Get expert tips for keeping your stainless steel appliances looking like new.
Stainless steel appliances look sleek and beautiful—but only so long as the finish looks perfect. As soon as you get fingerprints, scratches, or stains on the surface, the look will be ruined. Here are some tips for helping to keep your stainless steel appliances looking like new.
Read Your Manual First
Most manufacturers include instructions on how to clean your stainless steel appliance right in the user manual. You should always try the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning method first. Be aware that some appliances are made with a cheaper grade of stainless steel which may rust if left wet.
Always Use a Microfiber Cloth
You can easily ruin the look of your stainless steel appliance by scratching it. One way to help minimize the risk of scratches while cleaning is to always use a soft microfiber cloth. Be careful to only wipe in the direction of the grain in the stainless steel.
Try These Cleaning Options
You never want to use an abrasive cleaner on stainless steel. Try these gentle cleaning options instead. If you are concerned about the quality of your stainless steel, you might try each option on a small, unobtrusive spot on the side of your appliance before cleaning the entire appliance.
- Water: Water is the gentlest cleaning option possible. Be aware that you will need plenty of cloths to dry the appliance completely or you may get water spots.
- Dishwashing liquid: Just a few drop of dishwashing liquid can help clean away more stubborn grease or dirt on your stainless steel appliances. Be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Glass cleaner: Some people swear by Windex, while others recommend a specialty glass cleaner such as one intended for glass cooktop surfaces. It is better to apply the cleaner to a cloth rather than spraying it directly on the appliance.
- Rubbing alcohol: If your stainless steel is clean except for fingerprints and smudges, rubbing alcohol can help lift them without the hassle of drying off your appliance afterwards.
- Stainless steel cleaner: For stubborn stains, try a special cleaner made just for stainless steel. Many of these products also help hide scratches and give the appliance a wonderful shine.
Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel
If your stainless steel has become scratched, it may be possible to buff out those scratches with some fine sandpaper. However, it is very important to understand that you cannot sand stainless steel that has any kind of coating on it. One easy way to check if your appliance has a coating is to see how easy it is to make fingerprints on it. Coated appliances will resist fingerprints and marks.
Invest in Repairs
Sometimes, mechanical problems can actually contribute to a dirty look on your stainless steel appliances. One common example is a leaky or drippy in-door icemaker on your refrigerator. Instead of having to worry about wiping up the water promptly so it can’t leave a stain or cleaning your fridge every day, why not just get your icemaker fixed? Just call us a 800-640-9934 for the fast and effective refrigerator repair you need.
