How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances With Natural Products

Stainless steel appliances have become a popular choice in modern kitchens due to their sleek appearance, durability, and resistance to staining. As a result, homeowners may be seeking effective ways to clean and maintain the pristine look of these appliances. Proper cleaning ensures that the appliances retain their visual appeal and helps prolong their lifespan.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards using natural, eco-friendly products for household cleaning. By opting for natural cleaning solutions, individuals can contribute to environmental sustainability, save on costs, and minimize exposure to harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both their health and the environment. Moreover, these natural alternatives are safer for households with children and pets, reducing the risk of accidental ingestion or skin reactions.

Why use natural products to clean stainless steel?

Eco-friendliness and sustainability 

One of the primary reasons for choosing natural cleaning products is their positive impact on the environment. Unlike conventional cleaning agents, natural ingredients are biodegradable and do not contain harmful chemicals that can contaminate water sources, harm aquatic life, or contribute to air pollution.

Cost-effectiveness

Natural cleaning products are often more affordable compared to commercial cleaning agents, as many of the ingredients can be found in your pantry or easily sourced from local stores.

Reduced exposure to harsh chemicals

Conventional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals. By choosing natural alternatives, you can minimize your exposure to these potentially harmful substances, promoting a healthier living environment for you and your loved ones.

Increased safety for households with children and pets

Natural cleaning products are usually safer than their chemical counterparts since they don’t contain toxic ingredients that can pose a risk to curious children or pets. Before using natural products that contain essential oils, it’s best to check all labels. Some people with allergies or increased sensitivities should use caution and stop using any product that causes a negative reaction.

READ MORE: How to Remove Scratches From Stainless Steel Appliances

Tips and precautions

While natural products are generally safe and effective for cleaning a stainless steel appliance, you should keep these tips and precautions in mind to avoid potential damage and get the best results:

• Always test a small, inconspicuous area first: Before applying any natural product, test a small, hidden area to make sure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage to the surface.
• Follow the grain of the stainless steel: When cleaning or polishing, always follow the direction of the grain to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.
• Use soft, non-abrasive cloths or sponges: To prevent scratches, always use a soft cloth, microfiber cloth, or non-abrasive sponge.
• Avoid using bleach or chlorine-based cleaners: These harsh chemicals can damage the protective layer on stainless steel surfaces, causing discoloration and corrosion. Stick to natural ingredients for a safer, gentler cleaning process.
• Rinse and dry surfaces thoroughly: After cleaning, always rinse the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any residue and dry them with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water spots or streaks.
• Clean regularly: To keep your appliances looking their best, clean and polish them on a regular basis. This will help prevent the buildup of grime, grease, and fingerprints and maintain their shiny appearance.
• Keep abrasive materials away from stainless steel: Do not use steel wool, abrasive scrubbers, or harsh cleaning powders, as they can scratch and damage the surface.

Common natural cleaning agents and how to use them

A wide range of natural ingredients can be used to clean and maintain a stainless steel appliance. Here are some of the most common and easily accessible options:

Vinegar

White vinegar is a safe, cheap and effective all-purpose cleaner for most stainless steel surfaces. It’s mildly acidic, which helps cut through grease, residue, water spots and fingerprints on stainless steel surfaces. The acetic acid in vinegar helps break down and dissolve deposits that regular soap and water may not remove. It also serves as a natural disinfectant that helps keep your appliances hygienic.

While red vinegar has the same acetic acid content that makes vinegar a good cleaner, it has a deeper, richer color that can cause staining if not thoroughly rinsed after using. Other than that, red vinegar poses no risks and will work as an eco-friendly alternative if you happen to only have that on hand versus the white.

Use white vinegar on stainless steel appliances 1-2 times per week to restore luster and shine over time. It’s best to stick to matte finishes when using white vinegar. Avoid using it on polished stainless finishes since it may dull the shine over many uses.

How to use it:

• For light cleaning, you can simply spray full-strength white vinegar onto the stainless steel. For heavier jobs, mix a solution of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water in a spray bottle.
• Spray onto the stainless steel surface.
• As you wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth or other soft cloth, follow the grain of the stainless steel.
• Rinse thoroughly with a wet cloth or non-abrasive sponge to prevent residue.
• Use a dry cloth to buff the surface and remove any remaining streaks.

