how to clean stainless steel

How to Keep Your Kitchen’s Stainless Steel Spotless

Consider these 6 cleaning tips for maintaining your stainless steel appliances and surfaces

Leslie Reichert August 3, 2017

Houzz Contributor. Cleaning expert that teaches and encourages people to use greener... 

Stainless steel is a beautiful finish, but to keep it looking its best, especially if you have a family of little ones, can be a big job. Here are a few quick cleaning tips to help you keep your stainless steel gleaming.

Rikki Snyder

1. Remove knobs for a complete clean. When cleaning your stainless steel range and oven, remember to remove the control knobs to reach hidden dirt and grime. Just cleaning around knobs can cause a buildup that’s unsanitary and hard to remove.

Koch Architects, Inc. Joanne Koch

2. Stainless steel handles need extra attention. Since the handles on your stainless steel appliances are used the most, they should be wiped down weekly with a damp microfiber cloth. Fine-woven microfiber cloths, such as the ones used for cleaning eyeglasses, can be found at retail chains and grocery stores. They work great to remove dust and don’t leave any streaks or smears. There’s no need for harsh chemicals to clean your stainless steel appliances and surfaces.

3. Fight oxidization. Stainless steel oxidizes over time. To remove this film, you can use pumice powder mixed with water. Pumice powder can be found online and at most hardware stores. Apply this paste following the “grain” of the stainless steel then rinse with warm water. You will be surprised to see how black the cloth is when you finish.

Studio William Hefner

4. Clean those countertops. Stainless steel countertops are the choice of professional kitchens because they are designed to hold up to constant abuse. To keep them looking clean and shiny, you want to avoid using an abrasive cleanser. Instead, try using just a drop of a gentle dish soap and warm water. This mixture will keep your counters clean and scratch free.

Passacantando Architects AIA

5. Give your hood a helping hand. Stainless steel stove hoods need to be cleaned weekly to prevent a buildup of grease and dust. Cooking grease mixes with dust in the air and lands on the stove hood, making it thick and hard to remove. A simple cleaning remedy is to spray a cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe it over the top of the hood. Make sure not to use the rubbing alcohol near an open flame.

Find stainless steel range hoods and vents

modern house architects

6. Banish burn marks. If you have some burn marks that just won’t come off your stainless steel stove, try this simple DIY recipe:

• 1 cup baking soda
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons Borax
• Club soda (for rinsing)

Combine the first three ingredients to make a cleaning paste. Apply this paste to the entire stained area with a soft cloth. Scrub in the same direction as the grain of the stainless steel. Rinse with club soda and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.

Things to do 8/3/17

Events Preacher Lawson from "America's Got Talent"  Thurs. 08/03 - Sat. 08/05, times vary Tempe Improv Lawson has been bringing his brand of goofy, high-energy comedy to the stage since he was seventeen. $25 more info   map     After Dark Cabarets  Fri. 08/04, 10:30pm Arizona Broadway Theatre, Peoria ABT's After Dark Cabarets gives some of the performers from the earlier theatrical production a chance to showcase their own individual talent. more info   map    Ballet Art  Fri. 08/04 - Sun. 08/06, 12pm-5pm Gallery Andrea, Scottsdale Enjoy ballerina art captured by artist Julee du Plessis. Her work is captured in a loose impressionistic style. more info   map  BarkHappy Summer Pawty  Sat. 08/05, 6:30pm Shake Shack, Phoenix There will be burgers, bobbing for tennis balls, a Poochini eating contest, plus great coupons. $10 more info   map  Phoenix Dance Conservatory Showcase  Sat. 08/05, 7pm Mountain Pointe High School, Phoenix This entertaining show features a new dance company in the Valley that covers African, Modern, Hip Hop, and other dance styles. $3-$10 more info   map  Butterfly Brush Strokes  Sat. 08/05, 9am Butterfly Wonderland, Scottsdale Enjoy a relaxing morning with local artist Carla Keaton, painting an image of the butterfly. $10-$20 more info   map  Ed Sheeran  Sat. 08/05, 7:30pm Gila River Arena, Glendale British singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran performs acoustic, folk, and hip-hop. more info   map  Ask a Master Gardener  Sat. 08/05, 9:30am-12pm Maricopa County Northwest Regional Library Master Gardeners will be present to answer your plant care and pruning questions. more info   map  El Palacio Cooking Class  Sat. 08/05, 10am El Palacio, Chandler  Learn how to cook delicious Tortas with salsa. Classes include lunch, instruction, and a drink. $20 more info   map            Four Peaks Beer & Ice Cream Social  Sat. 08/05, 2pm-4pm Four Peeks 8th Street Brewery, Tempe Guests will enjoy five Four Peeks beers, four homemade Sweet Republic Ice Creams, and homemade popcorn. $30 more info   map  Sunday's Sell-Down Market  Sun. 08/06, 7am John's Amish Country, Goodyear The Sell-Down Market offers organic and pesticide-free produce at reduced prices. more info   map                                More To Do          Movies     In Theaters      Rated   The Dark Tower      PG-13 Kidnap                R 47 Meters Down       PG-13 New DVD Releases  Rated    Critics Say The Ottoman Lieutenant      R Going in Style  PG-13 Wakefield      R  Pro Sports ARIZONA CARDINALS       Training Camp Schedule ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS          @ Giants 08/04 @ 7:15pm 08/05 @ 6:05pm 08/06 @ 1:05pm Schedule PHOENIX SOCCER     @ LA Galaxy II  08/05 @ 7:30pm Schedule 2017 SPRINT CUP SERIES   I Love New York 355  08/06 @ 12:00pm Watkins Glen International FOX Sports Schedule GOLF TOUR      Barracuda Championship 08/03-08/06, times vary Reno, NV World Golf Championships -  Bridgestone  Invitational 08/03-08/06, times vary Akron, OH Golf Network Schedule SENIOR GOLF             Schedule Weather     (extended forecast)                       Friday      Chance of         Showers/       T-Storms       104º/84º      Saturday      Chance of        Showers/      T-Storms       102º/83º        Sunday      Chance of         Showers/       T-Storms       102º/84º                                                                       Adopt a Cat Aug. 5th

