If you have any stainless steel appliance: refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, microwave, etc., you know that they do not so often please with their pleasant shine. I can no longer remember when there were no fingerprints on my dishwasher and it was not decorated with water stains. The same applies to the stove and refrigerator. Even with diligent rubbing with a rag, it turns out to be quite easy to scratch.
There are specialty detergents that promise to give our stainless steel appliances the shiny look they had in the showroom. But usually they have a hefty price tag and a rather aggressive nature, is there really no other solution for the "happy" owners of stainless steel household appliances? Do we really want our delicate fingertips to come into contact with such chemicals?
Here is an instruction for you on how to clean stainless steel appliances without harsh chemicals and return them to their impeccable appearance!
Step 1: Determine Fiber Direction
Also, like wood, a stainless steel sheet usually has a grain direction. If you take a closer look at your device, you will find small grooves. The direction of these furrows on the entire sheet became the same. However, on other parts of the instrument, such as handles, the direction of the furrows may be different. Therefore, you must always be careful.
Will your appliance break if you wash it off the grain? Nope. Nothing dramatic will happen! If you clean perpendicular to the fibers, a mixture of detergent and dirt already on the steel can build up in these small grooves. For optimal shine it is best to brush in the direction of the grain.
This goes for any cleaning agent you use to clean your stainless steel.
Step 2: preparation
Here's what you need:
- 2 non-abrasive cloths. I took a 100% cotton rag, it leaves almost no lint. I have also used regular paper towels before, which also worked fine (they leave a little lint).
- Dishwashing liquid.
- Baby oil or any mineral oil.
- Stainless steel
Step 3: cleaning
Surprisingly, the usual "mild" dishwashing detergent does not only work with plates … but also with household appliances! Who would have known? This step will remove dirt from the surface and make the polishing process much more pleasant!
Apply a small amount to a rag. Rinse the rag in a little water, just enough to make it damp.
Wipe along the grain direction of your appliance. Stains that are too tough may need to be walked through several times.
Once you've thoroughly cleaned the entire area, wipe off any excess water with a dry towel.
Step 4: polish
At this stage, we will return the former shine to household appliances!
I use baby oil for polishing. There was already a funny article about unexpected ways to use baby oil, they forgot to mention my method. ?
Place a small amount of baby oil or any mineral oil on a second rag. A couple of drops will be more than enough.
When polishing, it is no longer necessary to follow the direction of the fibers on the stainless steel, you can move in any direction.
This will help you achieve the perfect result.
Step 5: You've Done It
Your stainless steel shines again! The rags can be washed.
