7 Brilliant Ways for How to Clean Stainless Steel

You need to know how to clean stainless steel because while it might be beautiful, it’s far from “stain free.” Fingerprints, smudges, and water stains seem to appear daily. The good news is you probably have the solution to remove these in your very own home.

Next time you’re tempted to purchase a commercial stainless steel cleaner, opt for what’s in your kitchen (or garage) instead. It will save you money and time.

Got the cleaning and organizing bug? Check out these other articles for more tips and tricks to save time and money while doing it.

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1. How to clean a stainless steel fridge with olive oil:

First, pour some distilled white vinegar into a spray bottle and cover the surface of your stainless steel. Wipe clean along the stainless steel grain (not against) using a microfiber cloth or an old T-shirt.

Next, pour some olive oil onto a clean cloth and rub the oil. Be sure to clean with the grain. After applying the oil, buff the steel with a third clean, dry cloth. This will remove any streaks. Some of the olive oil stainless steel cleaner will be removed, but just enough will stay on the steel to prevent smudges and fingerprints.

 

2. How to clean a stainless steel stove using WD-40:

This method is great for removing grease and grime. However, be sure you’re only using WD-40 on the front of your stove where food doesn’t come in contact with it.

Spray WD-40 all over your appliance, and then use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe away stains. WD-40 is a versatile and inexpensive solution for your stainless steel. You can also use it for a lot of things in and out of your home. Check out these WD-40 hacks.

 

3. How to clean a stainless steel sink with flour:

This tip will get that stainless steel shine back. It’s super weird, but it works. The flour buffs out all the micro grooves that a sponge can’t reach. Follow these steps:

1. Clean your stainless steel sink with hot, soapy water and let it dry completely before adding flour. (Not drying it completely could result in a gooey mess.)
2. Sprinkle flour all over the stainless steel sink and use a soft cloth or paper towel to buff the steel. Think of buffing a car — it’s the same sort of motion.

The flour will absorb dirt and grime as you buff. Don’t forget the drain and all the nooks and crannies where grime likes to live. Wipe up the flour with a damp cloth and repeat if your sink still needs some shining. This is an excellent way to use up flour that’s close to (or past) its expiration date.

 

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4. How to clean stainless steel appliances naturally:

Wondering how to clean stainless steel appliances without harsh chemicals? We’ve got you covered.

Baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil are four miracle workers when it comes to naturally cleaning a kitchen. This includes stainless steel.

Combine 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon olive oil to form a stainless steel cleaner paste.

Use a soft cloth to rub the paste onto your stainless steel appliance, using small circles to really get the mixture in. Let the paste sit for about 10 minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth.

 

5. How to clean a stainless steel toaster with coconut oil:

Coconut oil is another natural way to shine your stainless steel. For your toaster, you’ll only need a tiny dab, but if you use this trick on a larger appliance, like a fridge, you may need up to a spoonful.

Make sure your stainless steel is already cleaned (hot soap and water works). Then use a soft cloth to rub it in along the steel’s grain. Keep rubbing and buffing until the surface is no longer greasy to the touch, leaving only shine.

 

 

6. How to clean stainless steel appliances with Pledge furniture cleaner:

You can use a heavy coating of Pledge (yes, the furniture cleaner) to clean stainless steel. Here’s how:

1. First, lay a towel down in front of the appliance (if it’s a fridge, oven, or dishwasher) so that you don’t slip on Pledge overspray for days afterward.
2. Next, spray Pledge on stainless steel appliances and use a soft cloth to rub in a circular motion to remove any stains. For smaller areas, like a toaster or sink, spray the cloth instead of the appliance.
3. Allow the Pledge to sit for a few minutes before wiping away the cleaner with a fresh towel, again using circular motions.

You don’t need to worry about wiping along with the grain of the stainless steel when you use Pledge.

 

7. How to clean stainless steel pots and pans using baking soda and vinegar

Need help cleaning burnt stainless steel pans and pots? Baking soda and vinegar to the rescue. Using just a sponge and baking soda may be enough to remove gunk from the cookware. If not, pour a solution of water (about 80%) and vinegar (20%) in the stained pan.

Boil for about a minute before pouring out the solution in the sink and adding more baking soda and scrubbing. Repeat this until your pots and pans shine again.

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