The name stainless steel can seem like a bit of an oxymoron. If you’ve owned any number of appliances in the past, you’ll quickly find out that they never stay clean. Spilled pasta sauce or juice quickly hardens if not cleaned immediately.
Sure, wiping the stain with that nasty wash cloth is your first instinct, but like any respectable home owner, you want to really make your kitchen pop. After all, you’ve invested in appliances with that unmistakable brushed steel finish that looks its best when it shines.
Luckily for you, we’ve taken the guess work out of cleaning your stainless steel appliances. Follow our easy to use guide and bring back that brand new shine.
Understand Your Appliances Surface
Don’t worry, you won’t have to get too technical with this step, but it’s important to understand how your appliance is put together.
- Observe the direction of the grain – stainless steel appliances will have a grain not unlike wood floors. There will be small striations that will give you a hint as to what direction they follow. As you clean, swipe towards and away in that same direction.
- Note the different components – a large appliance will be made of multiple sheets of steel and other parts. It’s important to note this because the grain may be in different directions for each sheet.
- Don’t worry if you go against the grain – your appliances finish won’t be ruined if you end up going perpendicular to the grain, just that more residue will be left and the shine might not be as bright when you are finished. The good news is that you can always start over and follow the grain again.
Cleaning And Polishing Your Appliance
Now, onto the fun part: rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. But before you dive in, make sure you have these supplies on hand:
- Non-abrasive cleaning rags, usually microfibre clothes are the best because there won’t be any lint left over (2-3 rags)
- Dish soap like those found at any store
- Mineral or baby oil
Cleaning
Using dish soap will quickly and easily remove oils from the steel, helping you later during the polishing process. Apply a small amount to the cleaning rag and wipe along the grain of your appliance. Ensure that the rag is damp but not soaking wet. Once you’re finished, dry any water marks with a separate dry towel.
Polishing
Arguably the most rewarding part of cleaning your appliance. Polishing is what brings that lustre and shine back. Put a small amount of mineral or baby oil on a separate rag and follow the same steps for cleaning, remembering to follow the grain to bring out the best shine.
Bonus – Homemade Cleaning Solution
Cleaning isn’t for everyone, as you can see by our list of services. We’ve grown our business to cater to many clients and offer customizable cleaning solutions depending on your budget. But, if you’re feeling adventurous and are looking to bring out your frugal side, try this homemade cleaning solution recipe. Made with vinegar and oil, it can work just as good as some off the shelf soaps and cleaning supplies.
