Learn the best way to clean stainless steel with a homemade stainless steel cleaner

Having a reliable stainless steel cleaner that actually works is key if you want to keep your household appliances looking nice. Many cleaning products available in stores leave streaks and fail to clean stainless steel, making things look worse than what you started off with.

 

We’re here to tell you that the best way to clean stainless steel may be with products you can find in your own home. Creating a homemade stainless steel cleaner may be your best bet in keeping all those stainless steel appliances looking spick and span.

 

This article will detail exactly how to create the best stainless steel cleaners that actually work!

 

Do’s and Don’ts

There are many different kinds of commercial and homemade stainless steel cleaners, simply because there are unique characteristics that go into your specific appliance. So experimenting is key before you find yourself the best stainless steel cleaner.

 

There are a few things you should avoid at all costs though. Definitely, don’t use steel wool or abrasive sponges or doctor your stainless steel with anything that has chloride as an ingredient. Don’t use an oven cleaner and even some tap waters can leave stains when you’re done.

 

If you avoid those few key tips, finding the best way to clean stainless steel should be easy!

 

The 5 Best Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaners

Here are your tips and tricks to learn how to clean stainless steel. You’ll need a spray bottle and a clean cloth for most of these solutions. Many of these ideas will ask that you rub in the direction of the grain – yes, steel has grain like wood or fabric.

 

You can see the direction of the grain on close inspection of the surface of your appliance. It’s not the end of the world if you scrub against the grain, but you run the risk of pushing cleaning residue into the small grain crevices. For best effect, scrub in the direction of the grain.

 

Anyway, here are your best options for homemade stainless steel cleaners.

 

1) Olive Oil and White Vinegar. Fill your spray bottle with white vinegar and spray your stainless steel appliance liberally. Use a clean cloth or towel to wipe the appliance down. Then, add a small amount of olive oil to your cloth and rub in direction of the grain. Smudges and streaks should disappear as you add a smooth shine to your appliance!

 

2) Club Soda. It may seem odd but club soda does wonders in wiping off fingerprint stains and other smudges. Simply put some club soda in a spray bottle and spray your stainless steel appliance. Use a clean cloth to rub in the direction of the grain and you’ll get an inexpensive polish to your appliance.

 

3) Baby Oil and Dish Soap. Pour a small amount of dish soap on a clean cloth and make it just a bit damp with water. Wipe down your appliance in the direction of the grain to clean excess oil and smudges. Next, polish with a small amount of baby oil on a new cloth. By the end it should look shiny and good as new!

 

4) WD-40. Using WD-40 could be the simplest homemade stainless steel cleaner. Just spray a bit of the liquid straight onto the appliance and wipe it off with a clean towel. Your stainless steel surface should look new and shiny instantly.

 

5) Warm Water. If you’re irrationally scared about damaging your appliance with a stainless steel cleaner, try the simplest method of warm water and a cloth. Wipe down your appliance with a cloth dipped in warm water and then dry it off immediately with a new, clean towel. If you wipe in the direction of the grain, you should have succeeded in wiping off all the smudges.

 

Final Thoughts

Armed with all these great ideas for how to clean stainless steel, nothing should go wrong as you embark on your steel appliance cleaning. Remember, experimenting is key to finding out which is the best stainless steel cleaner for you. Happy cleaning and thanks for reading!