Stainless steel appliances and accents add a touch of modern elegance to any home. But keeping them fingerprint-free and gleaming can feel like a constant battle. Fear not, fellow cleaning warriors! Sparkle Surrey Cleaning Service is here to share our top-notch advice on how to clean stainless steel appliances and get them sparkling like new.
The Magic of Microfiber
First things first, ditch the abrasive sponges and paper towels. These can leave scratches on the delicate surface of stainless steel. Instead, embrace the magic of microfiber cloths! These gentle giants trap dust and dirt without leaving streaks or causing damage.
How to clean Stainless Steel Appliances Using DIY Cleaning Solutions
Who needs expensive cleaners when you have powerful cleaning concoctions readily available in your pantry? Here are two of our favorites:
The Vinegar Powerhouse: For everyday cleaning, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spritz the surface, wipe with a microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain (those fine lines you see on the stainless steel), and buff dry for a streak-free shine.
The baby oil / Olive Oil Wonder: For an extra dose of shine, follow up your vinegar cleaning with a buff using a microfiber cloth dampened with a few drops of olive oil. This leaves a protective layer that resists fingerprints, keeping your stainless steel spotless and shiny.
Sparkling Savvy from the Pros
Pro Tips
Here are some bonus tips on how to clean stainless steel appliances from the professional cleaners at Sparkle Surrey Cleaning Service
Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface.
Don’t use harsh chemicals, bleach, or ammonia on stainless steel. These can damage the finish and leave unsightly marks.
Remember to clean any stainless steel appliance with or along the direction of the grains to avoid scratches or damage to the surface.
Clean spills and messes immediately to prevent them from setting in.
For heavily soiled appliances or to tackle tough baked-on grease, consider using ready-to-use commercial cleaners for stainless steel or call the professionals! Sparkle Surrey Cleaning Service offers a range of cleaning services, including deep cleaning for appliances. We’ll leave your stainless-steel appliances gleaming like never before, giving you back precious time to focus on the things that matter most.
How can I remove rust stains from my stainless steel appliances
Here are four practical ways to remove rust stains from appliances.
1. Use White Vinegar
Soak a soft cloth in white vinegar.
Place the fabric over the rust stain and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Vinegar’s acidity helps break down the rust.
Remove the cloth and wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth.
2. Baking Soda paste
Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a thick paste. Spread the paste over the rust stain and let it sit for another 10-15 minutes.
Use a soft cloth or a non-metallic scouring pad to gently scrub the area, working in the direction of the grain.
Wipe with a damp cloth and rinse thoroughly with water.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment
Dampen a soft cloth with hydrogen peroxide.
Place the damp cloth on the stained area and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.
Remove the cloth and scrub gently if needed. Rinse afterward.
For stubborn rust stains, you may need to repeat these steps several times until the stain is removed.
4. Barkeeper friend paste
In a small bowl, mix Bar Keepers Friend powder with a little bit of water to create a paste. Aim for a consistency that’s spreadable but not runny.
Apply it to the rust stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, scrub with a soft sponge in the direction of the grain until the stain comes off.
Rinse and dry.
How can I prevent stubborn rust stains from forming on my stainless steel appliances?
Keep your stainless steel surfaces dry and clean to prevent future rust stains.
Regular cleaning with mild soap and water can help keep surfaces clean and rust-free.
Tips for Maintenance:
Rinse and dry your sink after each use to prevent stains and hard water spots.
For tougher stains, repeat the cleaning process using either method as needed.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch the surface.
How to clean different stainless steel appliances
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink
Does your stainless steel sink need cleaning to remove gunk and stubborn stains? Here are two effective ways to tackle stubborn stains and grime from your sink!
Method 1: Baking Soda and Lemon
Materials Needed
– Baking soda
– Fresh lemons or lemon juice
– Soft sponge or cloth
– Warm water
– Microfiber towel (for drying)
Instructions
1. Preparation:
– Clear the sink of dishes and any items.
