It's true... Your kitchen looks beautiful after your MaidPro cleaner leaves. The counters gleam, and your stainless-steel appliances shine. Unfortunately, that perfect finish won't last forever. Soon after you start using your kitchen, smudges and fingerprints will inevitably appear.
Don't despair... The PROs at MaidPro have compiled the following advice to help keep your stainless-steel appliances pristine in between your professional cleaning visits.
Know Your Appliance
Not all stainless-steel appliances and fixtures are built the same. Many have a finish or coating that requires special treatment. Always consult your owner's manual or the manufacturer to ensure you use the proper cleaning materials to clean and protect.
Types of Cleaners
Commercial
One simple solution is to purchase a commercial stainless-steel cleaner. There are plenty on the market that can clean and shine your stainless-steel appliances. Follow the directions supplied by the cleaner's manufacturer to achieve the best results.
Homemade
Instead of buying a commercial cleaner, you can use a homemade solution with materials you already have at home. Try:
- Dish Soap - Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Mix one teaspoon of dish soap with one quart of hot water. Use a microfiber cloth to scrub the stainless in the direction of the grain. Once clean, rinse with hot water. Dry with a clean microfiber cloth to buff out the shine and prevent water spots. This method is good for cutting through grease and any buildup created by other cleaners.
- Mineral Oil - The trick to using mineral oil is restraint. Use a soft microfiber cloth and a very small amount of mineral oil. Buff the stainless steel until you have a super thin coating. Too thick, and you end up with a tacky coating that will pick up dust, dirt, and gunk. The mineral oil erases fingerprints and helps to prevent future ones. Do not try to substitute a food-based oil like olive or vegetable oil. These will go rancid.
- Window Cleaner - If you have a window cleaner free of ammonia and vinegar, you can use it on your stainless-steel appliances. Always spray the cleaning cloth and not the appliance. Then wipe the appliance clean and buff it with a dry microfiber cloth.
Cleaning Methods
Use
- Wipe with the grain of the metal while cleaning. This motion helps you avoid streaks.
- Do not allow it to air dry. This can result in water spots. Instead, use a soft microfiber cloth to buff the appliance until it is dry. This brings out the appliance's full shine.
Avoid
- Do not use anything abrasive on your stainless steel. This includes harsh scrubbing materials and cleaners like bleach and ammonia.
Make Your Stainless-Steel Appliances Shine
With these simple tips and tricks, you can keep your stainless-steel kitchen appliances clean in between professional cleaning visits. That way, you never have to deal with smudgy or fingerprint-laden appliances.
Let the PROs handle it!
Request an estimate and let our MaidPro cleaners show you how clean and shiny your stainless-steel appliances can be.