Baking soda 

Baking soda has mild abrasive properties that help scrub away stuck-on grease, burnt-on residue and other buildup without causing scratches or damage to stainless surfaces. It’s also slightly alkaline, which counteracts acidic residue and helps polish stainless steel to a brilliant shine. Its gentleness makes it a good option for regular cleaning of all stainless steel appliances.

How to use it:

• Make a thick paste by mixing baking soda with just enough water to form a spreadable consistency. You can also add baking soda to a stainless steel cleaning spray or diluted vinegar solution for an extra cleaning boost.
• Using a damp sponge or soft cloth, gently apply the paste to stainless surfaces in circular motions.
• Gently rub the paste on the surface, following the grain of the stainless steel.
• After cleaning, rinse the surface with a damp cloth to prevent any baking soda residue.
• Dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Olive oil

Olive oil has natural moisturizing and lubricating properties that help it act as a natural polish. Its conditioning fatty acids shield and protect surfaces while adding a beautiful shine. Olive oil is particularly useful for buffing out fingerprints, smudges and stuck-on residues. While not as abrasive as cleaner pastes, olive oil’s conditioning properties make it a gentle alternative for basic stainless steel upkeep between deeper cleans. It’s especially useful on stainless steel fridge/freezer doors that easily collect fingerprints.

Other carrier oils like coconut or avocado oil can work similarly for non-stick, safer cleaning.

How to use it:

• Apply a small amount of olive oil to a clean, soft cloth.
• Gently rub the oil onto the stainless steel surface, following the grain.
• For tougher spots, let the olive oil sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing lightly and wiping clean.
• Thoroughly buff the surface with a dry cloth to remove any excess oil and achieve a shiny finish.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is highly acidic and helps cut through grease, food residue and mineral deposits on stainless surfaces. Its acidity is mild enough to not scratch or etch stainless steel like stronger chemical cleaners could. Lemon juice naturally brightens and deodorizes stainless steel appliances while leaving a pleasant, fresh scent.

If your appliance has a highly polished finish, be sure to test a small, less prominent spot first to avoid potential dulling over time.

How to use it:

• Squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon into a small bowl.
• Dip a damp soft cloth or paper towel into the lemon juice and gently apply it to stained areas.
• Allow the lemon juice to sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth.
• Completely dry with a clean, soft cloth to maintain the shine and avoid water spots.

Club soda 

Club soda is a mild carbonated beverage that can be used to lift away fingerprints, grease, streaks and smudges from stainless steel, leaving a spotless finish. The bubbles act as a gentle abrasive to lift and remove dirt and grime, making it easier to wipe away. The swish of carbonation in club soda helps disinfect and deodorize surfaces. Regular use helps maintain natural shine on a stainless surface.

How to use it:

• Fill a spray bottle with club soda. 
• Spray the club soda directly onto the stainless steel surface.
• For heavier soils, let the soda sit for a few minutes so the bubbles can work their cleaning power.
• Wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth or soft cloth, following the grain of the stainless steel.
• Use a dry cloth to buff the surface, remove any remaining streaks and prevent water spots from the minerals in the soda.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is a mild, natural abrasive that can be used to lift away fingerprints and smudges from stainless steel appliances without scratching. It’s effective for everyday light cleaning, but may not remove heavier grease or oil residue as well. Its fine powder helps buff the metal to a shine.

How to use it:

• Sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch onto a soft, dry cloth.
• Gently rub the cloth onto the stainless steel surface in circular motions, focusing on areas with fingerprints and smudges.
• Wipe the surface with a clean, damp cloth to remove the cornstarch residue.
• Dry the area with a clean, soft cloth.

or

• Make a paste by mixing cornstarch with a small amount of water. The consistency should be thick but spreadable.
• Apply the paste to the stainless steel surface using a soft cloth or sponge.
• Let the paste sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth.
• Rinse the surface with a clean, damp cloth to remove the cornstarch residue.
• Dry with a clean, soft cloth.

More information

Using natural products for cleaning stainless steel appliances is an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and generally safer alternative to traditional chemical-based cleaning solutions. By incorporating common household ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, olive oil, club soda, and cornstarch, you can effectively clean, polish, and maintain the appearance of your stainless steel appliances without causing harm to the environment or your family’s health.

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