Do you use stainless steel flatware and cookware in your kitchen? If so then you’ve probably noticed by now that they have lost or are losing their chrome finish. This makes them easy to start becoming tarnished and to quite possibly start rusting as well. If this were to happen it could affect your health. Here are some simple guidelines in cleaning your stainless steel to prevent this from happening.

Using Vinegar as a cleaner on stainless steel

One of the finest cleaners that you probably already have in your home is white undiluted vinegar. It’s perfect for removing grease stains since its both non toxic and doesn’t change the appearance of the finish.

Always test before applying on surface. Never put Vinegar on Marble surfaces.

Just take a damp cloth and rub the stains with the vinegar then follow up with warm soapy water. Not only will the stains be removed but your stainless steel will be left shiny and bright.

A baking soda paste of baking soda and water also cleans pans and stainless steel, rub the same way as the grain and rinse well.  For baked on and dried food on stainless pots, put a little hot water in the bottom and baking soda. Let sit overnight and in the morning use a spatula to remove any stuck parts, scrub and rinse!

Making a stronger cleaner

• If you have really persistent spots then try cleaning your stainless steel with a mixture of any non-gel toothpaste mixed with a drop of ammonia. This should do the trick.
• Apply with a soft dry cloth and then rinse well. Remember for those persistent stains to rub with the finish and not against it. Also do not rub in a circular motion as this could damage your stainless steel.

If for some reason this isn’t working and you find yourself annoyed, exhausted and with your patience worn thin, then it’s time to use a gentle abrasive cleaner. Obviously you want to avoid any harsh chemical cleaning solutions as they could quite possibly cause more damage than good.

• Start with a homemade solution of water and baking soda. Mix them to a paste like creamy texture and rub this mixture onto the steel. Use a soft dry clean cloth then scrub well and rinse completely.
• I also recommend a good commercial cleaner (only if all else fails) called “Bar Keepers Friend.” You can find this at most grocery stores. This product will make your stainless steel shine like new again.

You also have the option of placing your stainless steel in the dishwasher. This is better for the small things such as your utensils as larger items may have burnt food stuck on them. The gentle non abrasive cleaning action of your dishwasher works well on stainless steel.

Other Stainless Steel Cleaning tricks

Here are a few other tricks to use on stainless steel. Remember though do not use these recipes or products on real silver:

• If you have large stainless steel kitchen appliances, such as stove, refrigerator and dishwasher then mix one part white vinegar with one part water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and use a paper towel or dry clean cloth to wipe clean. After you’ve finished doing this it is a good idea to apply a layer of stainless steel polish. This will protect the finish and keep it from attracting dirt and grime.
• If your stainless steel has burnt on food then fill the pot up with hot water. Take a fabric dryer sheet and drop into the water. Let this soak for ½ hour or possibly all night if it’s really a bad stain. The next day the burnt on food will come off easily. No scrubbing needed either.

Always test products in an inconspicuous area first, before applying.

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