Stainless steel appliances make a beautiful addition or upgrade to any kitchen. Many of us know that it can be frustrating how easily these “stainless” appliances can collect smudges, streaks, and watermarks. When dealing with stainless steel, perhaps the most important step of all is to check your owner’s manual for any cleaners to avoid. There are many different grades of stainless steel. Some of these also have a clear coat finish that can be damaged by certain harsh or abrasive cleaning products. Below I will share 5 tips to safely and easily clean your stainless steel appliances and leave them shining.

1. Choose the Right Cloth

Just like stainless steel, cleaning cloths are made differently as well. You want to look for one that is absorbent, won’t scratch the surface, and leaves minimal lint behind. We prefer using microfiber cloths when cleaning stainless steel. Always have a dry one on hand to wipe your appliances after cleaning to prevent water spots. Also, a dry microfiber can work wonders when you are only doing a quick touch-up.

2.  Go With the Grain

Every stainless steel item in your home has its own pattern or grain. When cleaning or simply touching up these items, you should always wipe with the grain and never against it. Doing so can reduce the shine of your appliance as well as push dirt into the crevices of the grain. The next time you wipe down your appliances, look closely at which way the grooves go and wipe in that direction.

3. Simple Cleaning

For the average maintenance clean, using a cloth dampened with warm water will usually do the trick. Dirtier jobs can be tackled using a drop or two of mild dish detergent. Simply add a tiny bit to a microfiber cloth and wet with warm water. Wipe down your appliance going with the grain and rinse the surface thoroughly after cleaning. Always remember to dry your appliance using a clean cloth to prevent any water spots.

4. Let It Shine

Have your kitchen appliances lost their luster? Olive oil does a great job at restoring the shine to stainless steel. Just add a couple drops to a clean microfiber cloth and wipe down your appliance following the grain. Then simply use another microfiber to buff and remove any remaining residue left on your appliance. This will help to prevent future smudges or fingerprints.

5. Did Someone Say Fingerprints?

One of the biggest complaints we hear from our clients regarding stainless steel appliances are fingerprints. This is especially true in homes with small children. In between cleanings, a few sprays of glass cleaner on a microfiber cloth will allow you to remove smudges and fingerprints with ease.

Properly maintained stainless steel appliances are one of the focal points of any kitchen. Using these tips and a little elbow grease, your stainless steel appliances can be kept looking radiant and new. If you are near the Greenville SC area and would like your kitchen or entire home thoroughly cleaned, call Angelic Touch. We have over 6 years of experience and would love the opportunity to serve you!