How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
For decades, stainless steel has been a mark of quality in the kitchen. From refrigerators to ovens to work tables to sinks, you can find stainless steel in just about any part of a commercial kitchen. While stainless steel has a seamless, timeless look, keeping it clean requires more work than other appliance materials. Stainless steel collects fingerprints, smudges, streaks, and more. Any little contact with the appliance exterior can leave a mark.
To keep your stainless steel appliances looking pristine, they need regular cleaning. You know this struggle well if you have stainless steel in your kitchen. To help you keep your appliances looking fresh and new, we’ve created this quick explanation of how to clean stainless steel.
What Makes Stainless Steel ‘Stainless’
Stainless steel was first made by adding chromium to low-carbon steel. This combination of elements creates high resistance to staining. Today, metallurgists mix steel with nickel, carbon, iron, and titanium, making stainless steel appliances even more stain-resistant. These elements protect the surface of stainless steel from scraping and scratching. When a scratch occurs on the surface, the newly exposed surface takes its place. No matter how deep a scratch is, the material resists staining and rusting.
Benefits of Keeping Stainless Steel Clean
Keeping your stainless steel appliances clean helps with more than just their appearance. With regular maintenance, stainless steel appliances can last years past their expected lifespan. You can also keep seals, handles, and other crucial parts of your appliances working with just a few minutes of daily cleaning.
Stainless steel lasts for years if cared for regularly, which is one of the biggest benefits of incorporating it into your kitchen. With proper care and the right stainless steel cleaners, these appliances can become part of your cooking routine for years, saving you time and money in the long run.
What You Need To Properly Clean Stainless Steel
On to the big question: How to clean stainless steel? Here are a few crucial steps to ensure you’re cleaning your unit in the best possible way.
Stainless Steel Cleaning Supplies
- Vinegar
- Microfiber towel
- Mineral oil of your choice
- Soft cleaning rag
How to Clean Stainless Steel: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Find the ‘Grain’
Before you start cleaning, take a closer look at your stainless steel appliances. Like wood, stainless steel has a grain that runs horizontally or vertically. It isn’t as obvious as wood grain, but if you look closely, you should be able to see it. Once you spot it, the grain helps you find the direction you need to clean in for the best results.
Step 2: Spray with Vinegar
Clean stainless steel appliances with vinegar, not water. Water leaves streaks, no matter how much you rub.
Spray down the surface liberally with vinegar and let it sit on the stainless steel for a few minutes. Letting the vinegar sit before wiping it clean helps dissolve caked-on messes.
Step 3: Wipe it Down
After the vinegar sits for a bit, use a soft cleaning rag to wipe away messes. Using a soft cloth or paper towel when cleaning stainless steel ensures no scratches are left behind. Remove the initial debris and use more vinegar if needed.
Step 4: Polish
Polishing is key to getting that shiny stainless steel appearance. It also helps keep your appliance protected in between cleanings. To polish stainless steel appliances, dip a corner of a microfiber towel into a bit of oil — less is more. Wipe the doused cloth onto the appliance and drag it toward the grain. Any streak marks will quickly fade away, leaving you with a clean surface.
In-Between Cleaning
These tips are great for deep cleaning stainless steel cooking equipment. Throughout a work shift, stainless steel also needs cleaning. For quick, in-between cleanings, simply use soapy water to wash, rinse with normal water, and then wipe with a sanitizing solution.
Why Invest in Stainless Steel
Although it requires regular maintenance, stainless steel benefits any commercial kitchen. This rough, durable surface resists staining, damage, and everyday use in even the busiest kitchens. To learn more about the benefits of stainless steel or to shop for stainless steel for your kitchen, reach out to us today.
