HOW TO CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL KITCHEN FAUCET

A stainless steel kitchen faucet is hardly ever stainless. As sleek as they may look brand-new, stainless steel faucets lose their shine when they're covered with sticky fingerprints, smudges, water spots and other grime.

When cleaning a stainless steel faucet, 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:

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 damp paper towel with water.
3. Wipe with the grain of the stainless steel surface.
4. Buff with a clean, non-abrasive cloth or microfiber to your desired luster.