Formerly the mainstay of a commercial kitchen, stainless steel appliances, countertops, and fixtures add a sleek shine to any residential kitchen, which is why they’re such a popular addition to many remodeling projects. It takes a little effort and knowledge to keep them beautiful, however. They require a somewhat different cleaning approach than some traditional kitchen surfaces,and cleaners you’re used to using might not be your best choice.
What to Avoid
There are several techniques and products to avoid using. They can all cause damage to the finish.
- Avoid chlorine bleach, products containing chloride, and oven cleaners
- Stay away from abrasive scrubbing products, like steel wool and steel brushes
- Don’t use abrasive cleaners
- Don’t clean stainless steel if it’s warm to the touch
- Avoid using hard, dirty or gritty water
What to Use
Although the list of things to stay away from might seem a little excessive, there are plenty of ways to take care of your stainless steel.
- Manual
Take a look at the owner’s manual for your appliances and follow any care instructions closely.
- Wipe Down
Every time you do the dishes, dampen a washcloth with soapy water and use it to wipe the stainless steel surfaces. Then, rinse it out with clean water and run it over the surfaces again. Finally, repeat the process with a clean towel to remove moisture.
- Grain
While you’re cleaning, move your cloth with the grain of the surface. Also, start at the top and work your way down.
- Grease and Baked-On Food
When debris doesn’t come off easily, use nylon scrubby with hot water and mild detergent. Don’t forget to rinse and towel dry.
- Tough Stains
For the really tough dirt use a paste of baking soda and liquid dish soap. Scrub gently with an old tooth brush or nylon scrubby. If anything is left, scrub gently with undiluted vinegar. As always, rinse and towel dry.
- Buff
To maintain the finish, apply a silicone-based spray, special polish or lemon oil. With a lint free cloth, wipe in the grain’s direction, then buff and dry.
If you opt for a specialized stainless steel cleaner, test it in a hidden spot before cleaning the entire surface. There are commercial cleaners specially developed for use in restaurant kitchens that work well on keeping stainless clean, gleaming, and grease-free. Check with a local janitorial or restaurant supply house. Stainless appliances are becoming more popular, so you may also find these cleaners at big box stores such as Home Depot and Menards.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel soon and have questions about implementing stainless steel appliances, surfaces, or fixtures as a part of your project, please give us a call.
