The purchase of stainless steel appliances and surfaces is on the rise. The material can be resistant to corrosion if it is kept clean of dirt and grime. Normal household kitchen cleaners will not work for cleaning the stainless steel. Many of those cleaners contain abrasive elements as well as chloride or hydrochloride, which can discolor stainless steel. Make sure to read labels on all products you are thinking of using.
The old school method of warm water and a soft cloth can be used as a routine way to clean, but you will need an alternative option for fingerprints (one of the biggest complaints with stainless steel) and tougher stains. You can also use a glass cleaner or household ammonia for the fingerprints, but make sure to rinse and towel dry.
If you are looking for a safe-yet-will-take-care-of-stains cleaner, Bona Professional Stone, Tile and Laminate Cleaner may be a great option for your household.
Bona products are waterborne, environmentally responsible cleaners. Which means this will work great if you have children or pets. They are non-toxic, nonflammable, pH neutral, and are Green guard certified for Children and Schools.
Not only can you clean your stainless-steel surfaces, but you can also use it for laminate flooring, ceramic, tile, vinyl, sealed marble, and sealed granite flooring. Making this your go to cleaner for kitchen surfaces. I can provide you with more MSDS lingo about viscosity and density, but from the over-protective-of-her-dog consumer perspective of this product, I would go with no other cleaner for bathroom and kitchen surfaces.
Always use a soft cloth when wiping down a stainless-steel surface and wipe in the direction of the polish line. Microfiber cloths work well in this situation. As with any cleaner used in any situation, test in an inconspicuous spot. And you may want to rinse the surface with water and towel dry. Do not let water pool on the surfaces, it will discolor the stainless steel.
If there has been a major stain to the steel, scratching, or it needs polishing, you may want to go with an industrial cleaner made specifically for stainless steel. They will be a powerful cleaner/polish, so make sure you read the directions carefully and as always, test on an inconspicuous area. RINSE and thoroughly towel dry. Most retail locations where you buy your stainless-steel appliance or surface will have great advice on what type of polish/heavy-duty cleaners to use. Don’t be afraid to give them a call. I would not use these cleaners as a routine cleaner. They usually are pretty smelly and full of chemicals. You don’t want to air out your kitchen every day.
As with every post we have, these are just suggestions. If you have advice to share on this topic, please do not hesitate to share!
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