The Secret: Go With the Grain
Just like wood, stainless steel has a grain. Look closely, and you'll see faint lines running either horizontally or vertically. Always wipe in the direction of the grain for the best results.
Cleaning Solutions
- Dish Soap and Water: Mix a little dish soap with warm water. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wipe the surface. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and dry immediately.
- Vinegar and Oil: Spray the surface with white vinegar and wipe clean. Then, dip a cloth in a small amount of olive oil or mineral oil and buff the surface to a shine.
- Commercial Cleaners: There are many good stainless steel cleaners on the market. Just follow the instructions on the bottle.
What to Avoid
Never use steel wool, bleach, or abrasive cleaners on stainless steel. They can scratch the surface and cause rust.