Sustainable Stainless Steel Cleaning
How to get a professional level clean with natural ingredients
The core appeal of stainless steel is ease of maintenance — it stays shiny and new-looking far longer than other common metals
Unfortunately, that pristine look doesn’t last forever. After a few months of use, stainless steel appliances and cookware begin to appear dull, or even stained.
So, why does a metal with ‘stainless’ in the name still stain?
All steels contain iron. Staining occurs when the iron reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide — better known as rust.
Stainless steel is special because it contains chromium. When chromium reacts with oxygen, it creates a passive layer of chromium oxide that prevents oxygen in the environment from reacting with iron in the steel. No reaction, no rust.
The passive layer makes stainless steels resistant to corrosion, but not immune. Anything that damages the passive layer can lead to staining. The most common sources of damage are:
- Chlorides — Salt and bleach
- Hydrochloric Acids — Some bathroom and tile cleaners contain hydrochloric acid
- Sulphuric Acids — Some drain decloggers, metal cleaners, and dish washing liquids contain sulpuric acids
You can slow the progression of staining on your appliances by reducing exposure to damaging chemicals, but no matter what preventative action you take, eventually your stainless steel is going to get marked up.
Thankfully, stainless isn’t just resistant to corrosion — it’s easy to clean.
Cleaning your stainless steel
The real beauty of stainless is its ability to bounce back good as new. Better yet, routine maintenance can be effectively carried out with all-natural household products.
Follow these steps to restore old sinks, cookware and appliances:
- Remove surface grime — Never use steel wool for cleaning stainless steel! The abrasion will make permanent scratches in the finish. If you have hardcore gunk to contend with, try using a non-scratch nylon scrubbing pad.
- Wash with soap and water — A quick wash with a wet towel and mild dish soap is enough for regular maintenance. Make sure to rinse away any soapy residue.
- Dissolve stains with baking soda and vineger — Include this step every few weeks for a pristine clean. Sprinkle baking soda on a dry stainless steel surface, then spray on a vinegar solution. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and start to foam. Let the foam sit for a few minutes before washing away with clean water. Don’t like the smell of vinegar? Use lemon juice instead.
- Polish — Take a rag and wipe your clean stainless steel with a polisher. You can use common household products like glass cleaner, olive oil, lemon oil, and baby oil.
- Dry off — Buff off any excess polish. Perfectionists can avoid streaks by wiping with the grain a
- Sit back and admire your shiny stainless steel!
The steps listed above are perfect for routine maintenance, but heavily neglected stainless steel might need more aggressive measures.
If your stainless steel still has pitting, rust, or staining after cleaning, it’s time to pull out a chemical cleaner. Resist the temptation to use your favourite all-purpose cleaner — many cleaners will leave streaks or haze, while more aggressive or abrasive cleaners cause surface damage. Instead, opt for a product made especially for stainless steel. Its worth it!
