Advice From a Housecleaner - Stainless Steel Appliances

Professional cleaning technicians have the best advice when it comes to what is practical and easy to clean. Who wants to spend more time cleaning and polishing than necessary? We have tips and advice on how to keep stainless steel appliances looking their best with the least amount of effort and time.

Stainless steel appliances have a great reputation for being durable, corrosion resistant, and aesthetically pleasing. They are versatile with the kitchen decor and can increase home value. On the downside, they can be scratched and dented and are prone to fingerprints, smudges, and water marks. They typically require frequent cleaning and careful handling to maintain their pristine look. 

From experience with cleaning many different brands of stainless steel appliances we have discovered one important truth. The finish on stainless steel appliances is not created equal. Shopper, beware before you purchase any large kitchen appliance in stainless steel. Check the finish first. It doesn’t seem to matter the size or the expense of the appliance—either they have an easy to maintain finish or they don’t. There are stainless steel appliances in several great and reliable brands that have an easy to clean finish. Look for appliances that can be wiped with a soapy sponge and buffed dry with a dry microfiber towel and leave no streaks. They exist, and they are wonderful!

If you happen to have stainless steel appliances that smudge and streak, they do require more time and care but can look marvelous with a little more work. Some tips from the housecleaners:

   1. Never use the scratchy part of a cleaning sponge, or anything else abrasive, like harsh cleansers. A lot of stainless steel appliances scratch very easily, and once the damage is done, it cannot be reversed.

   2. Using a cleaning sponge and a quality dish detergent, (we use blue Dawn) scrub down the front of the appliance to remove food particles, water streaks, fingerprints, etc. Dry with a soft microfiber towel using a firm buffing motion. 

   3.  If streaks and smudges still persist, use a good quality stainless steel cleaner and polisher, and buff with a clean, dry microfiber towel. With some elbow grease, the appliance will sparkle like new. 

We hope these tips about stainless steel appliances are helpful. If you ever need help keeping up with the appearance of your kitchen appliances and other areas of the home, we are happy to assist. At Bright at Home Cleaning “We Brighten Your Home and Free Up Your Time!”