Best Ways to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
How to Disinfect Stainless Steel Appliances So You Don’t Leave a Streak
January is a great time to clean off your stainless-steel appliances. Your oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator have probably seen lots of action over the last few months, but now that the holidays are over, it’s time to whip your appliances into shape. Stainless steel can be difficult to clean properly. If you use the wrong supplies, you could easily leave a streak, which probably isn’t the aesthetic you had in mind for your home.
Use a Stainless-Steel Appliance Cleaner or Wipes
The first step is to make sure you are using cleaner or wipes that are specifically designed for stainless-steel appliances. These products contain special polishing agents that prevent streaks. The name of the product should have the words “stainless steel” in the title.
You can also try using a bottle of WD-40 if you don’t feel like splurging on special cleaning supplies. However, this product, commonly used as a lubricant, contains hazardous chemicals, so avoid using it on areas that come in contact with food. If you’re using WD-40, spray it onto a dry cloth before applying it to the appliance to avoid spraying too much liquid onto the surface.
You can also try mixing two parts water with one part baking soda to create a homemade cleaning solution. This is often the best choice when it comes to removing tough stuck-on stains and grease. Chances are you already have baking soda lying around the house. If your home has hard water, avoid using water directly out of the tap.
When the appliance is clean, you can also apply a drop or two of vinegar or olive oil to the rag to give your appliance the perfect shine. These common household items are completely nontoxic and give your kitchen a sweet aroma.
Use a Microfiber Cloth
Regardless of what type of cleaning product you use, make sure you use a soft, nonabrasive surface like a microfiber cloth. The rag should be dry when you apply the cleaning product. Getting it wet beforehand could leave streaks.
Sponges and other scrubbers can scratch the surface of your refrigerator, oven, or dishwasher.
Use another dry microfiber cloth to get rid of excess residue. Using water will only lead to streaks. That’s why it’s important to limit how much cleaning product you use. Less is usually more when it comes to stainless steel. Spray the product onto the rag to ration the amount.
Start Small
Before you start spraying down your entire machine, start small by testing out the solution on a small area that doesn’t get much attention. If the product doesn’t leave a streak or mark, you can start cleaning the entire appliance. It’s best to move your hand in the same direction as the grain in the metal to avoid leaving a scratch.
If you’re going to pay extra for stainless steel, you might as well do your best to protect it. Keeping your stainless-steel appliances clean will help them enjoy a long working life. All that extra dirt and debris can lead to long-term issues, including rust, electrical damage, and sticky knobs and surfaces. Use the right cleaning products to keep your home looking its best.
If you need help cleaning your stainless-steel appliances or the appliance is no longer working, contact Absolute Appliance Repair in Marin County to schedule an appointment with one of our maintenance experts. They will treat your appliances with the care they deserve.