– Rinse the sink with warm water to loosen stains.
2. Apply Baking Soda
– Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda evenly on the entire sink surface. Focus on any stained areas or dirty spots.
3. Squeeze Lemon Juice
Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice directly onto the baking soda. You’ll notice fizzing, which indicates the cleaning power is activated!
4. Scrub the Surface
Using a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, scrub the sink gently in circular motions. The abrasiveness of the baking soda, combined with the acidity of the lemon, will help lift out the stains.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the sink thoroughly with warm water to remove all residues of baking soda and lemon juice.
6. Drying
Dry the sink with a dry microfiber towel for a sparkling finish.
Method 2: Bar Keepers Friend Paste
What you will need
– Bar Keepers Friend powder /Paste
– Water
– Soft sponge or cloth
– Warm water
– Microfiber towel (for drying)
Instruction
1. Preparation
Ensure the sink is empty and rinse it out with warm water.
2. Make the Paste (if using the powder)
In a small bowl, mix Bar Keepers Friend powder with a little bit of water to create a paste. Aim for a consistency that’s spreadable but not runny.
3. Apply paste
– Using a soft sponge or cloth, spread the paste evenly in the sink, focusing on stains or tarnished spots.
4. Scrub Gently:
– With a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, scrub the sink in circular motions. Be careful not to use anything too abrasive, as it might scratch the stainless steel.
5. Rinse Well
Rinse your stainless steel sink thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue.
6. Dry
Dry the sink with a microfiber towel to prevent water spots and give it a nice, shiny finish.
7. Final Polish (Optional)
Apply a small amount of olive, baby oil, or orange glow to a soft cloth and polish the stainless steel surface. The polish gives the surface a nice shine.
How to Clean Your Stainless Steel Fridge Exterior
Cleaning your stainless steel fridge can keep it looking shiny and new. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a spotless finish.
What You’ll Need
– Microfiber cloths
– Warm water
– Dish soap (optional)
– White vinegar
– Olive oil or baby oil (for polishing)
– Spray bottle
– Baking soda (for tough stains)
– Soft sponge
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Collect all the necessary items listed above. Ensure you use microfiber cloths, as they are gentle on stainless steel and won’t leave scratches.
Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
You can either use plain warm water or mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a bowl or spray bottle. If you prefer a natural solution, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Surface
Begin cleaning at the top of the fridge and work your way down.
Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water or vinegar solution. Wring out excess liquid so it’s damp and not soaking wet.
Gently wipe the surface of the fridge, following the grain of the stainless steel. Doing so prevents streaks and brings out the shine.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Rinse out your cloth with clean water to remove any soap or vinegar residue.
Go over the surface of the fridge again with the clean, damp cloth and rinse thoroughly.
Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the fridge completely dry, again following the grain.
Step 5: Address Stubborn Stains
For tough stains that don’t come off with basic cleaning, make a paste of baking soda and water, or use Barkeeper’s Friend paste.
Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft sponge. Rinse and dry as before.
Step 6: Polishing (Optional)
To add an extra shine and protection to your fridge, consider using olive oil, baby oil, or orange glo polish:
Pour/spray a small amount of oil or polish onto a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Gently rub the oil into the stainless steel, following the grain. Polishing not only enhances shine but can also help repel fingerprints.
How can I Prevent Streaks and Fingerprints from my stainless steel appliance surfaces?
1. Regular Cleaning
– Wipe down appliances regularly with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
2. Use a Protective Spray
Consider using a specialized stainless steel cleaner that leaves behind a protective coating to help fend off fingerprints.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as they can scratch the surface and make streaks more noticeable.
4. Keep Your Hands Clean
Whenever possible, wipe your hands dry before touching the appliances. Clean hands can help reduce the transfer of oils and dirt from your hands to the surfaces of your appliances.
5. Place Protective Pads
You can use adhesive felt pads on door handles to limit direct contact.
