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How to Clean and Polish Stainless Steel: Rust Removal & Others
- John
Keeping your stainless steel appliances shiny and free of streaks, rust, and other stains can be a challenge. This comprehensive guide will help you choose the right cleaners and techniques to keep your stainless steel refrigerator, sink, and pots sparkling clean.
What Stains Need to Be Cleaned from Stainless Steel Appliances?
The most difficult stains to remove on stainless steel appliances are mainly rust.
Rust is corrosion spots formed when the protective layer on the surface of stainless steel is damaged in extreme environments (such as corrosive chemicals, salt, humidity, and high temperature) and the metal reacts with oxygen and moisture.
Rust often appears as dark or brown spots. Rust not only affects the appearance of stainless steel, but also weakens its corrosion resistance and structural strength, and may even accelerate further corrosion processes, sometimes accompanied by surface depressions and discoloration, which damages the overall performance of stainless steel.
In addition, common stains include scale, oil stains and fingerprints, dirt and dust, rainbow spots, food residues, etc.
- Scale is left behind by the evaporation of minerals in water, appearing as white or gray spots, which are not easy to remove, especially in high temperature environments.
- Grease stains come from grease splashes or contact during cooking; fingerprints are left by skin oils and sweat, and appear as areas of reduced gloss and tiny spots of grease.
- Dust and dirt from the air adhere to the surface of stainless steel and need to be cleaned regularly to keep it shiny.
- Formed by stainless steel surfaces exposed to high temperatures or chemicals, they appear as shiny spots of various colors.
- Stubborn stains may be left behind during cooking and need to be cleaned thoroughly to prevent bacterial growth.
How to Clean Stainless Steel?
How to Clean the Rust from Stainless Steel?
Rust Removal with Acidic Cleaners: Apply an appropriate amount of acidic cleaner (such as food-grade citric acid, white vinegar, lemon juice or special stainless steel acidic cleaner) to the rust, wait for a while, then wipe it clean with a soft cloth or sponge, and finally rinse with clean water and wipe dry. Avoid direct contact with the skin when using, and ensure good ventilation.
Rust Removal with Baking Soda: Mix baking soda and water in a certain proportion into a paste, apply it to the rust, wait for a while (about 10 minutes), then wipe it with a brush or scouring pad dipped in an appropriate amount of baking soda water, and finally rinse it with clean water. This method is relatively mild and is not easy to damage the stainless steel surface.
Mechanical Removal Method: Use tools such as sandpaper, wire brush or grinding wheel to gently polish the rust until the rust is completely removed. It should be noted that this method may damage the glossiness of the stainless steel surface, so be particularly careful when using it to avoid scratching the surface.
Chemical Immersion Method: Operate according to the instructions for use of the chemical solution, and pay attention to controlling parameters such as immersion time and temperature. After soaking, rinse with clean water and wipe dry. The chemical immersion method requires the use of professional chemical solutions and equipment. The operation process is relatively complicated and has certain risks, so it is recommended to be operated by professionals.
Professional Rust Remover: Follow the method in the product manual, apply the rust remover to the rust and wait for a while (depending on the product instructions), then wipe it clean with a cloth or sponge. Good rust removal effect and fast speed, suitable for dealing with more serious rust.
How Do I Remove Other Stains from Stainless Steel?
To remove water stains, grease, fingerprints, dirt, dust, rainbow stains, and food residue from stainless steel, you can follow these methods:
- Water Stains: Use white vinegar. Spray white vinegar on the water stains, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a soft cloth. For stubborn water stains, mix baking soda with water to form a paste and gently scrub the area.
- Grease: Mix warm water with dish soap and use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe the surface, following the grain of the stainless steel. For tougher grease, use white vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
- Fingerprints, Dirt, and Dust: Use white vinegar or glass cleaner. Spray it on the stainless steel surface and wipe it with a soft cloth. You can then apply a small amount of olive oil or baby oil to polish and restore shine.
- Rainbow Stains: These can be cleaned with white vinegar. For more stubborn rainbow stains, apply a baking soda and water paste, gently scrub, rinse with water, and wipe dry.
