Whether it’s the sink or your fridge door, stainless steel looks best when it’s shiny. Of course, it’s completely normal for the shine to become dull over time. And because it can take some time and effort to restore it, people leave that to the cleaning services in Wasilla, AK, as it’s an affordable way to make everything shiny and clean.
Stainless steel is a sturdy and durable material that makes your kitchen look industrial and modern. But just like with every shiny surface, it can easily become cloudy if not maintained regularly. While a housekeeper would take care of the problem on a weekly basis, there are people who’d like to learn how to do it themselves.
How do you clean cloudy stainless steel?
Before we get to the cleaning part, it’s important to know what causes the stainless steel to become cloudy and how you can minimize and prevent the problem. Hard water is one of the biggest causes of a cloudy stainless steel sink, but can easily be cleaned off. The other one is the use of abrasive cleaners, which can scratch the surface, and therefore make it cloudy.
Luckily, the scratches can be buffed out and polished, but it’s better to find a strong cleaning agent that is EPA approved, so the stainless steel and nature will be thankful. Never use bleach on stainless steel, as it clouds the surface and isn’t efficient in cleaning. Making the stainless steel shine again takes a few simple steps:
- Clean the surface with dish soap and a kitchen sponge.
- For stubborn stains, use super fine steel wool and gently scrub.
- Wash off the residue and cover the surface with a clean cloth soaked in white vinegar.
- Remove the cloth after waiting at least 20 minutes and dry it with another cloth.
The important thing to remember here is not to let the stainless steel air dry after you’ve cleaned it, as it can leave streaks and hard water spots, just like on the glass. You can also buff it out and make it shine like a mirror. All you need is a microfiber cloth and a bit of a car polishing compound.
How do you restore stainless steel?
Vinegar is the perfect cleaning agent for stainless steel, as well as tile grout. The acidic nature of this product makes it the best stain remover and disinfectant. However, you should be well informed about the types of materials that you can use vinegar on. It may be safe for eating and removing carpet stains, but certain types of stone, like marble, do not react well to it.
Aside from vinegar, rubbing alcohol can be great for cleaning and restoring the shine, as it removes the mineral residue from hard water with ease. When it comes to polishing and caring for stainless steel, certain oils can make the shine last longer, like petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or a special type of stainless steel oil.
An extra tip for cleaning the stainless steel is to take a good look at the surface. If it has a grain, make sure to wipe in its direction, to avoid cross-scratches or a messy-looking surface.
Are you in need of cleaning services in Wasilla, AK?
When you have so many different types of surfaces and materials to take care of, it can easily happen that you forget which one can be cleaned with what kind of product. Don’t waste your time and call White Lilac! We can make every sink and stainless steel fridge in Wasilla shine like it’s brand new. Contact us today and relax near Lucile Lake because we’re here for you!