Do you remember when your stainless steel appliances were delivered to your home? The shine of the fresh new surfaces of your dishwasher, refrigerator, or oven instantly gave your kitchen a modern appearance. Now, you realize regular daily use has your appliances looking a little dull and almost grey. The elaborate shine is missing. The good news, stainless steel appliances are easy to clean and maintain.

Whether you are spring cleaning or preparing your home to sell with our REALTORS®, restoring the shine to your stainless steel appliances is simple. Luckily, the process requires minimal effort, but the results are spectacular.

1. Use a Soft Cloth
   Never use steel wool or brushes to clean your stainless steel appliances. Use only a soft cloth to prevent scratching the surface. If you scratch the surface, dirt and grime will collect in the small crevices creating a dirty appearance.
2. Avoid Paper Towels 
   Using paper towels as part of your spring cleaning process is convenient. But paper towels can prevent a shiny finish. A soft cotton cloth or microfiber cloth is your best option for cleaning stainless steel. As you clean, the paper towel absorbs the oil and grime from your appliance's surface. The substances will continue to deposit on your appliances.
3. Follow the Grain
   When cleaning the surface, always follow the grain. Start by inspecting your appliance carefully to find the flow of the steel. Use your cloth to clean in the direction of the flow. If you do not follow the grain, you can scratch and damage the surface of your appliance.
4. Stainless Steel Cleaners
   Cleaners sold at the grocery store work well. When buying a cleaner for your stainless steel appliances, read the label carefully. An abrasive cleaner can easily damage your appliance's surface. Cleaners with bleach can cause stains and harm your appliance.
5. Soap and Water
   Add mild dishwashing soap to warm water. Dip your soft cloth in the mixture, wring out the excess water, and wipe down the surface of your appliance.
6. Go Green
   If you do not want to use a cleaner or soap, use white vinegar to clean the surface of your stainless steel appliances. Begin by adding the vinegar to warm water, immerse your soft cloth into the solution, wring out any extra water, and gently clean the surface.  
7. Towel Dry
   Using a second soft cloth, dry your stainless steel appliances to prevent smudging and streaking. Wipe off any excess water or cleaner in the same direction as the grain. The extra step eliminates splotches that can create a dirty appearance on your appliances.
8. Restore Appearance
   If you are not completely satisfied with your appliances after cleaning, go to your pantry. Use olive oil or mineral oil to restore the shine. Add a small amount to a soft cloth, lightly coat, and gently buff your stainless steel appliance. The simple method provides high-quality results by getting rid of the buildup.   

Spills, excessive fingerprints, and other messy mishaps are a normal part of daily living. Regularly cleaning your stainless steel appliances helps maintain their sophisticated beauty and stand out among other Spokane homes for sale. Contact us if you are looking for a modern kitchen with all stainless steel appliances.