Stainless steel is one of the most resilient materials available
for a wide range of household and industrial uses. Its chromium
film is responsible for its resistance to rust and tarnish, and
with proper care this film can provide protection for many years.
The integrity of the film can be damaged by dirt and other
contaminants, however, so stainless steel must be kept clean.
Follow these guidelines to keep your stainless shining.
- Attend to stains as quickly as possible. Stainless steel does
not hold stains easily, but it's best to clean up spills and marks
as quickly as possible. While it will probably be possible to
remove a stain after it sets, it will require more work and
potentially damaging or scratching cleaners.
- Fill a sink or bucket with warm, soapy water or a weak ammonia
and water solution. Stainless steel is durable, but can be
sensitive to harsh cleaners, so for routine cleaning, use a gentle
detergent, such as dish soap. Dilute the detergent with very warm
water. It is better to have too little detergent than too
much.
- Soak the object to be cleaned in the soapy water. If you are
cleaning something small, such as a stainless pan, you can soak it
to help remove burnt-on food or other stains if necessary. For
really tough jobs, soak overnight. For larger objects or lightly
soiled dishes, skip this step.
- Wet a soft towel or dish cloth in the soapy water. If you've
soaked the stainless steel, you will probably need to change the
water now so that it is clean and warm. Whenever possible, avoid
using an abrasive cloth on stainless steel. Instead, get a soft
cloth or nylon sponge, dip it in the water-detergent solution, and
wring it out thoroughly. If you prefer to use a cleaning brush,
choose one with soft bristles.
- Scrub the stainless steel. Take your cloth and softly scrub the
surface. It is typically not necessary to press very hard. If the
stainless steel has a polished finish, scrub with the
finish, not against it, and avoid scrubbing with a circular motion.
Rinse and wring out your cloth frequently to keep it damp and to
avoid smearing potentially abrasive contaminants over the surface
of the steel.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm, clean water. Using a clean cloth or
sponge, wet and wipe down the stainless. Be sure to remove all the
detergent residue - it can leave streaks and a rainbow-colored
discoloration.
- Repeat if necessary. The gentle cleaning should take care of
most dirt and contaminants, but if stains persist, repeat the
process. Be patient - persistent scrubbing will usually win out
over even the toughest stains.
- Apply a mild abrasive cleaner. Only apply an abrasive product
after you've exhausted your patience (and your arms) scrubbing.
Start by trying a paste of water and sodium bicarbonate (baking
soda). Rub the paste onto the stainless with a soft cloth. Again,
exercise patience, scrub well and rinse thoroughly.
- Go all out. If the combination of soaking, detergent and a mild
abrasive didn't work, you're going to have to get serious. Apply a
more caustic abrasive cleaner such as the commercial brands of
"Ajax" or "Comet." To do this, wet a cloth or sponge with hot
water, put the abrasive on one side and, moving in the direction of
the stainless grain, apply the abrasive side of the cloth to the
stainless.
- Flip the towel over to the side without the abrasive, and
remove the cleaner you just applied (again in the direction of the
grain). Keep this towel hot and damp, but not dripping wet.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry. Immediately after wiping off the
abrasive cleaner, rinse well using clean, warm water. Dry the
stainless using a second cloth, again rubbing with the grain.
- Clean often. You probably regularly clean stainless steel
dishes, but most people let contaminants build up on larger
objects. The more frequently you clean, the easier cleaning will be
and the less chance you will have of contaminants damaging the
stainless steel's protective film.
- If you have one, use a dishwasher for stainless steel dishes.
Dishwashers are perfect for cleaning small stainless objects. They
use very warm water, gentle cleaners, and are persistent and gentle
in their "scrubbing."
- For really tough rust stains or heat discoloration, apply a 10%
solution of nitric acid (aqua fortis). This is generally only for
industrial use.
- If you just can't get a stain out by soaking and gentle
cleaning, you may just want to leave it. An isolated stain or
discoloration is preferable to the potential damage to the finish
that could result from applying a harsh chemical to the stainless.
Oven cleaner works fine, spray on and wait 1 hour, then wipe
off.
Warnings
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- Be careful when mixing any types of cleaners. Don't mix
commercial cleaners, such as "Bar Keepers Friend", with vinegar or
with other brands.
- Do not apply bleach to stainless steel. Stainless is sensitive
to chlorine, and contact with bleach will result in staining and
damage to the protective film.
- Nitric acid is a highly caustic chemical and should not be used
if you are not familiar with proper handling and disposal
techniques.
Things You'll Need
[edit]
- Warm water
- Soft cloths or sponges
- Mild detergent or ammonia solution
- "Bar Keepers Friend," "Comet," "Ajax" or similar abrasive
cleaners
- Sunglasses (to admire your cleaning job)
