What Not To Do When Cleaning Stainless Steel Surfaces

If in doubt about your ability to clean large areas of stainless steel, turn to the experts like End of Tenancy Cleaning London. Otherwise, it can be a simple DIY job.

You shouldn’t use any bleach

Because of a protective layer that develops as a result of the reaction between the chromium in the steel and the oxygen in the surrounding air, stainless steel earns its name “stainless.” The terrible reality is that the metal that lies behind this layer may rust in the event that this layer is damaged. Bleach is a strong chemical that breaks down the protective coating of chromium oxide on your appliances, which can lead to the formation of pitting and rust. In addition to avoiding the use of your own bleach solutions, you should also examine the labels of cleaning products thoroughly before applying them to your stainless steel home appliances to ensure that they do not contain bleach.

It is not recommended that you use steel wool or any other abrasive equipment

The surface of your stainless steel home appliances can be damaged by steel wool and other abrasive materials and instruments. There is nothing that can be done to remove these scratches, therefore with time, they will detract from the overall beauty of the item. A non-abrasive cleaning such as Bar Keeper’s Friend is an excellent choice for removing rust spots because it is both safe and effective.

Don’t use Windex

Aside from Windex, you should also steer clear of any other cleaning solutions that contain ammonia. Ammonia, in the same manner that bleach can cause issues, can also cause harm by allowing moisture to come into contact with and impact the surface, which can then set the stage for the formation of rust. Again, make sure to check for the presence of ammonia in any cleansers that you intend to use on your stainless steel equipment.

Even better, simply adhere to the instructions provided by Kitchn for cleaning stainless steel. 

Don’t use water

Especially if you have hard water, water can leave traces and streaks on your stainless steel appliances. These marks and streaks are called water spots.

If you want to give your appliances a fast clean, you can do so by swiping them with a moist rag, but once the water dries, you should be prepared to see obvious streaks.

Do not wipe in the direction against the grain

Always wipe in the direction of the grain while cleaning stainless steel, regardless of the materials and tools you employ. In this method, you can be certain that the dust and grime that has accumulated in those minute grooves will be removed. You won’t end up with the little scratches that can appear on your appliances if you rub your rags against them in any old direction, either. 

Don’t let filth sit

When filth is allowed to accumulate on your stainless steel home appliances, it becomes more resistant to cleaning, which may entice you to resort to more extreme cleaning strategies. To keep this problem from occurring, make deep cleaning a regular part of your weekly routine and clean the surfaces of your appliances on a regular basis with an all-purpose cleaner that is not toxic.