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Whatever tasks you’ll have to take on, a few chores must be included on your list of things to do. The most significant thing you may not be paying attention to? Cleaning and maintaining the stainless steel appliances in your kitchen regularly, Michael Silva-Nash, Director of Operations at Molly Maid of Greater Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas, A neighborly company.
These objects aren’t only magnets for fingerprints with greasy stains. However, Silva-Nash says they can also be a reservoir of bacteria and germs, especially during the flu season.
Although it’s an arduous task here, here’s the information you should be aware of to finish the job efficiently and quickly:
4 Stainless Steel Cleaning Tips to Know Before You Start
Although you may be tempted by the bottle of cleaner or take one quick wipe and then put it away for the day, the incorrect approach could damage the most expensive appliances.
Review the manual
In case you’re unsure, There’s a simple rule to maintain the appearance and integrity of your stainless steel appliances. Ensure you read the owner’s manual first, advises Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance, the Neighborly company. Reading this book is the only method to be 100% sure that your appliances are being cleaned in the manner they were designed to be maintained.
Make use of commercial cleaners in moderation
According to Silva-Nash, the stainless steel “cleaners” are generally polishers, not cleaners. They are effective in polishing and shining; however, they don’t clean the surface of the appliances, Silva-Nash says. “Imagine adding hair pomade or spray before washing your hair. It’s just layers of dirt, dust, and food particles.”
Instead, you can use water and soap to cleanse and wash the surface, Silva-Nash suggests. You can then apply a small amount of polish or oil, depending on the desired.
Pick a soft fabric
If you are washing stainless steel, employ an untidy, clean cloth, as suggested by Shimek. Microfiber is ideal because it will not leave lint behind. According to Shimek, do not apply the steel wool or even a scouring pad for stainless steel because this may scratch the steel’s surface.
Always make sure to wipe towards the grain
Examining the stainless steel, you’ll notice lines or some slight texture on the surface. As with the wood grain, that’s referred to as the grain. To avoid scratching and increase shine, experts advise cleaning along the grain.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
There is nothing fancy about cleaning your stainless appliances made of stainless steel. A dish soap and water and a microfiber cloth should suffice.
When it is time to clean your appliances, it’s all about the process. Here’s how you can master it:
Mix dish soap with water
Mix warm water with some drops of dish detergent or mild cleaners such as castile soap in a minimal spray bottle.
Clean the area of the surface of your stainless steel appliance
Utilizing a soft microfiber cloth, use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe the soapy mixture with a soft cloth in the direction of the grain. This will remove any debris that was on your appliance and begin to polish it a bit.
Take a few drops of oil
If you’d like, after the surface is cleaned, dip the cloth (you could apply the same method) into a small amount of mineral oil, olive oil, or coconut to improve the shine. It doesn’t take much — less is better in this case, suggests Silva-Nash. Dip your fingers carefully, and you can return to get more.
Wipe the oil off with a clean cloth
With the cloth you’ve oiled, Wipe across the grain all over the surface. Then, you will begin to see any marks that remain disappear to reveal sparkling fresh stainless steel.
Are there any safety concerns when I apply vinegar to your stainless-steel appliances?
Although vinegar is an excellent cleansing agent for many things at home,r stainless steel isn’t one items.
There is no need to apply anything acidic to stainless steel, warns Silva-Nash. “Anything acidic will trip the shine off of your appliance, and possibly make it vulnerable to more damage.”
There are instances of exception to the rule. Suppose you notice an odor of chalky limescale within the appliance (a frequent issue with dishwashers). In that case, it is possible to use diluted vinegar to get rid of the buildup, according to Shirley Langridge, an expert in cleaning appliances. For extremely grimy and dirty devices that aren’t the main focal point in your home, like metal grill grates made of stainless steel, you can try a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, as she suggests.
Can I make use of Windex on stainless appliances made of steel?
Keep in mind that many commercial products work better as polishers than cleaners. The same concept about “shine” vs. “clean” applies to Windex, according to Silva-Nash. Although it’s “safe” for shining purposes, it does not necessarily eliminate buildup or efficiently cleanse stainless steel. (But it can make the oven’s glass shimmer!)