Stainless steel is easily dull and prone to water stains. So you'll need to polish things from this material regularly to restore their shine. You can polish stainless steel surfaces with water, a non-toxic cleaner (such as olive oil or vinegar), or a special steel cleaner. Properly polishing stainless steel can help you thoroughly clean your equipment and avoid further scratching. Choose the method that best suits the object and start polishing your stainless steel tools.
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Method 1 of 3: Polishing with Vinegar
Step 1. Choose the appropriate vinegar
Certain vinegars can give better results than others. White vinegar and apple cider vinegar give the same results to stainless steel, but apple cider vinegar produces a pleasant aroma. Use the vinegar you already have. Cleaning vinegar is the best ingredient for dealing with stubborn stains because it has a high acid content. If you have a lot of stains on your equipment, buy cleaning vinegar.
Step 2. Check the direction of the steel bars
Just like wood, stainless steel also has grain (grooves) that can be directed horizontally or vertically. Wiping the steel in the direction of the grain will help clean the tiny grooves because that's where dust and dirt usually settles.
Step 3. Spray vinegar liberally on the steel
Put the vinegar in a spray bottle to make it easier for you to coat the entire steel. Next, spray vinegar on the appliance until it is completely coated in vinegar. If you don't have a spray bottle, dip a cloth in the vinegar and rub it evenly over the steel.
For a light polish, mix vinegar with water (1/2 cup vinegar for a pint of warm water). On stubborn stains, polish the steel with pure vinegar
Step 4. Wipe the steel with a soft cloth
You can use a soft cloth or tissue to wipe the steel in the direction of the grain. This will clean off any stuck-on debris and make the steel shine again. Remember, you have to wipe it in the direction of the steel grain. Don't let the vinegar get stuck in the grooves that make the steel dull over time.
The tissue may leave paper fibers or split into small pieces. The best material for wiping stainless steel is a washcloth
Method 2 of 3: Polishing with Olive Oil
Step 1. Drop some olive oil on a soft cloth
Pour a small amount of olive oil (the size of a coin) on a soft microfiber cloth. Remove the cap of the olive oil bottle and place the cloth over the mouth of the bottle. Next, turn the bottle upside down and let the oil soak into the cloth for 1-2 seconds.
If desired, replace olive oil with baby oil
Step 2. Coat the stainless steel with olive oil
Before you start scrubbing, coat the entire steel surface with olive oil. Continue wiping the steel until a shiny light appears on the surface. If one part is thicker than the other, spread the excess oil evenly.
Step 3. Apply firm, steady pressure to the steel surface in a circular motion
When you apply pressure to the steel, you should use the same cloth you used to apply olive oil. Use great pressure to rub the olive oil into the steel bars. Continue rubbing the olive oil for a few minutes until the entire surface of the object is handled.
Again, check the direction of the grain of the steel before you rub the oil. Applying the opposite pressure to the steel bars can dull the stainless steel if olive oil gets trapped in the bars
Step 4. Wipe off any remaining oil with a clean tissue or cloth
Olive oil left on the stainless steel surface can dull it, not polish it. Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe the object dry.
When you are done wiping the object, try to touch it lightly. If it still feels greasy, continue wiping it. Use a cloth to wipe your finger prints after you touch them
Method 3 of 3: Polishing with Special Cleaners
Step 1. Choose a steel polishing material that does not contain wax
Polishing agents containing wax will leave a thin film that will dull the stainless steel over time. For best results, use a non-wax polishing agent with an abrasive component.
You can buy stainless steel polish at a hardware store or supermarket. Ask the store employees if you have trouble finding them
Step 2. Choose an oil or water based cleanser
Water-based cleaners cannot remove stains or finger marks on stainless steel. The best polishing agents are oil-based cleaners. However, water-based cleaners are healthier for the environment, non-flammable, and less toxic. Determine the material that best suits your needs.
Step 3. Polish the stainless steel in a well-ventilated room
Some special cleaners can emit harmful fumes when inhaled in tight spaces. Polish stainless steel near a window or outdoors to keep you from getting dizzy. Open all doors and windows before cleaning, and never use special cleaners in confined spaces.
If you feel nauseous, dizzy, or sick, leave the room immediately and call health services. Save the packaging of cleaning products to be given to the relevant agencies
Step 4. Spray the cleaning product on the object until the entire surface is coated
Wear rubber gloves when spraying to avoid getting your hands on the stainless steel cleaner.
Follow the guidelines listed on the product packaging for special instructions and warnings
Step 5. Wipe the object in the direction of the steel bars
Wipe the object using a microfiber cloth. After wiping, the equipment is ready to use. Clean the stainless steel regularly every day (or after use) to avoid building up dirt until it's time to polish it again.
