How to Clean Stainless Steel Frequently Asked Questions

How to clean Stainless Steel

Here are answers to the most common questions we receive about how to clean stainless steel.

Bench Tops/Sinks: Wash surface with a soft cloth and diluted cream cleanser. Rinse and dry after every use to eliminate film build‑up from hard water deposits.

Refrigerator doors, dishwashers, range hood panels: Wipe with a soft cloth using mild detergent and warm water. Always wipe in the direction of the grain, remove all traces of detergent, and dry with a soft cloth.

Oil protective coating: Stainless Restorations use an oil coating to enhance satin finishes and protect the surface. Commonly used on appliances; available by contacting us.

Boat fittings: Wash frequently with fresh water to remove salt deposits. If left, salt can cause pitting. Stainless Restorations can provide on‑site chemical treatment, machine polishing, and protective coating.

Interior stainless steel: Benches, shower trays, hand‑basins may require daily cleaning for hygiene. Chemical and machine polishing can remove scratches and discolouration. Rule of thumb: clean when dirty to restore appearance.

Exterior stainless steel: Handrails, sculptures, down‑pipes, signage need cleaning to remove pollution, road grime, or salt. Aggressive environments (e.g. swimming pools) accelerate corrosion and require more frequent maintenance.

Recommendation: Maintenance every 4–6 months for exterior stainless steel. Stainless Restorations chemically treat, machine polish, and protective coat to prevent corrosion. If corrosion is left, pitting may occur and replacement may be necessary.

Yes. Stainless Restorations specialise in chemically treating and machining stainless steel to remove discolouration and scratches from all grades. We offer an on‑site service to return stainless steel to near‑new condition (see before/after gallery).

Use perforated rubber or plastic mats to reduce scratching from pans and tableware. Wash with dishwashing liquid and water, rinse, and polish dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. Never use scouring powders or steel wool.

Some acids release strong fumes that attack stainless steel surfaces, causing discoloration even without direct contact. Stainless Restorations can repair chemical damage and restore shine to near‑new condition.

  • Bleaches containing hypochlorite — cause pitting and staining.
  • Certain foods left for long periods — citric juices, salt, vinegar, mustard, pickles, mayonnaise, even used teabags.
  • Silver dip cleaners — acids that permanently stain stainless steel.
  • Muratic acid — sometimes used with grout, can damage stainless steel.
  • Strong acids — e.g. photographic developing liquids, denture cleansers.

If these come into contact with stainless steel, wash away immediately with clean water.


Cleaning stainless steel nationwide - 0800 SHINE IT (0800 744 634)