Cleaning Stainless Steel

Cleaning Stainless Steel

Cleaning Stainless Steel Tips

Cleaning stainless steel is generally pretty easy because it's stainless! But stainless steel can occasionally get dull or begin to show fingerprints, especially oily ones. Stainless steel is an iron alloy that contains about 10% chromium which forms it's hard surface. If the chromium is worn off through corrosion or wear and tear, the steel will rust like regular steel.

Never use scouring pads or steel wool as they will scratch stainless steel surfaces. Baking soda is a mild abrasive but it will not scratch stainless steel. Made into a paste and applied with a sponge or soft cloth, it will clean and brighten surfaces.

To remove fingerprints, streaks or heat stains, try one of the following:

Olive Oil
Vinegar
Club Soda
Baking Soda
Ammonia

Foods should be rinsed off as soon as possible, especially if you can't get to the dishwashing right away. Some foods such as dairy products and acidic foods, tomatoes for example, should be washed off promptly or they can encourage corrosion.

Flatware can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. Dry dishwasher detergent may cause dark specks to form on wet stainless steel flatware, so don't spill any. Keep stainless steel and sterling silverware separated in the utensil basket of your dishwasher to protect the silver.

Pans left to boil dry or overheat on the stovetop can get discolored. Foods tend to stick in spots when not stirred carefully, as stainless steel pans on burners don't distribute heat evenly. Copper bottom pans prevent this problem.

Pots and pans and other utensils may be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. If you wash by hand, be sure to dry them at once to avoid streaks and spots. Washing in the dishwasher can cause a bluish cast to form occasionally. Remove it with a silver polish or a baking soda paste made with water, then rinse well and polish dry with a paper towel.

We hope these stainless steel cleaning tips have been helpful, please peruse the rest of our cleaning tips section for more cleaning tips.

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