In almost all kitchens we find surfaces, appliance fronts, etc. made of stainless steel. As we know from experience, you can see every fingerprint and splash on the high-gloss and matte surfaces. How do you keep stainless steel clean and beautiful for a long time so that the kitchen stays chic?
Standard household cleaning agents and proven home remedies
A damp cloth helps with finger marks - preferably made of microfiber, if necessary with a little fat-dissolving washing-up liquid. For heavier soiling, use household cleaning milk that was developed for stainless steel care.
With kitchen and appliance fronts made of brushed stainless steel, which is ground during production to create the matt surface, you should pay attention to the direction of the grinding when wiping so as not to damage it.
Not to be forgotten are the proven home remedies: baking soda for tea and baking powder for coffee residues. Limescale deposits can be easily removed with a vinegar solution. These agents should act for a while and can then be wiped off.
Important:
Stainless steel surfaces must be thoroughly wiped dry after cleaning to avoid stains. For this reason, rags and cleaning cloths should not be left on these surfaces.
Protection against recurring stains
Since the sparkling clean surfaces never remain in this condition for long, there are many products on the market that have been specially developed for the care of stainless steel. These cover the surface with a microscopically thin protective layer, which is retained even during daily cleaning and acts against new dirt. Here you should pay attention to whether these products are suitable for contact with food or only for decorative areas.
Avoid scratches and other damage
Stainless steel fronts and surfaces should never be cleaned with steel wool. The same goes for pots and pans made of stainless steel, as you damage the surface. For cookware, soaking helps until the residue is loosened and can be removed with a cloth and washing-up liquid.
You should also be careful with abrasive cleaning agents. Not only do they cause scratches, but they can also reduce the rust resistance of stainless steel. Disinfectants and bleaches as well as cleaning agents containing acid, salt and chloride can also attack the material.
With regular care, you can enjoy the stainless steel surfaces in your kitchen for many years without a lot of cleaning.