HOW TO EASILY CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES
The sleek durability of stainless steel is a standard for today’s kitchens. Spills, splatters, rust, heat discoloration and fingerprints can give your appliances a dirty appearance, but you can easily clean stainless steel with the right products and techniques. Whether you’re working with a stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, cooktop or microwave, use this guide to keep your stainless steel appliances shiny.
WHAT TO USE TO CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL
When it comes to cleaning your stainless steel appliances, there are a few cleaning products you can use to get buffed and shiny results. Homemade and store-bought cleaning products can help keep your stainless steel appliances clean.
Always consult your owner’s manual first to make sure your chosen cleaning method is safe for your appliance.
HOMEMADE STAINLESS STEEL CLEANERS
Baking soda and vinegar are two pantry staples that can be used to clean stainless steel. You can use baking soda by making a paste with water to gently rub on the surface of your appliance. Vinegar can be used as a stainless steel cleaner when mixed with mineral oil.
Stainless steel appliances can also be cleaned using a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Always consult your product manual before using any homemade cleaning solutions. Always apply cleaning solutions in the direction of the grain when cleaning stainless steel.
STORE-BOUGHT STAINLESS STEEL CLEANERS
Store-bought stainless steel cleaners are optimal for cleaning your appliances, and should give them a nice polish as well. They usually just need to be sprayed onto the appliance and then wiped with a soft cloth in the direction of the grain.
Affresh® stainless steel brightener1 helps clear away rust and heat discoloration to give your stainless steel appliances a bright shine.
CAN YOU USE GLASS CLEANER ON STAINLESS STEEL?
It is not recommended to use glass cleaner on your stainless steel appliances as it is not formulated to clean the material. Glass cleaner typically uses ammonia, which may damage stainless steel.
WHAT ELSE IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL?
Be careful not to use any of the following on your stainless steel appliances as they can scratch or damage the finish: products containing bleach, abrasive or grainy cleaners, glass cleaner, oven cleaner, ammonia or abrasive cloths or pads like steel wool.
HOW TO CLEAN & POLISH STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES: STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Always check your appliance’s Use and Care Guide before cleaning. If you’re using a store-bought product like affresh® stainless steel cleaning spray, make sure to read the instructions on the label before beginning. Follow the general cleaning steps below or watch a video to keep your stainless steel appliances looking like new.
Note: Tougher messes on stainless steel may require extra care and additional steps.
Supplies
Homemade stainless steel cleaner
Store-bought stainless steel cleaner or brightener
Tools
- 2 soft cloths
STEP 1: APPLY STAINLESS CLEANER DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE
If using a store-bought cleaner, you’ll probably need to shake it before spraying. Once it’s shaken up, spray it directly onto the stainless steel surface in an S pattern. If you’re using homemade cleaners like dish soap, vinegar and mineral oil or a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the surface with a soft cloth in the direction of the grain.
STEP 2: WIPE IN THE DIRECTION OF THE GRAIN
Look for striations in the stainless steel finish running vertically or horizontally. This is the grain. Wipe the cleaner in the direction of the grain using a soft, dry cloth. If you’re using a homemade cleaning solution, rinse it off with a soft, damp cloth in the direction of the grain.
STEP 3: BUFF WITH A SOFT, DRY CLOTH TO REMOVE STREAKS
Using a different soft, dry cloth, buff the surface in the direction of the grain to remove any streaks.
HOW TO REMOVE STUBBORN STAINS FROM STAINLESS STEEL
Stubborn stains require a little more elbow grease to remove from a stainless steel finish. You can apply vinegar diluted with water directly to the stain, then immediately wipe the solution away in the direction of the grain with a paper towel or cloth.
Explore more tips for removing other types of spots and stains below:
Stainless steel brightener can help remove rust and yellow stains
Baking soda and water can help restore stainless steel with heat discoloration
Clean away water spots with the help of diluted white vinegar
- Buff fingerprints off your stainless steel finish with a clean, dry microfiber cloth
SHOP kitchen and STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCE CLEANERS
Find the right tool for the job with affresh® kitchen and stainless steel cleaners, the #1 recommended appliance cleaner brand by Maytag brand.1 You’ll never question your clean with a spray, mousse or brightener that delivers a like-new shine.
DISCOVER MORE APPLIANCE CLEANING TIPS
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1. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
