What is the Best Way to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances?

It’s no surprise that stainless steel appliances remain a popular choice for homeowners. With a sleek finish that matches almost any indoor decor, stainless steel is an investment that many consider well worth it.

After a while, however, you may start to notice smudges, water spots, and other unwanted grime on your once-spotless appliances. If you’re a first-time owner, you likely don’t know how to clean stainless steel appliances. But there’s no reason to worry! We’ll go over the best way to clean stainless steel appliances right now.

Check the Appliance User Manual

First and foremost, before you try to clean your appliances, consult your appliance’s user manual or guide. In this manual, you may find instructions detailing the best way to clean the stainless steel appliance.

Along with telling you how to clean the stainless steel appliance, there may be other helpful care instructions.

The Right Cleaning Methods

If you don’t have a user manual or the pamphlet doesn’t tell you how to clean stainless steel appliances, there’s no need to fear! We’ll discuss that right here. 

Before we delve into the cleaning solutions and tools you can use to clean your stainless steel, let’s go over the cleaning methods that will let you wipe down your appliances without streaking.

We know the last thing you want is a streaky-looking fridge or oven. To prevent this problem, wipe the surface of your appliance with a soft cloth. Plus, it’s essential to remember to only move the cloth in a circular motion. These simple tips will help you to clean stainless steel appliances in the best way possible.

The Wrong Cleaning Tools

Sometimes, learning how to clean stainless steel appliances comes with some trial and error. However, there are certainly some materials or cleaning solutions you should never use. These items can include:

• Abrasive sponges
• Harsh scrubber pads
• Over cleaners
• Glass cleaners

These items and more—such as scouring powders, steel, wool, bleach, and ammonia—can wreak havoc on your appliance’s finish and cause irreversible damage.

DIY Cleaners

While you might think store-bought cleaning products are your best bet, there are many DIY stainless steel cleaners that are just as effective—but even more budget-friendly!

Some time-tested homeowner favorites include:

• Baby oil and dish soap: First, wipe down your appliance with dish soap. Afterward, squeeze some baby oil onto a microfiber cloth and clean the surface in a circular motion, remembering to move with the grain.
• Baking soda and warm water: Combine these materials into a paste, then place some onto a soft cloth. Clean the appliance following the grain, then wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry with a towel.
• Club soda: Pour club soda into a spray bottle, then spray your appliance with it before using a soft cloth to wipe down the surface (going with the grain).

After successfully cleaning your appliance, you can try using mineral oil to polish the metal.

Stainless Steel Appliance Installations

With a little attention and care, you can really get your appliances to shine! Now that you know the best ways to clean stainless steel appliances, gone are the days of finger smudges and grimy streaks.

If you’re looking for a new stainless steel refrigerator or want to upgrade the appliance you currently have, look no further. Here in the Cayman Islands, Appliance Doctors has several areas of expertise, ranging from refrigerators to stainless steel commercial appliances.

Get in touch with us to learn more about our appliance installations!