How Hard Is It To Keep Stainless Steel Appliances Clean

Nosotros Tried 5 Methods to Clean Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances — And the Winner Is Ridiculously Effective

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Stainless steel kitchen appliances are a double-edged sword when it comes to how they affect the overall advent of our kitchens. When clean and polished, stainless steel tin can uplift the whole wait of a kitchen. But when it's smudged and dirty, information technology makes even a tidy kitchen appear unkempt. And so, naturally, I wanted to find the easiest method to become my stainless steel kitchen appliances looking clean and polished. (Because who doesn't love a gleaming fridge?) The flim-flam was figuring out exactly which methods were the most effective.

After a fleck of internet research, I finally settled on the top 5: Bon Ami, WD-40, vinegar and olive oil, dish lather, and Bar Keepers Friend. And then, I got to work and tried all five — let'south meet which ane was the ultimate winner!

How I Tested the Methods to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

I must admit, in my own kitchen, I would honey for every unmarried one of my stainless steel appliances to look polished and sparkling at all times. Does this happen? Never! I try to requite my appliances a thorough cleaning once a calendar week, but even this is sometimes a stretch. The truth is, my stainless steel refrigerator and dishwasher — where I conducted my cleaning tests — were plenty dirty. With fingerprints, drips, and dingy smudges, all of the usual messes were right there. To test the different methods, I divided the freezer portion of my fridge/freezer unit into 5 sections. I used a different cleaning method in each section, comparing how well each one worked.

The ratings: I rated my results on a scale of 1 to 5, with i existence the worst method overall and five being the best. Along with my ratings, I included notes on how the techniques worked and what I liked and disliked about each process and the results.

Annotation: Exist certain to always check your manufacturer's instructions before cleaning whatever stainless steel appliance. Clean with the grain of the metal. And to avoid a fire risk, when cleaning with oil, brand sure your rags are completely clean before putting them in the dryer.

Stainless Steel Cleaning Method: Dish Lather + Water

Total time: 10 minutes
Rating: two/v

The method: To test this method, I grabbed a mixing bowl and filled it nigh a third of the style with water. I added a few drops of dish soap and grabbed two rags — one cleaning rag and i microfiber fabric. I dipped the cleaning rag into the water and mixed it around, then lifted and squeezed the rag out so it wasn't dripping. I wiped the stainless steel surface and then dried with the microfiber rag.

How it went: The process was straightforward and easy, although not as easy as using a product that you tin spray directly onto a surface. The solution cleaned the surface of the stainless steel really well, but as soon equally it dried, streaks were visible. The stainless steel was clean, but it didn't "await" make clean. If you followed the method with olive oil smoothen, it could be redeemed, but I'thousand non certain it's worth the try because spraying with a vinegar solution is much easier (more on that later).

Stainless Steel Cleaning Method: WD-40

Total time: six minutes
Rating: three/5

The method: To utilize WD-twoscore on my stainless steel fridge, I grabbed a microfiber cloth, sprayed the WD-twoscore on the cloth, and buffed information technology into the surface of the refrigerator. I didn't take the usual red harbinger nozzle on the bottle, so the product came out every bit a fine mist.

How it went: Named for its "water deportation" properties, WD-40 is often used to drive out moisture, lubricate surfaces, and prevent rust, and so I had high hopes this method would do well. While I liked that it was a i-step solution and it worked pretty well, I was turned off by how much the WD-40 spread in the air. I felt like I had to hold my breath to avoid breathing it all in. I also didn't relish the fairly strong smell! Information technology made my stainless steel clean and shiny, just I did notice that the WD-forty also left a motion picture.

Stainless Steel Cleaning Method: Vinegar + Olive Oil

Full time: 10 minutes
Rating : iv /5

The method: First off, I love that this method uses ii very convenient pantry items that I usually always have on hand. White vinegar contains 5% acerb acid, which has antimicrobial backdrop and is likewise great at cutting through grease and grime, so it'due south perfect for cleaning kitchen surfaces like stovetops, tables, and counters. I've heard it also works wonders on stainless steel. I spritzed vinegar onto the surface of the refrigerator to make clean it. So, I followed it with a newspaper towel dabbed with a fleck of olive oil. Right away, I polished the fridge in the direction of the grain, and I was sure to employ only a pocket-size amount of oil so I didn't end upward with an oily film.

How information technology went: This method works really well, and it'due south pretty inexpensive since you probably have everything you demand on hand. Information technology's a two-stride method, but both steps are super fast and effective. In the end, you easily get a clean and polished refrigerator surface — in minutes!

Stainless Steel Cleaning Method: Bon Ami

Total time: 12 minutes
R ating : 4.5/5

The method: Bon Ami, which means "proficient friend" in French, is a great powdered cleanser. It'south been effectually since 1886! To use it on my stainless steel appliances, I sprinkled a lilliputian into a small glass bowl and added water to brand a paste. I used a cleaning sponge to apply it to the stainless steel surface and gently scrubbed it in. Then, I rinsed out the sponge and wiped the surface off before buffing dry.

How it went: Bon Ami worked great! It's not as convenient to use as a spray cleaner or polish because you have the added steps of making a paste, rinsing, and drying, only it is super effective. Fifty-fifty later on rinsing and drying, there were no streaks, and Bon Ami works like an accented charm on rust spots.

Stainless Steel Cleaning Method: Bar Keepers Friend

Total fourth dimension: 12 minutes
Rating: v/5

The method: This method of cleaning is i of my favorites because it's so straightforward and constructive. I merely poured Bar Keepers Friend soft cleanser onto a cleaning sponge and used the rougher side of the sponge to scrub the stainless steel with the cleanser, going in the aforementioned direction as the grain. Side by side, I rinsed out the sponge and wiped downwards the surface to avoid residue from the dried Bar Keepers Friend. Finally, I buffed the area with a clean microfiber rag to shine it all upward.

How information technology went: Although at that place are effectively three steps to this method, it works so well that I really don't heed. Bar Keepers Friend makes stainless steel gleam! The thing I similar best is that Bar Keepers Friend removes rust marks that might be on your appliances. (This happens when the chromium oxide layer is compromised.) For all of those reasons, I declared Bar Keepers Friend the winner!

Practise you have a favorite method for cleaning stainless steel appliances? Share your tips below.

Shifrah Combiths

Correspondent

With five children, Shifrah is learning a thing or two well-nigh how to proceed a fairly organized and pretty make clean house with a grateful centre in a way that leaves plenty of time for the people who matter most. Shifrah grew upward in San Francisco, merely has come to appreciate smaller town life in Tallahassee, Florida, which she now calls dwelling. She's been writing professionally for 20 years and she loves lifestyle photography, retention keeping, gardening, reading, and going to the beach with her husband and children.