Maintaining Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a material that is often desired for its durability, low effort upkeep, as well as aesthetic charm. It’s versatile, functional, and incredibly long lasting. That all being said, it isn’t as ‘set it and forget it’ as many of us might hope, and it does have some needs in the way of maintenance. For those of us who have stainless steel counters, appliances, or other features in our homes and businesses, here is how you can keep your stainless steel in great condition and looking just as great as the day you bought it.

Routine cleaning

Stainless steel is different from many other common household materials in that routine cleaning is its maintenance. Many items need special care to maintain, and cleaning can ‘wear them out’, so to speak, such as the case with wood. Stainless steel, on the other hand, thrives on routine cleaning. This is because stainless steel itself is actually naturally resistant to damage via corrosion, but allowing dirt or other substances to sit and remain on top of stainless steel traps corrosive agents and reduces its efficacy in preventing damage.

Cleaning practices

Stainless steel may thrive with routine cleaning, but it absolutely needs to be the proper cleaning products and methods. Abrasive agents should never ever be used, whether that is in the cleaning product itself or the material used to apply it. Products like steel wool can scratch, which will ultimately lead to rusting – something nobody wants to see on their stainless steel. You’ll want to vary your cleaning approach depending on the grime itself – for example, warm water is often sufficient, especially if you’re just cleaning dust, but for finger oils you may want to use a gentle detergent. For a more aggressive cleaning, a vinegar solution is a great agent for stainless steel.

It’s important to note, stainless steel can come with a variety of finishes, and dull or brushed surfaces can be more forgiving. A more mirrored polish will require extra care, as even grit left in wash water could mar the surface over time. No matter what type of steel you own, or where it is, with proper cleaning and care it is sure to last for years to come!