appliances all have something in common: they are touched a lot! Stains and fingerprints are very visible on stainless steel surfaces, and they can only be removed with constant cleaning.

Cleaning stainless steel can seem daunting to beginners. It does get easier once you figure out which cleaning method is best for your stainless steel.

Here are 5 essential tips:

TIP #1: CREATE A DAILY HABIT

You don’t want those fingerprints and water spots to worsen over time. As dust and dirt accumulate, they make the surface look grimy. Don’t worry about it too much! Make a habit of cleaning minor stains on the go.

Always carry a microfiber cloth with you. Wipe the surface every day with warm water to keep it spotless.

TIP #2: CHECK THE MANUFACTURER’S MANUAL

All stainless steel appliances are not created equal. There are different types of finishes and metal concentrations for each. Not every finish will work with your refrigerator.

Consult your manufacturer’s manual for details. Make sure to follow the cleaning instructions. To get assist to contact with Equinox Cleaning Company.

TIP #3: FOLLOW THE GRAIN

The grain of stainless steel appliances is no different from that of wood furniture. A closer look reveals thin lines covering the surface.

Follow the grain of your rag when wiping your appliance to prevent streaks. Clear your doubts by wiping gently vertically and horizontally with a soft cloth. When you encounter resistance in one direction, then you’re not following the grain.

TIP #4: SPOT-TEST YOUR CLEANING SOLUTION

You can easily clean your home on a regular basis. When trying out a more powerful cleaning solution to remove greasy stains, a spot test is the safest way to proceed.

Clean a small, discrete area of your appliance with the cleaning solution and observe how it reacts. Continue to clean the rest of the surface if you are satisfied with the results. Cleaners such as vinegar or Windex can be used in this way, whether they are natural or commercial.

TIP #5: ALWAYS DRY AFTERWARD

Drying after cleaning will prevent those ugly water spots. You can use a microfiber cloth for this purpose. Because these fabrics absorb water better than others and do not leave scratches, they are the best. Always choose lint-free fabrics.

A paper towel or soft rag can be effective too-just be sure to test it first!

Stainless steel appliances are commonly found in kitchens. We offer House & Commercial Cleaning packages that include kitchen cleaning tasks.

The safest DIY cleaners and methods:

The majority of stainless steel appliance owners prefer to clean them with green, DIY cleaning solutions. Despite being safer than more potent cleaners like alcohol or Windex, these cleaners are more effective as daily maintenance, erasing superficial stains.

WET CLOTH AND WARM WATER

You can clean stainless steel surfaces with just a microfiber cloth and warm water. Warm water usually works well to dissolve fingerprints and minor stains. There’s no need to use any other compounds if the results are good.

• Dampen a soft cloth with warm water.
• Wipe the surface in the direction of the grain.
• Apply some elbow grease to the oily fingerprints or water spots.
• Wipe with a dry cloth, preferably a microfiber cloth.

WATER AND DISH SOAP

A few drops of dish detergent might be enough to remove tougher stains. If you deep clean the surfaces of your fridge, sink, and oven with this method, you may not need anything else.

• Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
• Using the soapy water, dampen a soft cloth.
• Gently wipe the stainless steel surface in the direction of the grain.
• Concentrate your efforts on the grimy areas.
• Rinse with plain water or spray a damp cloth and wipe.
• Use a thin paper towel or cloth to dry.

CLUB SODA

Here’s an experiment: adding some sparkle to your stainless steel with club soda (sparkling water). It’s highly recommended by professionals. Please be aware that the results may differ.

Adding club soda as a final step in your cleaning process is recommended. Spray a small amount of club soda on the surface before you dry. Finish by rinsing with warm water and drying with another rag.

Effective cleaning methods include:

Cleaning stainless steel surfaces often requires stronger solutions and techniques. Using these methods on a bi-weekly or monthly basis will help with a deep cleaning session.

VINEGAR AND WATER

Some people wonder if vinegar damages stainless steel. If a powerful cleaner is not thoroughly rinsed after use, it can damage the surface. The more potent vinegars aren’t as potent as white vinegar and apple cider vinegar, so you should be fine.

You can make a milder cleaning solution by diluting vinegar with water if you are still unsure. Always test on a small area first!

Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar or mix half water and half vinegar to make your cleaning solution.

Use your cleaning solution to mist stainless steel. Allow the solution to rest for 10 to 20 seconds on difficult stains.

• Wipe the surface with a soft cloth, applying elbow grease to greasy areas.
• Wipe the surface with a wet cloth or spray plain water.
• Use a soft cloth or lint-free rag to dry.

BAKING SODA PASTE

Trying this baking soda method is another experiment you’ll want to try if you’re feeling brave and desperate. We don’t recommend it for the refrigerator or the oven because it’s messy.

Cleaning your sink or pots with baking soda paste can be very effective at removing food scraps and grease smudges.

You will need two parts baking soda and one part water to make the paste. You can add more baking soda to make your mix more solid if it’s soupy.

Let the mixture stand for 10 to 15 minutes on the stainless steel surface. Starting with the stained areas will be easier than covering the entire surface.

• Wipe the mixture with a damp cloth until it dissolves.
• Rinse with water or another wet cloth.
• Allow drying with a soft cloth or paper towel.

CLUB SODA

Here’s an experiment: use club soda (sparkling water) to add shine to stainless steel. This method is often recommended by professionals. Be aware that results may vary.
You can add club soda to your cleaning process at the end. Spray club soda on the surface before drying. Finish by rinsing and drying again with a rag after you have done that.

The best cleaning methods are:

Cleaning stainless steel surfaces can require more powerful solutions and techniques. Using the following methods on a regular basis, maybe biweekly or monthly, will help you keep your home clean.

VINEGAR AND WATER

Many people wonder if vinegar damages stainless steel. Any type of powerful cleaner can ruin the surface if it is not properly rinsed after use. You’re likely to be fine with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, however, as they aren’t close to being the most potent vinegars.

• Diluting vinegar with water can make a milder cleaning solution if you are still unsure. Don’t forget to test your solution on a spot first!
• Make a cleaning solution by mixing half water and half vinegar in a spray bottle or by making your own cleaning solution.
• Moisten the stainless steel after cleaning with the solution. Allow the solution to rest for up to 20 seconds over difficult stains.
• Apply elbow grease to greasy spots as you wipe the surface with a soft cloth.
• Wipe or spray plain water on the area to rinse properly.
• Use a soft cloth or cloth that is lint-free to dry.

BAKING SODA PASTE

This baking soda method is another experiment you should try if you’re feeling bold-and a little desperate. Using this technique will make your fridge and oven incredibly messy.

• Cleaning your sink or pots with baking soda paste can be very effective for removing food scraps and grease smudges.
• You’ll need two parts baking soda and one part water to make the paste. Adding more baking soda will make your mix more solid.
• Allow the mixture to sit on the stainless steel surface for 10 to 15 minutes. The whole surface does not have to be covered; start with the stained parts.
• Gently wipe the mixture until it dissolves.
• Use another wet cloth or spray water to rinse it off.
• Use a soft cloth or paper towel to dry the area.

RUBBING ALCOHOL

Oily fingerprints and greasy stains can sometimes be difficult to remove. Rubber alcohol can be used instead of vinegar, baking soda, and soapy water if they do not work. Pour a little alcohol on your cloth and begin wiping. 

Stainless steel cleaners will probably be required if those nasty stains don’t dissolve.