Stainless steel is one of the easiest materials to clean. Several ingredients are known to clean stainless steel, including mineral oil, distilled white vinegar, and baking soda. But what else can you use? Let's take a look. We'll go over a few of the most popular household items, including a microfiber cloth, baking soda, and a few other cleaning methods. Once you have a better idea of how to clean stainless steel, you can start cleaning it!
Baking soda
Use baking soda to clean stainless steel. The powdery texture of baking soda is a gentle abrasive. Mix some with water to make a paste. Apply it to the stainless steel grain, rubbing it in with a cloth until the stains are removed. Once you're done, wipe it off with a paper towel. Repeat this process as needed to ensure the stains don't come back.
For stubborn stains, apply a paste made from two to three parts baking soda to one part water. Let the paste sit for about 15 to 20 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth. Use a circular motion to clean the entire surface, applying moderate pressure. If desired, rub the surface dry before using mineral oil to shine it. This method works well for removing tough stains from stainless steel. Then, rinse it off with clean water.
Mineral oil
When cleaning stainless steel, mineral oil can be an effective way to remove fingerprints and other buildup. Oily surfaces are attracted to and hold fingerprints, so it may be necessary to apply mineral oil more frequently as new fingerprints appear. Using mineral oil is also a good way to maintain the shine of stainless steel appliances. However, it can leave a filmy residue on the surface, so you should avoid using it if possible.
When cleaning stainless steel, it is best to start with a soft cloth and apply a generous amount of vinegar. Then, wipe the surface in the direction of the grain. For tougher stains, you can spray vinegar directly on the spot and allow it to soak for five to ten minutes before wiping it away. Repeat as needed. If you don't have a microfiber cloth, you can also use a mild dish detergent to clean stainless steel. You can also use white vinegar. White vinegar is a natural cleaner, and the two can be mixed in the same container to get a better result.
Distilled white vinegar
To make sure your stainless steel pans stay sparkling and free of fingerprints, you can use distilled white vinegar in a water-based solution. The vinegar will dissolve grease and stains from stainless steel, while a paste made of baking soda and water will clean up water spots. Rub this paste on the stainless steel and leave it for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a dry cloth. Lemon juice will remove limescale, so use a teaspoon of lemon juice on the pan. To get the best results, use a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water or distilled white vinegar.
In addition to vinegar and water, you can also use lemon juice or ketchup as a natural cleaner for stainless steel. These two ingredients are mild acidic and can easily remove fingerprints. However, keep in mind that they will smell like vegetable salad for a while, so you can use them sparingly. When cleaning stainless steel, don't forget to wipe off any excess solution with a soft paper towel.
Dish soap
If you're looking for a cheap way to clean stainless steel appliances, you may have come across the method of using a teaspoon of dish soap mixed with a quart of water. You can use this solution to clean stainless steel and other similar appliances. Afterwards, dry the appliances using a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots. If you're using a dishwasher or stove, you may also want to use a nylon scrubber to remove baked-on foods.
Unlike most types of cleaning liquid, dish soap can be used to clean stainless steel surfaces. The detergent helps remove oils from stuck-on food and fingerprints, making it easier to polish your appliances. To get a spotless shine, mix dish soap with warm water and apply it to a microfiber cloth. Use firm strokes and work your way from top to bottom of the appliance. Wipe the stainless steel down to remove soap residue and prevent water streaks.