If only cleaning stainless steel appliances were as easy as cooking up a delicious meal—unfortunately, grease seems to have a mind of its own. Stainless steel appliances add a modern touch to any kitchen, but keeping them clean—especially from grease—can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Grease builds up over time and dulls that sleek finish.
In this maid blog, we’ll cover how to clean grease off stainless steel, what not to use, DIY alternatives, and the best stainless steel cleaners to help you maintain that showroom shine.
Avoid These Products When Cleaning Stainless Steel
First things first: when it comes to cleaning stainless steel, there are a few things you should never use. Some common household cleaners can damage or dull your stainless surfaces. Let’s go over what to avoid at all costs.
- Bleach and Chloride-Based Cleaners: These can cause rusting or pitting.
- Ammonia or Oven Cleaner: These can scratch or discolor the steel.
- Abrasive Scrubbers or Steel Wool: These will leave marks and scratches on your shiny surfaces.
- Glass Cleaners like Windex: A common question is, “Can you use Windex on stainless steel?“—the answer is no. Windex or any ammonia-based cleaners can leave streaks or damage the finish.
Avoid these products to make sure your stainless steel appliances retain their sleek and polished appearance (and not scratched).
Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaners You Can Try
Cleaning with DIY alternatives is like cooking without a recipe—you might get a little messy, but the results are often more satisfying! If you’re looking for natural alternatives, there are plenty of DIY options to help you degrease your stainless steel. These homemade remedies are both effective and budget-friendly.
DIY Baking Soda Cleaner
Baking soda is an all-star when it comes to cleaning, especially for greasy messes. Simply mix it with water to form a paste and gently rub it onto the stainless steel surface. The mild abrasiveness helps lift grease without scratching the metal.
DIY Vinegar and Water Spray
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the greasy area, then wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth. This solution cuts through grease and leaves your appliances looking streak-free.
DIY Olive Oil Polish
After cleaning, use a small amount of olive oil to buff your stainless steel appliances to a mirror-like finish. Just add a few drops to a cloth and wipe it in the direction of the grain. This adds a layer of protection and a streak-free shine.
How to Degrease and Polish Stainless Steel
So now you’ve gathered the cleaning supplies and have got a good idea of what to do—it’s time to really get into the real degreasing. Roll up your sleeves, because you’re about to make that grease regret ever settling in!
When it’s time for a thorough clean, you’ll need a bit more than just a damp cloth. Here’s how to properly degrease and polish stainless steel.
Needed Materials for Cleaning Stainless Steel
- Microfiber cloths
- Dish soap
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Soft sponge or non-abrasive scrubber
- Stainless steel cleaner or polish (optional)
Step-by-Step Process for Degreasing, Cleaning, and Polishing Stainless Steel
- Prepare the Surface: Wipe the stainless steel with a damp microfiber cloth to remove loose dirt and dust.
- Apply a Degreaser: Use dish soap or a specific stainless steel degreaser. Rub it gently onto the greasy areas.
You can use baking soda mixed with water instead if you want to use a degreaser other than dish soap or a industry product. - Wipe Clean: Dampen another cloth with water and wipe the surface clean.
You can use a mixture of water and vinegar in equal parts instead to wipe off the surfaces. - Polish: After cleaning, apply a few drops of olive oil or a commercial stainless steel polish to give it that extra shine.
- Final Buff: Buff the surface with a dry cloth, always following the grain.
The Best Stainless Steel Cleaners for Heavy-Duty Degreasing
While DIY solutions are great, sometimes you need a little extra power. Here are the best stainless steel cleaners for eliminating tough grease.
- Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish: One of the most popular cleaners for appliances, Weiman cuts through grease while leaving a streak-free shine.
- Bar Keepers Friend Stainless Steel Cleaner: This powder cleaner is perfect for tough stains and grime.
- Sprayway Stainless Steel Cleaner: Known for its foaming action, this product is easy to use and leaves a protective barrier.
- Zep Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish: Ideal for large appliances, Zep offers excellent degreasing power with a non-greasy finish.
Why You Should Consider Professional Help
Sometimes, DIY efforts just don’t cut it. When the grease buildup becomes overwhelming, hiring a professional service is a good idea. At All Fresh Cleaning Service, we specialize in cleaning stainless steel appliances and can bring back the sparkle to your kitchen. Servicing all of Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas, our professional house cleaners are ready to handle even the toughest messes, like deep cleaning.
With multiple home cleaning solutions, All Fresh have the expertise and how-tos to make sure your living space is spotless, organized, and smelling fresh (and yes, we can eradicate the grease stains on stainless steels). From apartment cleaning to full-house cleaning, we are fully equipped with professional-grade supplies and tools to pretty much guarantee a clean and healthy home.
And to boast even further, we have crazy house cleaning coupons and discounts that make it that much better on you (and your wallet) to experience cheap maid services while achieving a thorough and sparkling clean home. And pssst! There happens to be just one of those rare home cleaning deals…right below…the FAQ section. Scroll down!
Key Takeaways
- Avoid bleach, ammonia, and abrasive scrubbers.
- Try DIY cleaners like baking soda, vinegar, and olive oil.
- Follow a step-by-step process for the best results.
- Consider professional help if the grease is too stubborn.
Conclusion
Keeping stainless steel appliances looking their best can seem challenging, but with the right cleaners and techniques, it’s absolutely manageable.
Whether you’re taking care of the task yourself with DIY solutions or calling in the pros at All Fresh Cleaning Service, your stainless steel will be spotless in no time. Just keep in mind of the cleaning products to COMPLETELY AVOID when degreasing your stainless steel, otherwise, prepare to look down on a scratched up surface on your modern beauty.
Clean Stainless Steel FAQ
What’s the best cleaner for stainless steel appliances?
Products like Weiman Stainless Cleaner and Bar Keepers Friend work wonders.
How to get fingerprints off stainless steel fridge?
To remove fingerprints from your stainless steel fridge, simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the affected areas and wipe with a microfiber cloth, following the grain of the steel for the best results. For an added shine, you can buff the surface with a few drops of olive oil afterward!
Can I use vinegar to clean stainless steel?
Yes! A vinegar and water solution is a great DIY option for removing grease and streaks.
Can I use steel wool on stainless steel?
No, using steel wool on stainless steel is not a good idea. The abrasive fibers can scratch and damage the surface, leaving unsightly marks that can dull its shine. Stainless steel is designed to be durable, but it still needs gentle care to maintain its luster. Instead, opt for a soft sponge or non-abrasive scrubber to clean without causing harm.
How do I clean a stainless steel stove top without scratching it?
Use non-abrasive scrubbers and gentle cleaners like dish soap or baking soda to avoid scratching.
Can I use Windex on stainless steel?
No, you should avoid using Windex on stainless steel. The ammonia in Windex can leave streaks and damage the finish, leading to dull, unsightly surfaces. Instead, opt for a cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel to maintain its shine.
Can I use Lysol wipes on stainless steel?
No, you should avoid using Lysol wipes on stainless steel, as they can leave streaks and may dull the finish. Instead, opt for a cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel to maintain its shine.
