Stainless steel appliances and fixtures add a polished look to any kitchen. Yet improper care can cause them to Prevent Scratching scratch, dull, and otherwise lose their luster. Keep your stainless steel appliances and sinks looking like new by avoiding these common cleaning habits.
Abrasive Cleaners
Stainless steel has a thin protective film that prevents it from rust and corrosion. Repeated use of abrasive cleaners causes this film to wear away. Avoid using any cleaners with calcite, quartz, silica, and feldspar on the ingredient list.
Abrasive Tools
No matter how gentle the cleaner, it will do nothing to protect the surface of stainless steel if the cleaning tool is abrasive. Use soft, clean towels or microfiber cloths instead of brushes, steel wool, or abrasive sponges.
Bleach
Bleach often gets the job done when other cleaners won’t, but on stainless steel it can cause dulling and even eat away at the finish. Check the ingredient label before trying any cleaner to make sure it doesn’t contain bleach.
Scrubbing Against the Grain
Stainless steel has very fine lines, or grain, in its material. Whenever you clean, wipe, or polish an appliance, always do so with the grain, not against it, to make the surface shine and protect it from scratches.
Cleaning with Hard Water
Hard water can leave unsightly stains and streaks on finishes and fixtures, including stainless steel. Consider installing a whole-house water softener; otherwise, dry stainless steel surfaces thoroughly with a soft, clean towel after each cleaning. You can remove set-in hard water stains using a barely damp cloth and a little bit of distilled white vinegar. Be sure to test an inconspicuous area first.
Letting Dirt and Grime Sit
Clean away dirt, grime, greasy fingerprints and other stains as soon as you notice them. Once they dry, they can be harder to clean and may require more strident cleaning solutions and tools which can dull and scratch the surface.
The User Manual
There are stainless steel cleaning tips galore on the internet and elsewhere, but none better suited to your appliances than the owners’ manual included in the packaging. After all, they were written specifically for those appliances and fixtures you purchased.
One final thought to leave you with. If hard water is the cause of stained or streaky appliances, Eagle can solve the problem by installing a whole-house water softener. They provide numerous other benefits, including softer skin and hair, reduced pipe corrosion, cleaner clothes and dishware after washing, and more. Contact us today to learn how the right water treatment solution can work wonders for you and your family.
