Stainless steel, always shiny and resistant, is the ideal material for all types of pieces in kitchens, bathrooms, etc. But as you should know, it is very prone to be marked with fingerprints, scratches, and smudges of all kinds. For this reason, it is important to know some cleaning tips.
What is stainless steel, and because you need to clean it?
This is a metallic material capable of resisting heat and humidity without corroding. For this reason, it has been chosen to make all kinds of objects, among which kitchen utensils, such as pots and pans, some surfaces, jewelry pieces, and much more, stand out.
We are talking about a really hard material, but abrasives can cause damage such as scratches and rust spots. If you have such materials, you must learn how to clean them in the right way. Follow the steps below to make your stainless steel pieces shine and make you look like the best housewife. To help you a little more with your homework, we offer you this trick to dry your clothes indoors in winter without humidity.
How to clean stainless steel?
Before cleaning a stainless steel object, it is a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you lost the manual, don’t worry look it up online, this is important as numerous grades of stainless steel can be more or less durable, and some items are treated with a clear coat finish, which can be removed with certain cleaning products. Once you recognize the specifications of your steel part, follow the tips below:
- Like wood, stainless steel has a grain. Notice the striations on the surface of your piece of steel and clean in that direction, starting at the top and working your way down.
- It is best to clean it as soon as you finish using it. In most cases, wiping the surface with a clean cloth dampened with warm water will be sufficient. But for tougher stains, add a drop of dish soap and use the soapy solution to clean the surface. Rinse with water and dry well.
- Try steam cleaning. The steam will disinfect the surface, which can then be dried with a soft cloth. Because stainless steel is easily scratched, avoid using a brush or rigid cleaning tools.
- Try vinegar. For stubborn grease stains or water spots, dampen a soft cloth with a diluted solution of 2 parts water to 1 part vinegar. Wipe the entire surface from top to bottom, but never let the vinegar sit on the surface.
- Burnt or caked-on stains on pots and pans or stainless steel countertops need a little extra attention. Make a smooth paste with baking soda and water, and apply it to the stain, letting it sit for about 20 minutes. Rub the area with a cloth dampened in a solution of dish soap and water.
- To make a stainless steel surface shine and protect it from fingerprints, add a very small drop of olive oil to a cloth and rub it on the surface. Then wipe off the excess with a dry cloth. The surface should not feel oily but will look shiny and fingerprint-free for longer.