How to clean stainless steel appliances

Stainless steel appliances have become very popular. The latest is black stainless which really looks cool. However, even with fingerprint resistant stainless you can still get a few smudges but its not a complicated cleaning process.

First rule is do NOT use harsh cleaners or chemicals that could harm the surface of your appliance or even create a chemical reaction. If you make this mistake rinse off as quickly as possible to minimise any potential damage.

There are several commercial cleaning products available on the market but you can also use cleaning products you have in your home already like:

• Dishwashing liquid  mixed with water 
• Undiluted white vinegar
• Glass cleaner

Here is the process:

1. Refer to your owner's manual for a list of all restricted cleaning agents.
   Certain brands and models of appliances have their own specific suggestions for cleaning. 
   
   
2. Start with a clean, soft microfibre cloth. Then, either spray your cleaning solution onto the cloth, or dip the cloth into the solution to wet it. The cloth should be damp enough to wet the surface, but not so wet that it drips everywhere. 
   
   
3. If your stove top is covered in stubborn grease you might need something a bit more powerful to tackle the mess. If your gentle cleaner hasn't yet done the trick, make a paste using baking soda and water and wipe thoroughly. It's always best to rely on elbow grease rather than abrasive scrubbing agents.
   
   
4. Even if you use a gentle cleaner, lingering chemicals could potentially strip the finish off your appliances. To avoid permanent streaks or marks, rinse away what's left of your cleaner with a clean damp cloth and then fully wipe dry.
   
   
5. A simple wipe with a damp towel will also help keep the surface of your appliances smooth and streak-free. Just keep in mind that water won't kill germs, so it's always a good idea to use a cleaner every once in a while.

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