Do Stainless Steel Appliances Require Special Maintenance?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Unlike other kitchen surfaces, stainless steel is easy to clean.

It requires regular maintenance

, but it's simple enough to wipe away any unwanted streaks or smudges.

Can you ruin stainless steel appliances?

It's extremely durable, highly corrosion-resistant, and virtually heatproof. But that doesn't mean it's bulletproof.

Stainless steel can be damaged by abrasive pads, the wrong kinds of cleaners, and even ordinary things like water and salt

.

How do you maintain stainless steel?

For basic, routine , simply

apply warm soap and water to the metal surface with a sponge

. You can also use gentle detergents for this job as well. For more intense stains, you may need to purchase special steel cleaners and polishes.

How do I protect my stainless steel appliances?

Can you use Clorox wipes on stainless steel?

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are a ready to use disinfectant wipe. These easy to use wipes are

safe to use on chrome, glass, metal, plastic, stainless steel

, tile, and wood. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are bleach free and have a clear drying formula, leaving surfaces with a shine.

Can I use Windex on my stainless steel appliances?

If all you're dealing with are those smudgy fingerprints, you can give your stainless steel appliances a quick touch-up using glass cleaner.

Brands like Windex will do just fine

, here. Once again, spray the solution onto your cleaning rag and apply it to the smudgy areas on your appliances using a circular motion.

Does vinegar clean stainless steel?


Vinegar is safe to use on stainless steel and helps remove oil and grime

. Fill a reusable spray bottle with a combination of 1:1 white vinegar and water. Spritz it on, and wipe it off — no need to rinse!

Does stainless steel need to be seasoned?

Unlike cast iron and carbon steel,

it is not required to season your stainless steel cookware

. However, many professional chefs and home cooks choose to do so.

How do you make stainless steel look new again?

Can you use Dawn soap on stainless steel?

Avoid cleaners that can damage steel and finishes. Instead,

clean your stainless steel appliances with a dish soap like Dawn® Platinum

. Its unique formula is tough enough to break up grease and grime while staying gentle on stainless steel surfaces.

Can stainless steel go in dishwasher?


Stainless steel jugs/bowls can be cleaned in the with the blade removed

. If they have plastic handles, double-check that they're heat-resistant first. The heat of the dishwasher may shorten its life. Best to wash by hand.

Can I use magic eraser on stainless steel?

Stainless Steel

Even with as durable as stainless steel can be,

using a Magic Eraser to clean it will likely end up leaving small scratches on the surface

. While some people are fine with scratches and scuffs on their stainless steel, other people may want to protect that super shiny finish for as long as possible.

How do you keep stainless steel appliances streak free?

  1. Add white vinegar to a clean spray bottle.
  2. Spray down your stainless-steel appliance.
  3. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
  4. Once clean, dip your cloth into a small amount of olive oil.

How do you keep stainless steel refrigerator from rusting?

Preventing Rust Spots on Stainless

Do

wash stainless with mild soap, using a soft, clean cloth; then rinse

. Dry with a soft, clean cloth. Don't use disinfectants, abrasives, or cleaners that contain bleach, alcohol, ammonia, or chlorides, all of which can harm stainless.

What stops stainless steel from rusting?


The chromium in stainless steel reacts with oxygen in the air to produce a protective chromium oxide layer across the surface

. Although very thin, this layer is what protects the metal from corrosion.

How do you protect the bottom of a stainless steel sink?


Install a stainless steel bottom grid in your sink to protect the basin from scratches

. Don't use a rubber mats because corrosive chemicals can become trapped between the mat and the sink. Bottom grids allow a free flow of water to keep the basin clean.

Does Windex stain stainless steel?

Other Tips for Cleaning Stainless Steel

Fingerprint marks are common on stainless steel and

can easily be removed with any common glass cleaner, such as Windex

.

Can you use Windex on black stainless steel?


You do not want to use any glass cleaners like Windex on black stainless steel

. The ammonia in these types of products can easily damage the surface of your appliances by striping the black finish over time.

Can you use pledge to clean stainless steel?


You can use a heavy coating of Pledge (yes, the furniture cleaner) to clean stainless steel

! First, lay a towel down in front of the appliance (if it's a fridge, oven, or dishwasher) so that you don't slip on Pledge overspray for days afterward.

Can paper towels scratch stainless steel?

Avoid Making Scratches

You may be tempted to use a paper towel but

paper towels may scratch the surface of your stainless steel appliances

. A microfiber cloth is softer and will produce a better result.

How do you get fingerprints off stainless steel refrigerator?

  1. Clean with mild soap and water, using a soft cloth.
  2. Clean with white vinegar and a damp soft cloth.
  3. Clean with soda water.
  4. Polish with a clean soft cloth and a dab of olive oil or baby oil.
  5. Polish with a clean soft cloth and lemon juice.

Is baking soda good for cleaning stainless steel?


Baking soda makes a great stainless steel sink cleaner

because it is abrasive enough to scrub away light hard water deposits and stuck-on grease and food, but not so abrasive as to scratch shiny stainless steel fixtures like faucets. Try cleaning your sink with a paste of baking soda and water.

How do you restore the finish on stainless steel?

If harder stains or rust remains, sprinkle baking soda or another non-abrasive scrub cleaner on a soft, damp cleaning cloth, mixed with liquid soap. Clean problem areas gently, going with the grain of the stainless steel. Spray the surface with vinegar-water mixture or glass cleaner and wipe again. Pat dry.

Does vinegar cause rust on stainless steel?

Although

vinegar's acidic nature can corrode stainless steel

, it works well when you dilute it with water. Apply distilled white vinegar with a soft cloth for best results.

Why do chefs use stainless steel pans?

Chefs, professional cooks, and restaurants use stainless steel cookware. They prefer it because

it's practically indestructible

. The construction and material offer superior heat distribution, and when used properly, a stainless steel pan can keep food from sticking.

How often do you have to season a stainless-steel pan?


There's no need to season a stainless steel pan

. Contrary to popular belief, it won't make it less sticky. Instead, preheat your pan for at least 5 minutes and use plenty of cooking oil to keep food from sticking to it.

Can you use olive oil to season a stainless-steel pan?

The best oils for seasoning stainless steel are avocado, corn, peanut, rice-bran or sunflower oil.

Avoid coconut, canola and virgin or extra virgin olive oil

– their smoke point is too low to season effectively.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.