Cleaning stainless steel cabinets regularly helps maintain their beautiful appearance and prevents buildup of dirt, grease, and bacteria. With some simple cleaning solutions and techniques, you can keep your stainless steel cabinets looking like new.
What You Need to Clean Stainless Steel Cabinets
- Microfiber cloths
- Dish soap or other mild detergent
- White vinegar
- Olive oil or baby oil
- Baking soda
- Soft-bristle toothbrush
- Glass cleaner
- Stainless steel polish or cleaner
Tips for Cleaning Stainless Steel Cabinets
- Wipe down cabinets daily with a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints and dust. This helps prevent buildup.
- Always clean along the grain of the stainless steel to avoid scratches.
- Use a mild detergent like dish soap and warm water for regular cleaning. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- For stuck-on dirt and grease, spray with diluted white vinegar and let sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping clean.
- Baking soda also works well for removing grime. Make a paste with water and let sit before scrubbing and rinsing.
- For hard water spots and mineral deposits, use undiluted white vinegar.
- Freshen up the shine with olive oil or baby oil. Just rub on and wipe off excess.
- Use a stainless steel polish or cleaner monthly to protect the finish.
- For grimy cabinets, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to scrub tough spots.
- Rinse cabinets thoroughly after cleaning to remove any soapy residue.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Stainless Steel Cabinets
Follow these steps for sparkling stainless steel cabinets:
1. Remove Food and Items from Cabinets
Take everything out of the cabinets so you can access all surfaces. This also prevents cross-contamination while cleaning.
2. Dust Cabinets
Wipe cabinet surfaces, including doors and handles, with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
3. Wash Cabinets with Dish Soap
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth and wipe down cabinets. Avoid excessive water.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Wipe cabinets with a clean, damp microfiber cloth rinsing thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Dry immediately with another cloth.
5. Remove Stuck-On Grime
For stubborn grease or dirt, spray diluted white vinegar and let sit before scrubbing and rinsing. You can also use baking soda.
6. Remove Hard Water Stains
Dip a cloth in undiluted white vinegar and rub marks until they disappear. Rinse thoroughly after.
7. Polish and Buff Cabinets
Use a soft cloth to apply a small amount of stainless steel polish or oil. Rub gently until the finish shines then buff with a clean, dry cloth.
8. Detail Cabinets
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush dipped in soap and water to scrub any grooves, corners, and handles. Rinse and dry completely.
9. Replace Items
When cabinets are dry, replace all food items and belongings.
How Often to Clean Stainless Steel Cabinets
- Daily – Quick wipe down to remove fingerprints and dust
- Weekly – Thorough wash with dish soap and water
- Monthly – Polish cabinets for added shine and protection
- As Needed – Scrub stubborn spots and grime
Clean any spills or messes right away to prevent staining or corrosion. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads which can scratch the finish. With proper care and regular cleaning, your stainless steel cabinets will stay beautiful and hygienic for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Stainless Steel Cabinets
How do you make stainless steel cabinets shine?
Use a stainless steel polish or apply a small amount of baby oil or olive oil to buff the cabinets to a nice shine. Always rub along the grain and buff out any excess.
What should you not use to clean stainless steel?
Avoid abrasive cleaners, bleach, ammonia, and chlorine as these can damage the finish. Steer clear of steel wool or abrasive sponges. Always rub gently along the grain.
How do you clean greasy stainless steel cabinets?
For grease buildup, spray cabinets with a diluted white vinegar solution. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping clean. Baking soda also works well – make a paste and let sit before scrubbing.
Why do my cabinets look dull and spotted?
Dull, spotted cabinets are likely caused by hard water stains and mineral deposits. Use undiluted white vinegar to dissolve the spots then rinse thoroughly.
What is the best stainless steel cleaner?
Look for a cleaner specifically formulated for stainless steel. These contain mild detergents and polishing agents to clean, shine, and protect the finish. Alternatively, you can also use dish soap, vinegar, or olive oil.
Cleaning stainless steel cabinets regularly with the proper techniques keeps them looking beautiful while removing dirt, smudges, and bacteria. Follow these tips for sparkling clean cabinets that shine like new! Let me know if you have any other questions.