How to Clean Stainless Steel
Stainless steel was originally developed for cutlery. Its resistance to corrosion and oxidation earned it the name “stainless” — although it’s not actually steel. (Stainless steel contains at least 10.5 percent chromium and other elements like nickel, titanium and copper.)
This material is now commonly used for countertops and appliances like refrigerators, microwaves and dishwashers. The finish looks sleek and modern while being strong and durable. Stainless steel is also popular because it’s typically easy to clean and maintain.
Supplies
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Steps
Learn how to clean, maintain and protect your stainless steel appliances and surfaces and keep them looking shiny and new.
- Step 1 Mix ¹⁄₁₆ cup (or 1 tbsp.) Pine-Sol® Multi-Surface Cleaner into ½ gallon of warm water.
- Step 2 Dunk a sponge or lint-free microfiber cloth into the mixture, and wring it out so it’s just damp.
- Step 3 Wipe the stainless steel surface in one direction (in the direction of the grain), following a straight line from end to end of the surface. This helps prevent streaking.
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Step 4
Wipe again with water — in one direction and following a straight line — using a dry lint-free cloth.
TIP: Also, when it comes to finding the right products and tools, it’s important to note there are some things you definitely don’t want to use on stainless steel. Never use abrasive cleaners, sponges, brushes or steel wool because these all can leave permanent scratches on stainless steel surfaces. Cleaning the interiors of your appliances is also important.
Check out these easy tips for cleaning a refrigerator.
Common Messes
You’ll typically need to take extra care in keeping stainless steel clean. A number of things can leave stainless surfaces looking dull and dirty.
Surfaces can also show streaks and fingerprints — and on stainless steel cooktops, grease and cooked-on food and burnt-on stains. And, some cleaners can leave marks, streaks and residue on your appliances and other surfaces.
Check out additional information on how to clean a stovetop.
Keep reading for tips on cleaning common messes that accumulate on stainless steel.
Removing Fingerprints
Do weekly or biweekly wipe downs with a Pine-Sol® Multi-Surface Cleaner and water solution and a sponge or lint-free cloth to help keep stainless steel free of visible fingerprints. Or, do quick wipe downs as needed if stainless steel surfaces are touched often.
Protecting
To maintain and protect stainless steel, avoid unnecessary touching of surfaces to reduce the number of fingerprints and smudges that accumulate. Weekly or biweekly cleanings of surfaces can ensure they stay clean and smudge- and fingerprint-free. Also, if possible, it’s best to wipe up messes right away to avoid staining and discoloration.
It’s best to keep up with quick, frequent wipe downs on stainless steel because water spots and older stains are more difficult to remove. Just use a lint-free microfiber cloth and a bit of warm water.
And, try to do a more thorough cleaning once a week with warm water and Pine-Sol® Multi-Surface Cleaner. Not only will a deeper cleaning remove fingerprints and stains, it will also remove any buildup of dirt and grime.
Cleaning the inside of a microwave can be as easy as cleaning the outside. Check out these tips on how to make your microwave spotless.
Do's And Dont's
Do's
- DO avoid chlorine-based bleach solutions for cleaning stainless steel, as an extended contact time can cause corrosion.
- DO wipe down stainless steel in one direction, with the grain, to avoid streaking.
- DO use products and tools that are safe for stainless steel.
Dont's
- DON’T use abrasive tools like steel wool or scouring pads, which can scratch stainless steel.
- DON’T leave cleaners on the surface for a prolonged time. Rinse with water immediately after scrubbing stainless steel.
For information on the Do’s and Don’ts of cleaning your home, check out our Complete Spring Cleaning Guide.
With an improved concentrated formula that is 2x as strong* to last 2x as long*, you can use less for the same great clean.
| concentrated formula | Non-concentrated formula |
|---|---|
| ¼ cup in 2 gallons water | ½ cup in 2 gallons water |
| ⅛ cup in 1 gallon water | ¼ cup in 1 gallon water |
| ¹⁄₁₆ cup or 1 tablespoon in ½ gallon water | ⅛ cup in ½ gallon water |
- * When used as directed
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2X concentratedTackle more messes per bottle.*
formula* -
5x cleaningOdor, grease, grime, dirt & allergens.‡
action -
removes 99% of allergens§Destroy dust mites & pet dander.
- * vs. previous Pine-Sol® Pine/Scented Formula when used as directed
- ‡ When diluted as directed vs previous Original Pine-Sol® Multi-Surface Cleaner.
- § Non-living dust mite matter and pet dander