Stainless steel is easily one of the most popular materials for kitchen appliances and cookware. And why wouldn’t it be? It’s durable, easy to clean, and looks great! However, like anything else in the kitchen, over time it can become stained and dirty. You may think that only harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners can restore your stainless steel to its former glory, but there is hope!
In this blog post, we will discuss how to naturally clean stainless steel using a simple ingredient that you probably already have in your kitchen: vinegar. And then, to help you out even further, we will also provide tips on how to prevent staining in the first place. Let’s go!
Why Vinegar?
Vinegar is a great natural cleaner because it contains acetic acid, which can cut through grease and grime without just smearing it around. It’s also nonabrasive, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic which is why it’s an especially great choice for those with pets and children.
But What About the Smell?
One downside of vinegar is that it does have a strong smell, which can understandably bother some people. However, you don’t need to worry about it for too long – the smell dissipates fairly quickly, and therefore shouldn’t linger in your kitchen. If you are especially sensitive to the smell, though, you can always use a fan to speed up the dissipation process or simply open a window.
Anything Else to Keep in Mind?
While vinegar is much safer to use on stainless steel than cleaners containing harsh chemicals and/or abrasives, there are a few things you should know before you start spraying away. Take a look at some of the top things to keep in mind when using vinegar below.
- Don’t let it get on any grout, hardwood, or stone, as the acid may damage these surfaces.
- Avoid getting it in or near your eyes, and be sure to wash it off of your skin after use
- Don’t use an empty cleaner bottle to spray and store your vinegar. You never know how it will mix with any remaining chemical residue from the previous solution. Use a clean bottle, and be sure to label it so everyone knows its contents.
How to Naturally Clean Stainless Steel with Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Materials
- Spray bottle filled with vinegar
- Microfiber cloths*
- Mineral oil in a bowl**
*Microfiber cloths are usually ideal, but paper towels will also work in a pinch.
**While vinegar does most of the cleaning, you can really make your stainless steel shine by applying some mineral oil, like baby oil.
Step 2: Spray Vinegar
Spray the vinegar liberally over the stainless steel surface. Remember to avoid getting it on any grout, hardwood, or stone.
Step 3: Wipe Down Surface
When you’re wiping down your stainless steel, try to go in the direction of the grain. If you go against it, you may end up with streaks.
Be sure to cover all areas, including levers, knobs, and any other grooves. You don’t want to leave any vinegar on there, as you may end up with streaks if you leave it to air dry.
Step 4: Polish
If you really want that stainless steel to shine, dip a clean microfiber cloth into the mineral oil and gently rub it in the direction of the grain. Once you’re satisfied, use another clean cloth to remove any excess oil. Finished!
Don’t have time to clean your stainless steel? Contact Dallas Sunrise Maids today to see how we can help!
