A Guide To Proper Kitchen Hygiene A Guide to Proper Hygiene | Page 8

5.0 How to Clean Stainless Steel to Keep Your Appliances Looking New
Stainless steel is a great choice for kitchens: It’s tough, it resists rust, and it has a sleek look that
works with a range of styles. But if you have a stainless-steel range, dishwasher, or fridge,
fingerprints, caked-on spatters, and streaks can become the bane of your existence. And
cleaning the stainless-steel appliances is a little more involved than some other tasks like wiping
down a countertop or mopping the kitchen floor, but it’s still an easy DIY task that can really
impact the look and feel of your kitchen. If you’re ready to start cleaning and bring those
appliances back to life, but you're not sure where to begin, read on. We asked three industry
experts—Dirk Sappok, director of product development at Miele; cleaning guru Leslie Reichert;
and Jeff Sweet, product marketing manager at Sub-Zero and Wolf—to give us the rundown on
how to make appliances look brand-new again and how to avoid streaks and scratches. Here’s
how to clean your stainless-steel appliances and keep them gleaming.
1. Get the Right Tools
Before you start cleaning, make sure you have everything you need at hand, including the
appropriate cleaner, a spray bottle, and paper towels or microfiber cloths. When it comes to
cleaners, it pays to be specific; the biggest mistake people make when cleaning stainless steel is
spraying it down with an all-purpose cleaner. "Some cleaners may leave streaks or a haze, while
more aggressive or abrasive cleaners can damage the surface," says Sappok. Instead, opt for a
product made especially for the material, or go basic and use soap and water or vinegar. Avoid
abrasive tools like steel wool or scrub brushes, which can scratch the surface and ruin that