HOW TO CLEAN A STAINLESS STEEL OVEN

Stainless steel ovens can quickly lose their alluring shine when covered with oil, food residues, sticky fingerprints, smudges, water spots and streaks.

When considering how to clean a stainless steel oven, knowing what NOT to do is just as important as knowing what to do. Harsh abrasives, scouring powders or steel wool, as well as cleaning products containing chlorine, bleach and ammonia all have the potential to damage the finish.

You should also steer clear of using oven cleaners, as they may scratch the surface. Even plain water can leave unsightly marks and spots if not utilized properly.

To effectively clean your stainless steel oven, start by determining the direction of the grain. The grain is the brushed finish of stainless steel, and it's different from surface-to-surface. Your stainless steel's grain will be faint lines running either horizontally or vertically, and it's important that you rub back-and-forth or up-and-down in the direction of the grain for optimum shine. If you mistakenly wipe against the grain, soils may sink deeper into the grain of the surface, resulting in more difficult removal.

DIRECTIONS FOR CLEANING STAINLESS STEEL OVEN:

Oil-based stainless steel cleaners are popular but often contain strong solvents or toxic petroleum distillates that Simple Green does not, making our All-Purpose Cleaner a better choice.

1. Dilute Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner 1:10, one part cleaner to 10 parts water.
2. Apply cleaner. Spray Simple Green onto a clean, lint-free cloth, microfiber or paper towel.
3. Wipe along the grain of the stainless steel surfaces of the oven.
4. Buff with a clean, non-abrasive cloth or microfiber to your desired luster.

Tip: Spot testing helps ensure compatibility, especially with stainless steel ovens that have specialized coatings or finishes.