- Food Residue: Clean with warm water and dish soap. For tough food stains, use a baking soda paste, leave it for a while, and then scrub gently.
Precautions: Avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaners to prevent scratching the stainless steel. Also, avoid bleach or chlorine-based cleaners, as they can damage the stainless steel surface.
What Is the Best Home Remedy to Clean Stainless Steel?
The best home remedy to clean stainless steel uses simple ingredients like vinegar and olive oil. Here’s a step-by-step method:
Materials
- White vinegar (for cleaning)
- Olive oil (for polishing)
- Soft microfiber cloth
Steps
- Clean with Vinegar:
- Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle.
- Spray the stainless steel surface, making sure to cover any smudges or stains.
- Wipe the surface with a soft microfiber cloth, going with the grain of the steel.
- Polish with Olive Oil:
- Once the surface is clean and dry, apply a few drops of olive oil to another microfiber cloth.
- Gently rub the olive oil onto the surface in the direction of the grain.
- Buff it until the surface shines, leaving no excess oil.
This method effectively removes fingerprints, smudges, and minor stains while giving your stainless steel a nice shine.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances?
How to Clean Stainless Steel Sinks?
Remove debris: Thoroughly empty the sink of all debris and food residue. Use warm water to initially rinse the sink, ensuring that no visible particles remain on the surface.
Sprinkle baking soda: Sprinkle an even layer of baking soda on the surface of the sink, covering all areas. Use a damp cloth or sponge to gently rub in circular motions, using the mild cleaning power of baking soda to remove stubborn stains while protecting the stainless steel from scratches.
Clean with white vinegar: Spray white vinegar evenly on the sink, creating foam on contact with the baking soda to enhance the cleaning effect. The acidic properties of white vinegar effectively dissolve mineral deposits, inhibiting the regeneration of scale, while providing additional disinfecting effects.
Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the sink thoroughly again with warm water to ensure that all baking soda and white vinegar residues are completely removed. Avoid residues that cause discoloration or unsightly streaks on the surface of the sink.
Polish: Take a dry microfiber cloth and gently wipe along the natural grain of the sink. Polishing not only gives the sink a mirror-like luster, but also forms a protective film on its surface, reducing the adhesion of future stains and keeping the sink long-lasting and bright.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Pots?
Stainless steel pots are easy to cook with, but they are also prone to grease and burnt stains. Here are the detailed steps to clean stainless steel pots:
Soak: Add warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the pot and soak for a few minutes to soften the remaining food. Soaking helps loosen stubborn food residues and makes subsequent cleaning easier.
Scrub: Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe the bottom and sides of the pot to remove loose stains. When cleaning the pot, avoid scratches from hard objects and scrub with a soft brush.
Dealing with stubborn stains: For stubborn burnt stains, you can mix baking soda into a paste and then scrub with a soft brush. The micro-abrasive action of baking soda effectively removes burnt residue.
Cleaning with white vinegar: Spray white vinegar on stubborn stains, wait a few minutes, and wipe with a damp cloth. The acidity of white vinegar dissolves burnt residue and restores the pan to its shine.
Rinse and dry: Rinse well with warm water and finally wipe with a dry cloth to prevent water spots from forming. To prevent rusting, check to make sure the pan is completely dry.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Fridge?
The refrigerator is an area of the kitchen that is prone to fingerprints and stains. Here are the detailed steps to clean a stainless steel refrigerator:
Cleaning with warm water and dishwashing liquid: Mix warm water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid, dip a microfiber cloth into the solution, and wipe along the surface texture of the refrigerator. Dishwashing liquid effectively removes oil stains and dirt.
Remove fingerprints: For stubborn fingerprints and oil stains, use a small amount of olive oil on a cloth and wipe gently. After olive oil removes fingerprints from the surface, it can also form a protective layer to prevent new fingerprints from being left behind.
Clean with white vinegar: Spray white vinegar on the surface of the refrigerator and wipe it clean with a dry cloth to prevent streaks and water stains. White vinegar can dissolve mineral deposits and make the surface of the refrigerator shiny as new.
