How to get streaks off stainless steel appliances

Any kitchen looks more sophisticated and elegant with the addition of appliances made from stainless steel. Unfortunately, if you fail to clean them properly, you might end up with a kitchen filled with grey and dull-looking appliances. But, can I use Windex on stainless steel appliances?

Cleaning stainless steel appliances

The good news is that it is easy to maintain stainless steel. You just need to remember some simple dos and don’ts to regain that lovely shine without compromising the surfaces of your beloved appliances.

Stainless steel may be more challenging compared to other finishes since it tends to show streaks and fingerprints rather easily. On top of that, stainless steel also has many different types so you might need to experiment first with several stainless steel cleaners before you get to find the right one that will work best for your appliance. You might also find that each stainless steel appliance needs a different and unique cleaning routine.

Can I use windex on stainless steel appliances

Yes, you can try using Windex on stainless steel appliances. Fingerprint marks are very common on stainless steel. Thankfully, you can easily remove these unwanted marks using any of the common glass cleaners like Windex.

Even though opinions may differ on whether the product is safe to use or not, many people swear by it. To prevent splatter residue and drip marks, you can try spraying the cleaner on a piece of microfiber cloth then apply this evenly in a circular motion to eliminate fingerprint marks and other streaks.

What to do when cleaning stainless steel appliances

Before you begin searching for the ultimate formula for cleaning stainless steel appliances, be sure to check the instructions of the manufacturer first. These are the best resources for you to learn the best way of cleaning stainless steel appliances.

The manufacturer’s instructions often recommend the best cleaners for stainless steel and indicate the cleaners that may cause damage to the finish. The manufacturer can be trusted in this matter because more than anyone else, they are the ones who best understand the right way of cleaning a stainless steel oven or fridge and you can keep the appliance looking new if you follow their instructions.

Assuming they are at odds with the cleaning instructions for your stainless steel appliance, some of the field-testing cleaning techniques that can work on many types of finishes include the following:

• For general cleaning, you can dampen a soft piece of cloth using warm water.
• A glass cleaner is also great for removing fingerprints.
• Towel-dry the appliance after cleaning to prevent water spotting.
• Use commercial cleaners to get rid of stains on stainless steel appliances if need. Just make sure you spot-test and read the instructions first.
• Wipe in the grain’s direction to prevent leaving streaks.

What not to do when cleaning stainless steel appliances

• Abrasive cleaners may end up dulling the finish and scratching the surface.
• Cleaners that contain chlorine and bleach may damage and even stain the stainless steel.
• Never allow residues of cleaning solution or filthy water to dry on the stainless steel appliances as these will form dull finish and may create permanent stains.
• There are certain tap water that can be very harsh and cause stains and spots. You can use filtered and distilled water instead.
• Brushes or steel wool may end up scratching the surface of stainless steel that may make it more prone to staining and rusting.

How to clean stainless steel appliances

Below are the four easy and simple steps you need to follow to clean stainless steel appliances:

1. Apply your preferred cleaning concoction and use a microfiber cloth to wipe off the surface, making sure that you go with the grain. If you are not sure of the direction that the grain runs, you can try wiping the opposite ways in the side by side patches to check if you will be able to identify the difference.
2. Wash the cloth and wipe again. Repeat until clean.
3. Use another piece of fresh microfiber cloth to dry off the cleaned surface.
4. Complete the job by dabbing the dry cloth with some baby oil, mineral oil, or olive oil, and smooth this over the surface. It will add some shine, eliminate the remaining streaks and ensure that there will be no fingerprints.

You see, it is easier than you think to shine up stainless steel appliances to make them look new all over again.

DIY cleaners for stainless steel appliances

The greatest and newest commercial cleaners might not always be the best cleaners for stainless steel, nor are they the safest. Good thing that there are many ways for you to clean stainless steel appliances with no need to use potentially dangerous commercial cleaners. There are two types of DIY cleaners you can use to remove those ugly streaks from stainless steel appliances. Just make sure that you spot-test them first before you use them.

How to clean stainless steel appliances with baby oil mixed with dish soap

1. Dilute 1 teaspoon of dish liquid soap in one quart of warm water.
2. Use the solution to dampen a microfiber cloth and use it to clean the grain.
3. Mix a quart of water with a teaspoon of dish liquid soap.
4. Dampen another clean microfiber cloth with some warm clean water to wipe off the residue.
5. Allow the finish to dry then apply baby oil, making sure that you go in the direction of the grain.

How to clean stainless steel appliances with olive oil and vinegar

1. Inspect the stainless steel closely and look for the grain.
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth with some vinegar then rub it on the grain to get rid of dirt, grime, and grease.
3. Allow the vinegar to dry then use olive oil to dampen another microfiber cloth.
4. Work the olive oil by rubbing this with the grain.

These are the simple steps you should follow to clean stainless steel appliances easily and quickly and protect their shine for a long time.