HOW TO CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel is hardly ever stainless. It can quickly lose its shine when covered with sticky fingerprints, dirt, smudges, water spots and streaks.

When considering how to clean a stainless steel surface or appliance, keep in mind that the fact that 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 your surfaces. Even plain water can leave unsightly marks and spots if not utilized properly.

Additionally, home remedies such as dish soap, white vinegar or baking soda may not provide the desired results in your steel cleaning. They can leave behind a white film, which isn't going to give you the shiny results you're looking for.

To clean stainless steel effectively, always determine 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:

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. Prep area for cleaning. Be sure appliances are cool to the touch before cleaning. It's best to remove any food items from surfaces to be cleaned.
2. Dilute Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner 1:10, one part cleaner to 10 parts water.
3. Apply cleaner. Spray Simple Green onto a clean, lint-free cloth, microfiber or paper towel.
4. Wipe along the grain of the metal surface.
5. Buff with a clean, non-abrasive cloth or microfiber to your desired luster.

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