HOW TO CLEAN KITCHEN APPLIANCES

Stainless steel kitchen appliances are hardly ever stainless. As sleek as they may look, your appliances lose their alluring shine when they're covered with sticky fingerprints, food residue, smudges, water spots and streaks.

When considering how to clean stainless steel appliances like stoves, dishwashers or refrigerators, knowing what NOT to do is just as valuable 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 your surfaces. Even plain water can leave unsightly marks and spots if not utilized properly.

Before cleaning, 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 KITCHEN APPLIANCES:

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 appliances that may have specialized coatings or finishes.