Quick Tips to Clean Stainless Steel Hardware

Sometimes, all that you need is a bit of elbow grease to make your kitchen sparkle. While a renovation project is always enviable, not everyone can afford such an undertaking. Anyone, however, can afford the one hour or less that it takes to clean stainless steel hardware and to make it sparkle in the kitchen or bathroom. Follow these quick and easy tips for stainless steel cleaning, and you’ll feel like you renovated – without making any purchases!

Stainless steel hardware is a fantastic choice for longevity and durability. It resists corrosion and dust – but this doesn’t mean that it can’t afford to be cleaned once in awhile. Depending on the quality of the stainless steel hardware that you own, it can rust, discolor and lose its lovely shine with time. For these reasons, you’ll want to have these quick and easy stainless steel cleaning tips at your fingertips!

While these tips specifically focus on how to clean stainless steel hardware, they can also be used for other items in your kitchen or bath. Clean appliances, countertops, stove tops and more with the same techniques, and make sure that the entire kitchen shines with your maintenance cleaning!

How to Clean Stainless Steel

When you get ready for cleaning stainless steel pulls and knobs, take each hardware item off of the cabinet for an easier cleaning experience. Make sure to keep the nails and screws handy – and to wash them as well for a more thorough cleaning. Wash the surface of each stainless steel hardware piece with hot, soapy water and a nonabrasive sponge. Wash with the grain, but also take the time to wash against the grain so that residue is removed. To remove fingerprints use glass cleaner or household ammonia. Once you’ve washed and dried all stainless steel knobs and other items, apply a stainless steel polish to restore the hardware’s shine. Next, buff the surface with a dry towel while working with the grain. Don’t stop until you see the lovely shine of the stainless steel. Finally, place each stainless steel knob and pull back onto the appropriate cabinet drawer or door.

How NOT to Clean Stainless Steel

While the cleaning process for stainless steel is easy, you do need to be careful to follow directions and to understand these cleaning tips. There are a number of things that you should make sure NOT to do when cleaning stainless steel. Don’t leave cleaning products on the stainless steel. Make sure to rinse everything off after you’ve used it. Avoid using any cleaning products that contain chlorine in them. This can ruin the stainless steel hardware very quickly. Your best bet may be to buy cleaning products that are specifically intended for stainless steel; you can find these either through your hardware manufacturer or through a hardware store. To avoid scratching the hardware, don’t use steel wool or abrasive brushes. You may want to consider applying a scratch-resistant finish to the hardware, as well, to help to prevent day to day scratches.

Certainly, for a fraction of the cost of renovations, basic maintenance of your existing stainless steel hardware can make a big impact. Following these stainless steel cleaning tips on a monthly basis, or as needed, will help your hardware, and your home, to sparkle!