Stainless steel is a very present material in our interiors. We like it solidity but also its brilliance. To make it resistant to time and even more so to limestone, you can use very effective natural solutions. It is still necessary to choose your products carefully because some can alter the stainless steel.
Stainless steel: why should it be cleaned regularly?
Sink, fittings, extractor hood, refrigerator, furniture legs, credenza, decorative objects… many elements of the kitchen, the bathroom but also other rooms of the house, are made totally or partly in stainless steel more commonly known as stainless steel. This iron based alloy is therefore an economical metal to buy, resistant, which does not lack aesthetic advantages. That’s why he’s everywhere. It does have a few minor flaws though:
- It is sensitive to fingerprints and stains caused by drops of water as it dries.
- It tarnishes quickly without maintenance.
For stainless steel to retain all its shine, it is essential to clean it regularly using the right methods.
Natural methods that make stainless steel shine without damaging it
You don’t have to invest huge amounts of money in cleaning products to make stainless steel look like new. Some natural solutions are as effective as they are economical.
Daily maintenance of stainless steel
Simply pass a damp sponge over any stainless steel element then wipe with a soft lint-free cloth that is perfectly dry without adding any product. The result is flawless. This solution of great simplicity is to be adopted on a daily basis to always have a worktop, a sink or a stainless steel faucet of a incomparable shine.
Our cupboards are full of natural solutions perfect for maintaining any stainless steel surface such as:
- Honey, which has the particularity of protecting the stainless steel against scratches,
- Olive oil,
- Sodium bicarbonate dissolved in hot water,
- Household alcohol.
After careful cleaning, we obtain a very shiny stainless steel wiping it with a dry microfiber cloth.
Make tarnished stainless steel shiny
When stainless steel has escaped maintenance for a long time, it loses much of its luster. If he is dull, there are several natural solutions that will make it shine. Simply rub the stainless steel with:
- A slice of raw potato,
- Silverstone mixed with carbonated water,
- sifted flour,
- You talk.
Then rubbing the stainless steel with a soft, dry cloth is enough to find it like new.
Detach stainless steel naturally
Here again, it is useless to resort to strongly stripping and polluting chemicals to remove encrusted traces. Stainless steel can be detached and again brilliant thanks to:
- With black soap in case of dark spots,
- With special dishwasher rinse aid if it is marked by limescale,
- Has a glass cleaner if it is greasy,
- A few drops of lemon juice diluted in very hot water if it is covered with fingerprints.
Whatever the solution used, the method is always the same. The stainless steel is rubbed with a damp sponge slightly soaked in the chosen preparation, then the stainless steel is dried with a soft, dry cloth. Black spots, traces of limestone, grease or fingers disappear in the blink of an eye to give way to a nice shine. These are simple, economical and effective tips for renovate stainless steel.
What not to use to clean stainless steel
Certain solutions that work perfectly on other materials should be avoided with stainless steel at the risk of altering it, or even damaging it. Do not use an abrasive or acidic solution. The prohibited products to maintain, detach or shine stainless steel are for example:
- scouring powder,
- abrasive sponge,
- iron wool,
- Liquid or gel products if they contain an anti-limestone,
- Chlorine,
- Bleach.
If the stainless steel is sprayed with a product of this type, it is essential to rinse with plenty of water then dry the stainless steel carefully in order to limit the risk of altering its protective film. But when the damage is done, it usually only remains to replace the old stainless steel element with a new one.