Stainless steel is a hygienic and non-porous material with many advantages; you don’t have to worry about it rusting, fading or staining. While these properties are fantastic, there is just one teensy-weensy aesthetic downfall— dirt, grease and smeared fingerprints show up everywhere. Whether you have a stainless steel countertop, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher or other appliance, we’ll go over some natural and DIY remedies you can do today to make your stainless steel sparkle like its brand new.
Important Tip: Do not use any type of abrasive cloth or sponge material when cleaning your stainless steel appliances or countertop as this will scratch the material. We recommend using a microfiber cloth – it absorbs easily and won’t scratch or leave fibers behind. Remember to: always clean with the grain of your stainless steel to avoid scratching your appliance and for the best cleaning results. Get the shine you’re looking for: after you use a home remedy, buffer and wipe your stainless steel with paper towels.
Home Remedy #1: Plain Water & Elbow Grease Okay, so this first remedy may sound ‘too good to be true,’ but using warm water with a cloth really works. If you have stubborn fingerprint smears, use a drop (don’t overdo it) of dish soap. Though, you will need to wipe down your stainless steel with clean warm water to remove the soap. Remember to promptly dry your stainless steel with paper towels or a dry microfiber cloth to avoid any water spots. Even with this simple solution, always wipe with the grain for spectacular shiny results.
Home Remedy #2: Use Cream of Tartar Sticky residue can be a pain to remove from your stainless steel. People have often tried using Goo Gone, but the results make a bigger smeared mess. A simple solution is to take 1 tbsp of cream of tartar and mix it with a little bit of water. Apply this milky solution onto your stainless steel and scrub with the grain, using your microfiber cloth. Then, wipe down off the solution with damp paper towels for the ultimate shine.
Home Remedy #3: Try Oil Whether you use baby oil, vegetable oil or olive oil, your stainless steel will shine. Apply a little bit of oil at a time, and really work it into your problem areas. Although, the drying time does takes more effort to remove the oil. If you have the time and patience, the results are worth it and result in a high-gloss sparkle.
Home Remedy #4: Sanitize with Vinegar & Water White Vinegar works wonder cutting through the grime and grease. You can use it undiluted as it is safe and nontoxic. However, we recommend diluting it with 1:2 vinegar to water ratio. Feel free to pour your solution into a spray bottle or bowl. Spray or apply your solution liberally onto your stainless steel and scrub the heavy problem areas with your microfiber cloth. Then, use a clean cloth and cool water to wipe off the vinegar solution, and dry your stainless steel with paper towels.
Warning: Make sure to unplug any appliances that would pose as a safety hazard when cleaning. Make sure to avoid the openings (like a toaster), insides or any electrical components when applying your cleaning mixtures.
Photo by: Andypiper | Flickr
