When stainless steel is brand new, it looks amazing. The problem is, it takes some maintenance to keep it looking that way and even though it’s called “stainless steel”, there are different grades of stainless steel and they can all be prone to a build-up of grime, fingerprints, scratches and stains.
This applies to benchtops, appliances, splashbacks and any other areas where there is stainless steel in the home. Commercially, stainless steel is regularly used for elevators, benches in commercial kitchens and literally hundreds of other applications.
So, what can you do to restore shine to dull stainless steel surfaces? Let’s look at some tips for restoring the former glory to stainless steel, no matter where it’s located.
#1 – Removing Stains from Stainless Steel
Some stainless steel surfaces will end up with stains on them and there are actually quite a few ways you can remove stains from stainless steel.
A popular method that doesn’t require the use of any harsh chemicals is a combination of baking soda and dishwashing liquid. Blend the two ingredients together to form a paste, then gently massage into the stain with a soft cloth. The dishwashing liquid cleanses whilst the mildly abrasive properties of the baking soda help to gently remove the stain without harming the surface of the stainless steel.
#2 – Stainless Steel Scratch Removal Tips
There are numerous products on the market that can effectively remove fine scratches from the surface of stainless steel. The baking soda method mentioned in the section above can also work on getting rid of fine scratches as well as stains. Just mix the baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Rub into the scratched surface, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Deeper scratches can be a little more challenging. In this instance, you may need to sand out the deeper scratches with sandpaper or an abrasive pad, preferably one recommended by the manufacturer. Wet and dry sandpaper is generally most effective, but be sure to keep the sandpaper wet at all times. Always sand in the same direction as the grain of the metal.
Once scratches have been removed from the surface of the stainless steel product or appliance, you will then want to give the surface a really good polish for optimum results.
#3 – Polishing Stainless Steel
You could choose stainless steel polishing products from your local hardware store or even the supermarket, or you could opt for some homemade recipes for effective stainless steel polishing.
Using vinegar has long been a popular choice for more natural cleaning and polishing around the home. Both white vinegar and cider vinegar work equally as well, with the main difference being that cider vinegar has a much more pleasant aroma than white vinegar does. Pour the vinegar into a spray bottle and lightly spray the stainless steel surface. Polish with a soft cloth following the grain of the steel.
Olive oil is an alternative option for polishing stainless steel with excellent results.
#4 – Caring for Stainless Steel
Some stainless steel products, appliances and surfaces are going to suffer more damage and wear and tear than others. Rule number one for looking after stainless steel is to treat the surface with respect no matter where it is or what it is. In kitchens, residential and commercial, always clean the stainless steel benches and appliances with warm soapy water at the end of a cooking session to help keep them in pristine condition. Dry and buff surfaces with a clean, soft cloth.
Avoid the use of harsh chemicals when cleaning stainless steel and attend to scratches and stains as soon as possible to keep the surfaces shiny and unblemished.
#5 – Enlist the Help of Professional Stainless Steel Restoration Services
For the ultimate results in stainless steel restoration and stainless steel repair, you may want to consider calling in a professional service. While minor polishing and restoration can be accomplished by just about anyone, more major restoration services, or for large surface areas, best results will be achieved if you hire professional stainless steel restoration services.
The Takeaway
No matter how old or damaged your stainless steel surfaces are, you can have them gleaming and looking like new again with the above tips.
