Stainless steel surfaces add a touch of sleekness to any modern space, but their finish can be a magnet for dirt, smudges, fingerprints, and all sorts of dirt.
These are also high-touch surfaces found in bathrooms and kitchens, that attract germs and bacteria.
This is why the vitalness of regular disinfection and sanitizing of stainless steel surfaces can’t be underestimated.
We’ll walk you through these simple steps so you can clean any stainless steel surface in your household with ease and confidence.
This tried-and-true method is ideal for cleaning and disinfecting everyday stainless steel surfaces. Warm and soapy water helps loosen up food scraps studded onto the surface, as well as other kinds of dirt.
Meanwhile, the steel scrubby helps provide a gentle abrasion to remove stuck-on food particles or fingerprints. Make sure to choose the finest grade of steel wool available (grade #0000). Also, ensure it’s damp before scrubbing.
Here’s how:
- Fill a sink with a closed drain or basin with hot water. Add a few drops of dish soap.
- Dip the steel scrubby into the soapy water until it’s soapy enough to clean the stainless steel surface.
- Scrub the stainless steel surface, following the direction of the grain. Stainless steel tends to scratch and for this reason, you have to do this step lightly.
- Rinse the surface with clean water, ensuring no further embedded dirt is left behind.
- Use a clean microfiber cloth to dry it and prevent water spots.
Pro Tip: Do not scrub too hard if there is embedded dirt. Add a little bit of degreaser instead in the soapy water mixture.
2. Bar Keepers Friend
Bar Keepers Friend is our recommended choice for tougher stains or discolouration.
This is a versatile cleaner that’s a favorite among bartenders when dealing with stubborn stains or bar tops, but it works surprisingly well on stainless steel surfaces too.
Key Points:
- Bar Keepers Friend is a mildly abrasive cleaner that can remove rust, calcified deposits, and even burnt-on food.
- It’s non-toxic and safe for use on food contact surfaces.
Here’s how to clean any stainless steel surface with Bar Keeper’s Friend:
- Lightly rinse the surface with water.
- Apply a thin layer of Bar Keepers friend (powder form) on the part you want to clean.
- Using a damp sponge or a microfiber cloth, gently rub the cleaner onto the surface and in the direction of the grain.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Pro Tip: Test the product on a small, inconspicuous section of the surface you’re trying to clean so it doesn’t scratch the specific type of steel you have.
3. OxiClean
For really greasy stainless steel surfaces, bring out the big guns: sodium percarbonate.
It’s a powerful cleaning agent that is commonly found in OxiClean, a unique stain remover that contains other ingredients like sodium carbonate, surfactants, and polymers. All of these act together to eliminate the toughest stains.
Sodi, percarbonate gives off oxygen when mixed with water. This leads to a bubbling action that easily lifts dirt, grease, and stains away.
Here’s how to clean with OxiClean Stain Remover:
- Fill a basin with hot water and add a scoop of OxiClean (or whatever measurement is indicated on the product label). The amount depends on the surface size, but generally, a scoop per gallon of water (about 3.7 liters) is a good place to start.
- Soak a clean microfiber cloth into the basin and apply it to the surface.
- Scrub the stainless steel surface with the lightly abrasive face of a clean sponge or a soft brush to remove the residue. Rinse with clean water thoroughly.
- For additional shine, you can wipe down the surface with distilled white vinegar. This can help neutralize the remaining OxiClean solution.
Important Note: Make sure to wear gloves when handling sodium percarbonate to avoid irritating your skin.
Key Takeaway
This guide explores various techniques, from the simple soap scrub to the powerful OxiClean. Each method suits various intensities of cleaning stainless steel surfaces.
But remember the best method will depend on the stainless steel type, soiling level, and what you anecdotally know to be effective. Experiment and find what works best for you.