There are many kinds of stainless steel. Common iron is alloyed with a number of metals and agents that prevents rust, tarnish, or wear from occurring. Many pots and pans are stainless, and they can survive very hot temperatures. Outdoor grills are made of stainless steel. Sinks are frequently made of stainless steel. Stainless steel kitchen appliances are very popular.
Stainless steel has a durable surface that resists corrosion and rust. Household dirt, air pollution, dust, fingerprints and grime can put stainless steel at risk for corrosion and perhaps even rust.
The other factor about stainless steel is that it needs a little oil from, time to time, to stay clean and protected.
Before you clean any stainless steel, you should first gently remove dust, or grime. It may seem surprising, but dust, dirt, grime, and even mud can contain crystals of grit. Just static electricity can attract very large, nearly invisible, particle of crystals to your appliance. Taking a dry cloth and rubbing these across the surface of the grain of the stainless steel may produce an unsightly scratch. Use caution, and gentle motions when you clean.
Can I wash my appliance with water?
Yes, you can, but use caution. Water by itself is no more effective on dirt than it is if you wash your hands with plain water. Another issue is that stainless steel can form water spots. This is caused by lime (calcium and magnesium) in tap water. Once these show up, then they can be very hard to remove on appliances.
Remember, if you have an electric appliance use extreme caution not to contact water with the electric supply (motor, heating elements, wires).
Can I wash with soap and water?
The question here is what kind of soap? There are as many kinds of soap as there are shelves at your local grocery or retail store. Choosing the right soap takes thought, and in the end while it may be expedient, it may not be the best or most cost effective means for your stainless steel item.
Remember there are many kinds of stainless steel metal. While dishwashing liquid may be fine for utensils, pans, and pots, it may not work well – or even cause issues – with appliances.
Dilute dishwashing liquid may sometimes be recommended by web sites, but consult your owner's manual before you try this on appliances or barbeque grills. Even soapy water can leave water spots, or cause other issues.
Clean Versus Polish
Cleaning refers to the process of removing household dirt, dust, fingerprints and grime. By whatever means that are recommended in your owner's manual, you will still want to use a polish – especially on your major appliances. They have large surfaces, and need frequent cleaning. Using a polish tends to reduce the number and amount of cleaning on these items.
Blitz suggests that you use caution since some stainless steel polishes might contain poisons or ammonia. Some contain hazardous ingredients. Others may have other undesirable agents.
Some polishes contain wax, or wax-like agents. These may work for museum pieces, or items that will be stored for very long periods, but use caution for everyday items. Waxy polishes can leave a film on stainless steel - heat will melt it - and cause many unwanted issues.
Blitz has several products for use in cleaning and polishing your stainless steel appliances and grill.
What can I do about scratches or dents?
Once a scratch shows up, then you need to consult the manufacturer, or your repair agent. For sinks, you can consult with your local home repair retail store for ideas and products. For appliances, however, we recommend that you contact the manufacturer of your appliance at their toll free number.
A dent has to be examined by a qualified repair agent. That will usually mean a repair visit.
