Introduction
Stainless steel appliances are the pinnacle of modern kitchen elegance, blending durability with a sleek, timeless aesthetic. However, maintaining that pristine shine can sometimes feel like an uphill battle which is why we published our guide How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances: Our Tips for a Sparkling Shine. We’ve received some further questions about how to handle dents, scratches, water stains, and fingerprints on stainless steel. In this blog, we'll help you tackle these common concerns head-on.
How to Remove Fingerprints from Stainless Steel Appliances
Fingerprints are perhaps the most common and frustrating blemishes when cleaning stainless steel. The good news is that they're also one of the easiest to remove. A simple wipe with a damp cloth followed by a polish can work wonders. Our favorite cleaner and polish is ZLINE's Stainless Steel Cleaner which offers an effective solution, leaving a protective layer that helps prevent future marks.
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How to Remove Dents from Stainless Steel Appliances
Dents can mar the smooth surface of stainless steel, but they're not necessarily permanent. Here are a few techniques you can use to get rid of any dents.
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Push the dent out:
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If you can get behind the dent, you may be able to simply push the dent back into place
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Use a plunger or suction cup:
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You can use a special automotive dent remover or even the classic toilet plunger
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Hot and Cold Method:
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You can use a heat gun or hot water to make the surface hot. Use dry ice or a can of air duster to create a cold surface. Rapidly heating and then quickly cooling it might shock the metal into flattening.
How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel Appliances
Scratches can distract from the sleek appearance of your stainless steel appliances but fear not. With the right approach, you can minimize or even remove these blemishes. The key lies in understanding the grain of your stainless steel and using gentle, yet effective products coupled with appropriate techniques to buff out the scratches.
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Baking Soda:
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Add water and baking soda to make a paste, put it on the surface of the metal, and scrub lightly. Then wipe off the baking soda and wipe the surface with a damp microfiber cloth.
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Abrasive Pad:
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For deeper scratches, it may be necessary to rub them out with an abrasive pad. We recommend using a kit specifically designed to be used on kitchen appliances, such as Barry's Restore It All Products Scratch-B-Gone Homeowner Kit. This kit comes with everything needed to get those deeper scratches out.
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How to Remove Water Stains from Stainless Steel Appliances
Water stains, often resulting from hard water, can leave unsightly spots on stainless steel. However, they can be easily addressed with a stainless steel cleaner. If you are in a pinch, try using one of these strategies to get your appliances looking spotless:
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Rubbing Alcohol:
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Gently rub the water stains, working in the direction of the stainless steel's grain.
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Olive Oil:
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Apply the oil to the stain, again remembering to rub in the direction of the stainless steel's grain. Then wipe again with a clean, dry cloth to remove the residual oil.
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Lemon Juice and Baking Soda (best for horizontal surfaces):
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Use a thin layer of lemon juice, and let it sit for five minutes. Next, sprinkle the area with a thin layer of baking soda. Wipe the area down with a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel. Always rub in the direction of the stainless steel's grain. Note that you may need to apply more lemon juice as some of the baking soda dissolves. Wipe the whole area off with a clean, damp cloth, and allow it to air dry.
How to Remove Grease from Stainless Steel Appliances
Kitchen appliances frequently fall victim to grease buildup. Regular cleaning with a product specifically designed for stainless steel can effectively cut through the grime. For those tough grease stains give one of these tricks a try, then follow with your stainless steel polisher. We can not recommend ZLINE’s Stainless Steel cleaner enough. The cleaner features a soothing lavender scent, perfect for a relaxing cleaning reset.
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Baking Soda and Vinegar:
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Combine equal parts of baking soda and water in a bowl. Apply this paste evenly to the grease area with a spoon or a soft cloth. Wait 15 minutes, then scrub the stain using a nylon brush, always scrubbing in the direction of the grain. Follow up with a rinse of warm water.
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Baby Oil:
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Baby oil can be helpful to restore shine and dilute the oils that make up stubborn grease stains. Apply with a clean, dry microfiber cloth, buffing in the direction of the grain.
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How to Clean a Stainless Steel Dishwasher Tub
The dishwasher tub is a critical component that often gets overlooked in kitchen cleaning routines. Ensuring it's free from grease, soap scum, and food debris not only contributes to a hygienic kitchen but also extends the life of your appliance. When in doubt follow your user manual’s maintenance instructions, however, here are a few products you have around the house to get the job done:
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Vinegar:
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Turn your dishwasher on long enough to allow the bottom to fill with water. Don't add detergent when you do this. Once there is water in the bottom, stop the cycle, and add two cups of vinegar. Close the dishwasher door and allow to sit for 30 minutes. Then continue running the cycle.
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Baking Soda:
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Sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher tub, and run a short cycle with the hottest water possible. Combine this with the vinegar method for the ultimate clean!
Conclusion
Keeping your stainless steel appliances in pristine condition doesn't have to be a chore. Armed with the right knowledge you can easily tackle common issues like dents, scratches, water stains, grease, and fingerprints. Remember, regular maintenance is key to preserving the beauty and functionality of your appliances for years to come. For more detailed information, our comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for all things stainless steel.