Polishing: Wipe along the grain with a dry microfiber cloth to make the surface of the refrigerator shiny as new. Polishing not only increases the gloss of the refrigerator, but also protects the surface and extends its service life.
What to Use to Clean Stainless Steel?
Commercial Stainless Steel Appliance Cleaner
There are many commercial cleaners on the market specifically for stainless steel. They usually contain effective stain removal ingredients and are easy to use. Here are some recommended brands and their characteristics.
- Bar Keepers Friend cleaners are known for their gentle but effective stain removal abilities and are suitable for removing scale, fingerprints and oil stains. Its formula contains aluminum oxide, which can gently scrub stainless steel surfaces to remove stubborn stains without damaging the surface.
- Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish not only cleans, but also forms a protective film on the surface to prevent fingerprints and stains. Its formula contains special polymers that can effectively fill small scratches and restore the gloss of stainless steel.
- Affresh Stainless Steel Cleaner is recommended for removing rust and thermal discoloration, giving stainless steel surfaces a brand new look. Its formula contains anti-rust ingredients that can effectively prevent secondary rust on stainless steel surfaces.
Industrial Stainless Steel Appliance Cleaner
For heavy stains and stainless steel appliances in industrial environments, using industrial cleaners is a good choice. These products usually have strong ingredients that can quickly dissolve tough dirt. Here are some recommended industrial cleaners.
3M Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish: Suitable for industrial and commercial environments, it can effectively remove grease and dirt and leave a bright protective layer on the surface. Its powerful formula can quickly break down grease and stains for efficient cleaning needs.
Zep Stainless Steel Polish: An industrial-grade cleaner that can deeply clean and polish stainless steel surfaces to prevent stains from accumulating. Its special polishing ingredients can make the stainless steel surface lastingly bright and suitable for large-area applications.
Can You Clean Stainless Steel with Vinegar?
Yes, you can clean stainless steel with vinegar. In fact, vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner for stainless steel because it effectively removes grease, grime, and fingerprints without damaging the surface.
Homemade Cleaners—Stainless Steel Cleaner Alternative
Homemade cleaners are nature-friendly and economical. Common ingredients include white vinegar, baking soda, olive oil, and alcohol. Here are some effective homemade cleaner recipes and how to use them.
White vinegar and water: Mix white vinegar and water in equal proportions in a bottle. White vinegar is naturally acidic and can effectively dissolve scale and grease. Spray it on the stainless steel surface and wipe it along the grain with a microfiber cloth to not only remove stains but also prevent streaks from forming.
Baking soda and water: Mix baking soda and water into a paste, apply it to the stain or burnt area, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.The micro-abrasive action of baking soda can effectively remove stains without damaging the surface.
Olive oil: Used to polish stainless steel. Pour a small amount of olive oil on a microfiber cloth and wipe along the grain to remove fingerprints and add shine. Olive oil also has a protective effect and can extend the shine time of stainless steel surfaces.
Alcohol and Water: Mix 1/4 cup of alcohol with 1 cup of water and add a few drops of essential oils (such as lavender oil) for scent. Alcohol is highly volatile and evaporates quickly without leaving any water marks. It can also disinfect and sterilize. Put it in a bottle, squirt it on the surface of stainless steel and wipe it with a dry cloth.
Cleaning Items Not Recommended
Stainless steel surfaces can easily be scratched or corroded, so avoid using the following cleaning items.
- Steel wool and hard brushes: Scratch the surface, leaving it rough and dull.
- Ammonia-containing cleaners: May discolor or corrode the surface.
- Bleach and abrasive cleaners: Damage the protective layer, leaving spots and marks.
- Glass cleaners: Contain ammonia and other chemicals, leaving streaks and discoloration.
- Oven cleaners: Strong chemicals cause corrosion and discoloration.
- Acidic or alkaline cleaners: Corrode stainless steel surfaces. Use a pH-neutral cleaner, such as diluted white vinegar and water.
