Stainless steel is durable, easy to maintain, and offers a clean and aesthetic appearance. There are some effective and inexpensive cleaning methods for surfaces with fingerprints or dirt on them.
Stainless Steel in Domestic Environment
In your home, stainless steel is surely mainly used for kitchen appliances, counters and other surfaces, as well as in sleek furniture pieces. It is also used for many industrial applications because stainless steel offers an array of benefits.
Cleaning Methods to Keep Stainless Steel Aesthetically Pleasing
Due to its usage stainless steel surfaces in kitchens have to handle not only dirt and fingerprints, but also liquids like water and fruit juice that can cause stains. Fortunately, there are various agents to keep your stainless steel appliances clean. Learn more about the most effectives ones from our list below.
Glass Cleaner
This is one of the cheapest cleaning methods. Chances are you already have a bottle of the blue stuff lurking around in your cleaning closet or under the sink. Don’t put it away once you’ve cleaned the windows and mirrors; it works great on stainless steel surfaces, too. Simply spray a little bit on a microfiber cloth and apply to the stainless steel, using a circular motion. Wipe until all fingerprints and water spots are gone.
Lemon Furniture Polish
No glass cleaner? Maybe you have a lemony scented furniture polish on hand, instead. The application method for this cleaning solution is similar. Spray it onto a cloth first, then use that cloth to clean the stainless steel item. With furniture polish, however, you will want to use a different cloth – microfiber is best – to give your item one last polishing afterwards, to make sure it’s clean and shiny.
WD-40
Let’s say you are out in the field or in the fabrication shop, and there aren’t any cleaning products around, but you do have a can of WD-40. This squeak stopping, rust removing powerhouse can also make your stainless steel sparkle. You can spray it directly onto the appliance or other stainless steel surface, or use a rag. Just be careful not to use it on any surface where you want to prepare food later.
Soap and Water
What’s easier than using plain old soap and water to clean something? You might be astonished that H20 and a little elbow grease can do such a good job of removing food particles, smudges, smears, and fingerprints. For this trick, however, you will need a microfiber cloth. They are absorbent, and they will not scratch your stainless steel. After you have used water to clean your item, make sure to dry it with another clean, dry cloth; minerals in the water can leave deposits on stainless steel. That is why the water spots show up in the first place. There are microfiber cloths on the market made especially for this final polishing step. Sounds like one of the easiest cleaning methods ever for your stainless steel interior, doesn’t it?
Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaners
Naturally, there’s nothing wrong with purchasing a dedicated cleaning product made especially for stainless steel. Especially, if you want to make extra sure that your item is thoroughly clean, scratch free, and as shiny as can be. In this case, follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding what type of cleaning cloth to use, and how to apply the cleaner. We hope that these methods of cleaning your stainless steel items will help you keep your stainless steel looking as beautiful as the day you bought it from Stainless Structurals.