We’ll run through our tips about cleaning stainless steel safely and how often you should give your appliances a little love.
Taking Care of Stainless-Steel Appliances
Stainless steel is everywhere in homes today. In addition to appliances, it’s also used in sinks, countertops, and more. No matter the application, there are a few golden rules to follow when cleaning or maintaining this tough yet touchy surface.
Remember to check the manufacturer’s recommendation before using commercial steel cleaners. Certain brands use surface treatments or finishes that require special attention or care. Using some cleaners could even void your warranty.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Safely
Stainless steel resists everything from germs to stains to dents, but it does have one weakness: fingerprints. As we mentioned, specialty steel cleaners are available. Check to ensure the cleaner is safe to use on the surface, especially if it’s a highly visible element in your kitchen, like a fridge or dishwasher. You might even consider testing it on a small, discreet portion of your appliance and waiting to see if there is any effect.
Natural Steel Cleaning Options
You can also use vinegar as a natural cleaner on stainless steel. Here’s how:
- Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar. You don’t need to dilute the vinegar, so skip the water!
- Spray the surface and wipe in the same direction as the steel grain.
- Rinse by wiping with a rag dampened with clean water.
- Let the surface air dry.
Vinegar is less expensive than commercial stainless steel cleaning sprays and is just as effective at removing the marks from oily or sticky fingers. Vinegar also offers some disinfecting power, which is a major plus when used on kitchen appliance handles. If the strong scent of vinegar lingers, use a fan to dissipate the smell.
To avoid damaging the finish on your steel appliances, never use the following cleaning supplies:
- Steel wool or abrasive sponges and brushes
- Glass cleaner
- Furniture polish
- Any chlorine-based cleaning sprays
How Often Should Stainless Steel Be Cleaned?
Cleaning your stainless-steel appliances and surfaces should claim a spot in your cleaning routine every month. Depending on how many family members use the fridge (and how clean their hands are when they do!), you may need to clean more often to keep your steel surfaces looking spick and span. Consider keeping your vinegar spray bottle topped off to give high-touch items like the fridge or dishwasher a quick cleaning whenever you get a spare minute. You can also schedule Molly Maid for regular cleaning appointments to help keep your whole home feeling clean and welcoming!
Like all cleaning supplies, you should keep vinegar out of the reach of children. Although it’s a natural, non-toxic cleaner, it can still make curious kids sick if ingested.
Related Topic: How Often Should I Clean My Refrigerator?
How to Clean a Stainless-Steel Coffee Pot
Cleaning other stainless elements of your home is a little different. One head-scratcher is cleaning a stainless-steel coffee pot or electric kettle. Cleaning these items is especially important if you have hard water at home, which can lead to a mineral buildup inside, affecting your coffee’s taste.
For quick and easy cleaning, try this:
- Fill a tea kettle or a pot with water and bring it to a boil on your stove.
- Place your stainless-steel coffee pot in the sink and add a tablespoon of dish soap.
- Pour the boiling water into the pot.
- Let the pot and the water sit for 30 minutes.
- Swirl the water and soap inside the pot and pour it out, rinsing with cold water.
- Inspect the pot and repeat as needed.
How to Clean a Stainless-Steel Sink
We’re hoping to help you clean everything, including the kitchen sink! Cleaning your sink is a great way to kill bacteria, avoid unpleasant odors, and impress your guests. Cleaning a stainless-steel sink effectively calls for a few items you probably already have at home, such as:
- ¼ cup baking soda
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
You’ll need a spray bottle for the vinegar, which is another reason to keep that bottle of vinegar handy in the kitchen!
- Empty the sink and rinse it thoroughly with water using the hand sprayer.
- Mix baking soda and water to make a paste the consistency of pancake batter.
- Sprinkle more baking soda liberally over the entire surface of the sink.
- Spray the entire surface with vinegar. It will begin to fizz and foam.
- Scrub the sink with your baking soda paste using a non-abrasive sponge or rag.
- Rinse thoroughly with the hand sprayer.
Need a Helping Hand Around the House?
Keeping your stainless-steel appliances clean can really help your kitchen look its best. If you need a hand keeping the rest of your home looking its best, Molly Maid can help. Our trained home service professionals work with you to develop a customized cleaning plan that meets your exact needs. We offer daily, weekly, monthly, and event cleaning that focuses on the areas of your house that need the most attention. Let Molly Maid do the cleaning and give yourself more time to do what you really enjoy. Request an estimate online today.