- Metal brushes: Have hard bristles and can scratch the surface. Use a nylon brush or other soft cleaning tool instead.
How to Polish Stainless Steel?
Polishing stainless steel can restore its gloss and form a protective layer. Here are the detailed steps for polishing stainless steel:
Clean the surface: First, make sure the stainless steel surface is clean and dust-free, and wipe it clean with warm water and detergent. Cleaning is the basic step of polishing, making sure there is no dirt and residue that will affect the polishing effect.
Choose the right polishing agent: Use a special stainless steel polishing agent or natural materials such as olive oil and baking soda. Choosing the right polishing agent can better restore the shine of stainless steel.
Polishing: Apply polish to a microfiber cloth and rub along the grain of the stainless steel, using gentle pressure to remove small scratches and stains.Polish along the grain to avoid creating new scratches.
Wipe clean: Wipe away excess polish with a dry cloth to ensure a shiny surface without residue. Wipe with a dry cloth after polishing to not only remove excess polish, but also increase the gloss of the surface.
How to Care for Stainless Steel?
Daily cleaning: Avoid using rough or hard materials by using mild detergents and soft cloths. Dry promptly after cleaning to prevent water stains.
Remove stains and rust: For general stains, use toothpaste or a mixture of white vinegar and water to gently wipe. If you encounter rust, use stainless steel rust remover or white vinegar, then rinse and dry.
Polishing and protection: When necessary, use a polish to restore the gloss of stainless steel. In high humidity or corrosive environments, consider applying a protective coating.
Precautions for use and storage: Avoid direct contact with stainless steel at high temperatures to prevent discoloration. Prevent collisions and scratches to protect the surface integrity. Avoid prolonged contact with strong acids, strong bases or salt-containing substances. Check stainless steel products regularly and deal with problems in a timely manner.
How to Disinfect Stainless Steel?
Although the surface of stainless steel is durable, it can still accumulate bacteria and dirt during daily use. Here are the detailed steps to disinfect stainless steel:
Clean the surface: Use warm water and detergent to clean the surface of stainless steel to remove obvious stains and residue. Cleaning is the basic step of disinfection, making sure the surface is free of dirt and residue that will affect the disinfection effect.
Use alcohol: Put 70% alcohol in a spray bottle, spray it on the stainless steel surface, wipe it with a dry cloth, and make sure all areas are disinfected. Alcohol evaporates quickly without leaving any water marks, and it has a strong bactericidal effect.
Use white vinegar: Spray white vinegar on the stainless steel surface, wait for a while, and then wipe it clean. The acidic properties of white vinegar not only help dissolve dirt, but also effectively kill bacteria, bringing a fresh environment to the kitchen.
Maintain ventilation: When disinfecting, please ensure that the room is well ventilated to promote the rapid evaporation of disinfectants such as white vinegar. Good ventilation can accelerate the evaporation of the disinfectant and ensure fresh air in the room.
Get Satisfactory Stainless Steel!
Following the above steps and tips, you can easily clean and polish stainless steel utensils, keep your kitchen utensils shiny and new, and ensure their hygiene and safety. We focus on producing high quality alloy products. If you need to purchase stainless steel or other alloy products, please browse our blogs for more information and contact us.
- Stainless Steel Grades
- 300 Series Stainless Steel
- 303 Stainless Steel
- 304 Stainless Steel
- 305 Stainless Steel
- 308 Stainless Steel
- 316 Stainless Steel
- 316N Stainless Steel
- 409 Stainless Steel
- 410 Stainless Steel
- 416 Stainless Steel
- 420 Stainless Steel
- 430 Stainless Steel
- 410HT And 410L Stainless Steels
- A2 Stainless Steel
- 304 vs 304L Stainless Steel
- 304 VS 316 Stainless Steel
- 304 vs 409 Stainless Steel
- 304 vs 430 Stainless Steel
- 410 Stainless Steel vs 304
- 18/0 vs 18/10
- 18/0 Stainless Steel
- 18/8 Stainless Steel
- 18/10 Stainless Steel
Comparisons
Finish