How to Clean Stainless Steel? From Streaks to Sparkling in No Time

Wondering how to clean stainless steel? Your best options are warm, soapy water. Wipe it in the direction of the grain with a soft microfiber cloth, and dry it thoroughly afterwards to prevent streaks. Polish with olive oil or baby oil for a shine!

Maintaining that pristine shine is like an art form, requiring time, knowledge, and a sprinkle of patience. Let’s set off on this sparkling journey together, shall we?

Understanding Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a durable, corrosion-resistant alloy that’s commonly used in various products, from kitchen appliances such as metal kitchen shelves to medical trolleys. It’s made by combining iron with chromium, nickel, and other elements, which gives it its signature resistance to rust and tarnishing, as well as its strength and durability.

Why It’s Popular

Durability & Strength: Ideal for long-lasting products.
Corrosion Resistance: Perfect for items exposed to moisture or chemicals.
Hygiene & Easy Maintenance: Its non-porous surface makes it simple to clean and disinfect.
Aesthetic Appeal: Offers a sleek, modern look suitable for many design styles.

Different Finishes & Care

Brushed Finish: Has a unidirectional satin look, hides fingerprints well, and is easy to maintain with mild detergent and soft cloth.
Matte Finish: Features a dull, frosted appearance that conceals scratches. Clean with soapy water and avoid abrasive pads.
Mirror Finish: Highly reflective and requires more upkeep to maintain its shine. Use a microfiber cloth and appropriate cleaner to handle fingerprints and smudges.

Best Way to Clean Stainless Steel

So, how do you clean stainless steel so it maintains its lustre month after month, year after year? Once you know how, you’ll be able to keep yours in beautiful, mirror-like condition all the time.

Daily Maintenance and Care

In the daily ritual of caring for your stainless steel, how you perform each action can make all the difference. It’s not just about the act of cleaning but how you clean.

Mindful Wiping: Begin your routine with a soft, damp cloth, but make your movements more than just swipes. Pay attention to the stainless steel’s grain—those subtle lines that run along the surface. Cleaning in the direction of these lines can make all the difference. This approach not only prevents scratches but also enhances its natural lustre.
Use Dish Soap: When the day’s activities leave a more noticeable mark on your stainless steel, enlist the help of mild dish soap. Dilute a few drops in warm water and, with a soft cloth, continue to clean, always mindful to align your strokes with the grain. This ensures a deeper clean without disturbing the surface’s integrity, preserving its smooth finish.
Dry It Off: When you’re done cleaning, take a dry towel and gently pat the stainless steel surface, still moving in the direction of the grain. This not only prevents water spots but also secures the shine, so your stainless steel remains a testament to both its resilience and your meticulous care.

Embracing the grain of your stainless steel in every step of the cleaning process is not just a recommendation; it’s a principle. By following it, you ensure that every action is a step towards preserving the beauty and integrity of your stainless steel sinks, allowing them to shine brilliantly in the spotlight of your home.

Handling Common Stains and Issues

Learning how to clean stainless steel properly means being ready for day-to-day stains, smudges, and other marks. Thankfully, dealing with them is simple:

Fingerprints and Smudges: The Uninvited Guests

These inevitable visitors are best cleaned with a microfiber cloth. For a deeper cleanse, a solution of baking soda and water can act as a gentle cleanser. Ensure to wipe with a damp clean cloth to remove the residue, and then dry with another clean cloth.

Water Stains: The Lingering Goodbyes

To prevent these marks, a quick towel dry is your best defence.

Stuck-on Food and Grease: The Stubborn Friends

Warm soapy water is your best bet here, softening grease and dried food for easy removal. A non-abrasive tool, like a sponge, can help nudge them gently away.

Deep Cleaning and Polishing: The Spa Day

Even stainless steel needs some deep cleansing and rejuvenation! If you want to treat your stainless steel kitchen sinks to a deep clean, here’s what we recommend:

Deep Clean Detox:1. Use methylated spirits or turpentine on a soft cloth to wipe down your stainless steel. Be careful with the spirits because they can remove paint. Don’t let them touch painted surfaces.
2. Rinse with clean water and thoroughly dry.
3. Polish with olive or baby oil on a clean cloth to finish.
Polishing Pampering: Treat your stainless steel to a spa-like polish with commercial cleaners or a homemade olive oil rub. A gentle rub in the grain’s direction, followed by a soft buff, brings out its inner glow.

What to Avoid: The No-No List

When it comes to how to clean stainless steel, certain practices and materials should be kept at bay to keep it looking sleek and shiny.

Steer Clear of Harsh Chemicals: Stainless steel cleaners containing bleach or other harsh chemicals can compromise the protective layer of stainless steel, leading to corrosion and discoloration. Go for gentler cleaning solutions to keep your surfaces sleek.
Avoid Abrasive Tools: While it might be tempting to use steel wool or scrubbing pads to tackle tough stains, they can damage the surface of your stainless steel. Instead, choose soft cloths or non-abrasive sponges.
Bypass Chloride-Containing Cleaners: Cleaners that contain chlorides, including salts, can be particularly damaging to stainless steel, causing pitting and rusting. Read labels carefully and choose chloride-free options for safety.

FAQs

How to Shine Stainless Steel?

Specialist stainless steel cleaners are largely unnecessary however for tough marks and extra protection we recommend: Hillmark Steel Kleen Stainless Steel Cleaner & Repellent. This is an effective steel cleaner and adds a protective layer that will help your steel last and look great.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances?

Use a microfiber cloth and warm soapy water (or a stainless steel cleaner for bad cases). Clean the appliance in the direction of the grain, rinse it with clean water, and dry it off immediately with a clean towel.

How to Restore Stainless Steel Appliances?

For a mildly scratched appliance, use a baking soda and water solution. Apply it in the direction of the steel’s grain, rinse thoroughly, and dry it off. For deeper scratches, consider a specialised stainless steel restoration kit or look for professional help.

Home Remedy to Clean Stainless Steel?

Clean your stainless steel with mild detergent and water, dry. Once done, apply olive oil or baby oil to a clean, soft cloth and rub in the same direction as the grain to get rid of streaks and make it shine.

How Best to Clean Stainless Steel?

The best way to clean stainless steel is with a soft microfiber cloth and warm, soapy water. This is gentle enough to cleanse thoroughly without damaging the steel. Make sure you always clean with the grain and not against it. Rinse with clean, cool water and dry it off immediately to prevent streaks.

Best Streak-Free Stainless Steel Cleaner?

Soap and water, followed by a polish with a small amount of olive oil or baby oil, will give you the best streak-free results.

Upgrade to Brayco Stainless Steel Products

Every sink, shelf, cabinet, and bench we stock is crafted from premium-quality 304 stainless steel. Strong as Hercules, yet easy to keep clean. Get in touch with us, at Brayco, for all your stainless steel needs via our contact page. We have seven locations across New Zealand and Australia, so we’re always available to help!