Stainless steel appliances provide a sleek, modern look to your kitchen, not to mention being functional and durable. However, they also have the tendency to show every fingerprint and smudge. Here are some easy ways to keep them clean and smudge-free.

Know What Not to Use

When you are busy cleaning your stainless steel appliances, it is best that you start by knowing what products you should never use. Your appliances might be brand new and you aren't completely aware of the products that can do damage to your refrigerator or stove. For example, you should never use anything abrasive on stainless steel, such as brushes, wool, and scrubbing products. This also includes abrasive cleaners. Avoid using regular oven cleaner unless it is labeled specifically for stainless steel ovens. Hard water is also not a good idea since it tends to leave water spots.

Wash the Appliances With Soap and Water

A good way to keep up with cleaning your appliances is by wiping them down with regular dish soap and water. Whenever you are washing your countertops with a soft sponge, go ahead and use that same sponge and soap to wash the appliances, as long as it is not the scratchy side of the sponge. Keeping up with regular cleaning reduces build-up and major stains on the appliances. You can also use a microfiber cloth to wash the appliances with dish soap or a mild detergent.

Use Nylon For Heavy Stains

There may be some stains or grease build-up that isn't removed with a soft sponge and dish soap. In this case, it is okay to use something a little more abrasive, but only use it if it's made of soft nylon. This does have a scrubbing side that is safe to use on stainless steel, but won't scratch the surface if you are careful. When removing these tough stains from the stainless steel appliances, spray the area with mild detergent and let it sit for a few seconds. Scrub it away with the nylon sponge, then rinse it with hot water. Move in the direction of the grain on the appliance, beginning at the top and working your way down. You can also try making a paste of hot water and baking soda, then using that on the tough stains. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the area and rinsing it clean.

If you are having difficulty keeping your appliances clean, consult a professional cleaning company.