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EVERYDAY CLEANING

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The Best Way to Clean Stainless Steel

Viva® Towels | Feb 9, 2023 | 7 min Read
Clean stainless steel appliances by vivatowels

Learn how to clean stainless steel appliances - fingerprints, streaks and smudges don’t stand a chance with this eco-friendly and easy stainless steel cleaning method

Anyone with stainless steel in their kitchen most likely has a love-hate relationship with it. What’s not to love about the look and durability? It’s sleek, polished, and adds a luxurious feeling to our space. But we all know it takes work to keep it stainless. So, what’s the best way to clean stainless steel? Fingerprints, water stains, drips, smudges and streaks don’t stand a chance with a Viva® towel in hand.

We have two tried and true methods that are easy, effective, and quick ways to get that shine-like-new gleam in your kitchen. No matter which method you use, buff away smudges with Viva® Multi-Surface Cloth™ paper towels.

You can use a Viva® Multi-Surface towel and either a 6-step vinegar and olive oil process or a dish soap and mineral oil stainless steel cleaning method. Either way, your stainless steel refrigerator, range, stovetop, or dishwasher will be gleaming by the end.

Read on to discover the best practices and classic pitfalls of cleaning stainless steel so you can achieve the smudge-free shine we all love.

Before you start cleaning stainless steel

First, prior to cleaning, it’s always a good idea to review the manufacturer’s manual for each appliance and choose a compatible cleaning agent. Using abrasive materials or the wrong solution could rust, scratch, or break down the clear coating on your stainless steel. Proceed with caution and test a spot before applying to the entire surface.

Never use these 7 items on stainless steel

  1. Oven cleaners
  2. Harsh abrasives
  3. Scouring powders
  4. Glass cleaners containing ammonia
  5. Chlorine bleach and other products containing chloride
  6. Steel wool or copper scrubbers, abrasive sponges or scrubber pads
  7. Tap water, especially if your water is hard (use distilled or filtered water)

Now that you know what doesn’t work, let’s get to the best ways to clean stainless steel to make old and new appliances shine. These cleaning methods use what you already have around the house. They’re both convenient, economic, and environmentally friendly to boot!

The best way to clean stainless steel

1) Vinegar and olive oil method

This reliable combination of white vinegar and olive oil is our favorite ‘no chemical’ approach to keep stainless steel appliances clean and shining.

What you need:

  1. Distilled white vinegar (1 cup)
  2. Olive oil (about 4 tablespoons)
  3. Viva® Multi-Surface Cloth™ paper towels
  4. Clean spray bottle
  5. Distilled / filtered water (1 cup)

Follow these 6 steps:

  • Step 1: Combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and water (1 : 1 ratio).
  • Step 2: Add the vinegar cleaning solution to a clean spray bottle.
  • Step 3: Spray all surfaces of the appliance with the solution.
  • Step 4: Wipe the surface clean with a Viva® Multi-Surface Cloth™ paper towel. These versatile paper
  • Step 5: Once clean, dip a clean paper towel into a small amount of olive oil.
  • Step 6: Make sure to wipe in the direction of the grain to add deep shine and to remove any remaining streaks.

When applying the oil, be sure to start with a very small amount. You want to avoid over-saturating the surface and creating a thick oily film. At the end, stainless steel should not feel greasy. If it does, simply re-wipe down the surface with a sheet of Viva® Multi-Surface Cloth™.

If you’re thinking ‘really? Just vinegar and olive oil?’ Yes! Sometimes the simplest solutions get the deepest clean.

Here’s why: Containing five percent acetic acid, vinegar is able to break down the structure of dirt, oil, and bacteria without damage. It’s even strong enough to cut through grease that splatters around the oven, but it’s still inexpensive and eco-conscious.

The benefit of using olive oil is it helps buff out scratches and stubborn spots. Rubbing it in the direction of the grain helps fill in scratches and creates a smooth surface. The olive oil creates a long lasting protective barrier that defends against fingerprints and smudges. Less fingerprints and spots means less maintenance. You’re left with a clean shine that delivers the ‘wow factor’ every time.

You can store the leftover vinegar and water mixture for use next time. Just be sure to give it a good shake before using.

2) Dish soap and baby or mineral oil method

What you need:

  1. 1 teaspoon of dish soap
  2. Hot filtered or distilled water
  3. Viva® Multi-Surface Cloth™ paper towels
  4. A small amount of mineral or baby oil

Follow these 6 steps:

  • Step 1: Combine 1 teaspoon of dish soap with 1 quart of hot water.
  • Step 2: Add the dish soap cleaning solution to a clean spray bottle.
  • Step 3: Spray all surfaces of the appliance with the solution.
  • Step 4: Wipe the surface clean with a Viva® Multi-Surface Cloth™ paper towel.
  • Step 5: Once clean, dip a clean paper towel into a small amount of baby or mineral oil.
  • Step 6: Make sure to wipe in the direction of the grain to add deep shine and remove any remaining streaks.

What about store-bought stainless steel cleaning products?

There are other chemical composition-based cleaning products that are formulated specifically for use on stainless steel. They come in wipes, sprays and aerosols. However, we prefer our at-home cleaner approach. These less-harsh, gentler cleaning solutions are effective, and especially desirable if your stainless steel is clear-coated.

Ready to tackle your stainless steel?

Whether you stick with the homemade cleaning solutions, or go for the store-bought stainless steel cleaning products, wiping with Viva® Multi-Surface Cloth™ paper towels is always a great choice to keep your stainless steel appliances looking polished and clean. Your kitchen will thank you for it!