Interior design firm
Keep Stainless Steel Appliances Looking Factory New!
Do you have a love/hate relationship with stainless steel? I sure do. There’s nothing quite as handsome as sparkling, stainless steel appliances. But when those nasty fingers prints and light scratches appear, a vision of beauty changes to an eye sore.
Stainless steel is a surface that requires attention and appliance manufacturers and household cleaners have heard the concerns and have taken action with cleansers, coatings and stainless steel alternatives. When it comes to stainless steel maintenance think of a car wax. A Home Depot expert recommends Stainless Steel Magic which minimizes fingerprints and gives a polished look. Simple Green’s Stainless Steel One-Step Cleaner & Polish is another good one.
A dedicated cleaner specific for stainless steel is the key. If you just take a damp cloth and wipe it down, you’ll leave streaks and do nothing for the fingerprints. Oil-based cleaners can dull as soon as the product is applied. Non-ammonia glass cleaner or water-based cleaners will clean and remove smudges but not give a great shine.
Whatever you use, don’t overdo it. Fingerprints, smudges and grease buildup come mostly from using too much cleaner. A lint-free micro-fiber cloth is better than paper towels.
Too much of a hassle? Consider faux stainless steel veneers or a coated surface stainless, however sanding is not an option for scratches.
Useful Tips
- Dusting with a soft cloth will add a quick shine.
- Never spray cleaner directly on the appliance. Apply to cloth first.
- Always go with the grain.
- Don’t use cleaners with abrasives, steel wool or thinners.
- Use a dedicated stainless steel cleaner.
- Start with the finest grit sandpaper and move up as needed.
- Use light strokes and move with the grain. Keep strokes straight. Test your skills first in an inconspicuous spot.
- Use a sanding fluid to help prevent oxidation of the metal.
- Sand the rest of the panel to blend.