Stainless steel can be difficult to clean and take care of. Many people recommend all-purpose cleaners such as Windex for stainless steel while others go against it. Here is all you need to know about Windex and cleaning stainless steel with it.
Windex and Its Uses
Windex is an all-purpose hard surface cleaner that can be used on many different surfaces. While it is mainly used for cleaning glass surfaces and kitchen tops, you can also use it in many different settings such as cleaning patio furniture, removing stains, and killings insects. There are a variety of Windex products that have different purposes and should be used accordingly.
Windex on Stainless Steel
One of the major things included in Windex cleaners is Ammonia. Ammonia is known to damage stainless steel products and many experts recommend against its usage. On the other hand, some people recommend glass cleaners, such as Windex for stainless steel as it gives a real shine and you won’t be able to tell if it’s new or not. Furthermore, there are ammonia-free Windex cleaners that could be used for cleaning stainless steel.
Can You Clean Stainless Steel With Windex?
Do not use regular Windex on stainless steel, since the ammonia content can damage your appliance. While it is possible to clean stainless steel products with some ammonia-free Windex, it is best not to take the risk as you will not know how a cleaner will interact with stainless steel.
The unpredictability of different cleaners being used on stainless steel makes it difficult to decide as they could do the job for you or they could damage the appliances, especially if the cleaners have ammonia in them. Many stainless steel appliances come with notes that advise you to avoid abrasive cleaners for cleaning purposes. If you do use Windex for cleaning stainless steel, it is important to wipe in the same direction as metal grains. You can also use oil as a type of conditioner for stainless steel after cleaning it with Windex.
How Do You Remove Stains With Windex From Stainless Steel?
Using Windex on stainless steel is similar to how the glass cleaner is used on other surfaces. If you have a spraying bottle, lightly mist or spray on your stainless steel products. You must have a soft, clean cloth ready when you are spraying. Next comes the wiping part. Clean off the stained parts with the clean cloth and make sure you don’t leave the cleaning liquid on any part. After wiping the surface clean, you will notice that the stains are gone and the surface is shining. You can wipe a little more just to be sure, before conditioning the surface with a little oil as that can keep stainless steel safe from damage. Oil can also help in maintaining the shine and glow of the surface, making it look like new.
What Is the Best Cleaner For Stainless Steel?
There are many cleaners you can use to keep stainless steel appliances and crockery shining for years. Some of the best homemade solutions include vinegar, olive oil, and surprisingly, even flour. While these are easily available in every home and work best for cleaning stainless steel, there are other options as well. If you want to avoid using any of these for wiping stainless steel, you could always go for the traditional water and cloth. Make sure to use warm water and wipe in the same direction as the patterns on stainless steel.
Recommended Cleaner
You can also go for market products that are designed specifically to clean and shine stainless steel. These products also include vinegar or oil, making them perfect for stainless steel cleaning. One of the best products to clean stainless steel is Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner.
Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes: Buy from Amazon
This product has wipes inside that make it easy to use. An alternative option would be an aerosol cleaner as it can work great on stainless steel as well.
How to Clean Stainless Steel at Home?
The answer to this question depends on what type of stainless steel needs to be cleaned. Here are the most common places where stainless steel is used and effective ways to clean them.
Stainless Steel Surfaces
Surfaces with stainless steel are common to spot in any home, especially in a kitchen. If your refrigerator, oven, or counters have stainless steel surfaces, fingerprints are likely to be most problematic, especially if they’re touched with dirty hands. Glass cleaners like Windex can be a great option for cleaning stainless steel in this case. It can help get rid of the fingerprint stains and keep the surface shining. You can also use lemon oil with a clean towel to get rid of fingerprints.
Stainless Steel Décor
Stainless steel decor is difficult to maintain as they are exposed to dirt at all times and shine may disappear faster. The best way to take care of stainless steel décor in your home is to clean with oil. You can use olive oil or baby oil with vinegar to clean off the dirt and get the shine back. Use a soft cloth or a towel to apply evenly throughout the surface.
Cookware and Crockery
Cookware and crockery sets made out of stainless steel are tricky to clean as you are limited to certain techniques. I recommend that you avoid using abrasive cleaners such as Windex for them. The best way to clean your stainless steel kitchen items is through vinegar, soap, and water. You can also use baking soda to clean off burnt oil or food leftovers in a pan. Normally it will clean off well with cold water but it is better if you can clean with warm water. Sponges and soapy water solutions can help get rid of oil and make it look new.
Stainless steel can be taken care of in many ways. In some cases, using cleaners such as Windex can be a good idea. On the other hand vinegar, oil or soap can be better alternatives too, depending on the situation and surface. Make sure to use these methods when cleaning stainless steel and you will notice the glowing shine.