Family things to do 8/3/17

Weekend things to do “Prowl and Play” at the Phoenix Zoo, laugh at a puppet show or meet a Disney Channel star this weekend.   >> Learn more

Head lice happens School days can bring unwanted pests. Here’s how one local family got over the heebee jeebees and got rid of head lice (hopefully) for good. >> Learn more

What is it about those fidgets? Kids go absolutely nuts for these simple rotating toys. But is this fad a friend or foe? Valley teachers weigh in! >> Learn more

Save the Date: Special Needs Resource Fair Hear all about fidgets, financials and family resources at this free event. Here’s what’s happening on Saturday, Aug. 26. >> Learn more

Volunteering: Welcome to America Project Roland Anderson isn’t your typical ambassador. For one thing, he’s 3. But he already knows, "We should be nice to refugees." >> Learn more

RAK Giveaway Here’s a chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to “PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue,” coming to Comerica Theatre in Phoenix Sept. 16-17. >> Learn more

Family things to do Have fun, friends

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Weekend things to do See Daniel Tiger in Mesa, play with Legos or practice football drills in the Kids Zone at Arizona Cardinals training camp. >> Learn more

Shark Week! Here are four ways to celebrate the ocean predators at metro Phoenix aquariums, starting Sunday. >> Learn more

Disneyland launches new $10/day MaxPass system The California theme park just launched its paid system for speedier access to major attractions, but the free FastPass remains. >> Learn more

My Day at Camp: On the track at Octane Raceway Staff writer Dani Horn puts the pedal to the metal during Summer Engineering Camp at this go-kart venue in Scottsdale. >> Learn more

Read about trailblazing female scientists What if every little girl wanted to be like Millie Dresselhaus? These books inspire careers in science and technology. >> Learn more

RAK Giveaway Here’s a chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to “Marvel Universe Live!” coming to Phoenix in September. >> Learn more

Events Soul 2 Soul Tour: Faith Hill & Tim McGraw  Fri. 07/21, 7:30pm Gila River Arena, Glendale Husband-and-wife country music duo, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, are on tour together for the third time. $64.75-$114.75 more info   map Saturday Night Fever The Musical  Fri. 07/21 - Sun. 07/23, times vary Arizona Broadway Theatre, Peoria Humble paint store clerk by day, stallion dance king by night, Tony Manero lives for Saturday night at the disco. $55+ more info   map         The Importance of Being Earnest  Fri. 07/21 - Sun. 07/23, times vary Desert Stages Theatre, Scottsdale Two young gents have taken to bending the truth in order to put some excitement into their lives. $22-$28 more info   map  The Tidy School Year Workshop  Sat. 07/22, 10:30am The Art House, Gilbert Come learn secrets on how to get and stay organized this school year, and receive or customizable chore chart $20 more info   map  KTAR Bunker Golf Radio Summer Swing Charity Golf Tournament  Sat. 07/22, 6am Camelback Golf Club, Scottsdale Play this charity golf tournament at the spectacular Ambient Course at the Camelback Golf Club. $98 more info   map  Summer of Laughs, Comedy Night  Sat. 07/22, 7pm Oasis Community Church, Scottsdale This hilarious comedy show is sure to keep you laughing all the way through. $7-$10 more info   map  Cooking Class  Sat. 07/22, 12pm Carvalho's Brazilian Kitchen, Scottsdale Guests will learn how to prepare Picanha steak and sides, from making the potato salad to slicing and grilling the pineapple. $30 more info   map  Christmas in July - Girls Just Want to Shop  Sat. 07/22, 9am-12pm American Sports Center, Avondale Browse offerings from 30+ vendors, all locally and women owned. more info   map  Butterfly Walk  Sat. 07/22, 8:30am Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Superior Professor Ron Rutowski points out dozens of beautiful butterflies on his slow-paced guided tour. $5-$12.50 more info   map            July KidsFest & Free Movie Night  Sat. 07/22, 6pm-9:30pm Arrowhead Lexus, Peoria Enjoy games, music, princess stage shows, balloon twister, face painting, cake walk, the movie Beauty and the Beast, and more. more info   map  Robin Mark in Concert  Sun. 07/23, 6:30pm Boulder Mountain Community Church, Mesa Enjoy an evening of music and Irish storytelling by Robin Mark. $15 more info   map                                More To Do           Movies     In Theaters      Rated   Dunkirk      PG-13 Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets            PG-13 Girls Trip          R New DVD Releases  Rated    Critics Say Kong: Skull Island  PG-13 Resident Evil: Vendetta      R The Promise  PG-13    Pro Sports ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS           vs Nationals 07/21 @ 6:40pm 07/22 @ 5:10pm 07/23 @ 1:10pm Schedule PHOENIX SOCCER    @ Tulsa Roughnecks  07/22 @ 5:30pm Schedule 2017 SPRINT CUP SERIES   Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Brickyard 400  07/23 @ 11:30am Indianapolis Motor Speedway FOX Sports Schedule GOLF TOUR      Barbasol Championship 07/20-07/23, times vary Opelika, AL The Open Championship 07/20-07/23, times vary Southport, ENG Golf Network Schedule SENIOR GOLF             Schedule Weather     (extended forecast)                      Friday    Partly Cloudy       104º/85º      Saturday    Partly Cloudy       105º/86º       Sunday      Chance of       T-Storms       104º/86º