Stainless steel appliances are a great addition to any home but keeping them clean and smudge-free can be a challenge! There are many ways to clean stainless steel, so we did the hard part for you. We tested out 3 different cleaning solutions, 2 of which are everyday household items. First, we tested an oil-based cleaner, a water and vinegar mixture, and rubbing alcohol. Finding the right cleaner for your stainless steel appliance not only makes your appliance look its best, but it also helps you maintain the life span of your appliance.
Here are some tips to help you clean stainless steel:
- Always use a nonabrasive cloth to wipe down surfaces. Use two cloths, one to clean and one to dry.
- After choosing a cleaner for your stainless steel, test the cleaner on a small portion of the surface. We recommend an area that is out of sight.
- Clean parallel to the grain of your stainless steel surface. Going against the grain can create streaks and smudges.
- When choosing a cleaning solution, stay away from bleach. We often think of bleach first when we think of sanitizing surfaces, but bleach can actually damage stainless steel. Always read the ingredients in cleaning products to avoid traces of bleach.
- Oil-based cleaners are great to make your surfaces shine, but they also attract the most dirt and grime due to the thicker film they leave behind. We recommend water-based cleaning solutions.
There are many types of stainless steel depending on brand and quality. Always keep that in mind when shopping for new stainless steel appliances and when choosing the perfect cleaning solution. Many manufacturers provide their own cleaning solution or recommend certain cleaning solutions for their products. Whether you are looking to make your appliances shine or simply sanitize, always do your research before wiping down your stainless steel appliances!
Watch our video below to find out the results of our stainless steel cleaning solution test: