How to Polish & Protect Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion. It is also fairly easy to clean. This makes it an ideal material to use in kitchen appliances, sinks, and cooking utensils. But over time it loses its shine. In addition, the chemical makeup for stainless steel varies from application to application. The effect of certain chemicals on stainless steel varies depending on its composition and the types of stains you are trying to remove. You can use homemade remedies or store-bought products to polish stainless steel. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Using Baking Soda as a Homemade Polish
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Dissolve 3 tbsps. of water in 1 qt. of water. Mix well.
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Dip a soft cloth in the baking soda paste.
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Apply to stainless steel utensils such as coffee pots.
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Increase the concentration of baking soda and try again if the stain did not go away on the initial attempt.
Purchasing a Stainless Steel Cleaner
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Use a mineral-oil based cleaner to polish away smudges such as fingerprints. Mineral-oil based conditioners protect stainless steel from future stains. They also slightly darken the appliance.
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Polish tougher appliances such as sinks with a cleaner that contains an abrasive.
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Find a cleaner specially designed for stove tops, such as Cerama Bryte cook-top cleaner, for discoloration due to heat.
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Purchase a buffing wheel and chrome polishing paste for especially tough stains or large areas. Set the buffing wheel to no more than 3,000 rpm and use it to apply the polishing paste. Let dry for five minutes after application before buffing dry.
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Reapply your conditioner monthly to continually protect the stainless steel.
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Tips & Warnings
To minimize scratches while using baking soda paste, rub in the same direction as the grain of the stainless steel.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Stainless Steel Sink image by Hedgehog from Fotolia.com
