How to Polish Stainless Steel to a Mirror Finish

Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean and shiny.

Stainless steel pots and pans have long been popular cookware. The main reasons for this are that they are durable, they clean up easily and, with proper care, they can look shiny and new for a long time. You can also purchase other common household items that are made out of stainless steel. Examples include sinks, small and large appliances in the kitchen and even some home decor. Use common household products to polish stainless steel and give it a brilliant shine.

Things You'll Need

• Non-linty cloths
• Baby oil or lemon oil
• Vegetable oil
• Paper towels
• Cream of tartar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Measuring teaspoons
• Small container
• Stir stick

Instructions

For Non-food Surfaces

1. Dab some baby oil or lemon oil onto a clean, soft cloth.

2. Rub the stainless steel surface to clean and shine appliances and other surfaces that don't come in contact with food stuffs. Apply more oil to the cloth as needed.

3. Wipe the surface with a paper towel to give it a lustrous shine.

For Surfaces That Come In Contact With Food

1. Measure out 1 tsp. of hydrogen peroxide and pour it into a small container. Measure 3 tsp. of cream of tartar and pour it into the peroxide; stir the ingredients together well.

2. Rub the paste onto stainless items like sinks and pots and pans with a clean cloth. Once the surface is covered, allow the paste to dry.

3. Rinse the dried paste off well with water or a wet cloth. Dry the stainless steel with a clean cloth and buff it until it shines brightly.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use abrasives to polish stainless steel as they will scratch the surface.

• When you clean and polish stainless steel, go with the grain. If you rub against the grain, it will scratch the metal.

References

• Household Management 101: Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaner
• Mrs Clean USA: Cleaning Stainless Steel