Stainless steel has a timeless look that immediately attracts the eye of those who enter a kitchen containing this attractive material. While stainless steel proves to be a great choice for personal and commercial kitchens alike, the components of the stainless steel need to be properly cared for in order to keep this equipment looking clean and polished. Stainless steel is composed of a group of iron-based alloys that contain a minimum 10.5% chromium; there are also other elements added to the chromium to ensure that the product resists corrosion. These properties require being cared for differently than other material in your kitchen. Here are some ways to properly care for stainless steel in commercial environments so your equipment stays clean and well-kept:

1.  Use a Wet Washcloth to Clean the Surface

Stainless steel should be cleaned with a wet washcloth to avoid scratches to the product. If you have a restaurant with stainless steel equipment, utilizing a wet bar towel does wonders for cleaning off stainless steel. It’s important to note that you want to avoid rough sponges or steel wool — these products will result in permanent scratches. You must keep in mind that stainless steel has the tendency to scratch easily if you do not use a soft item to clean the surface with. Please also keep in mind that you must use a fresh washcloth to properly clean the surface.

2.  Wipe in the Direction of the Finish

The finish of stainless steel equipment is one of the reasons that consumers choose to purchase these products. When you clean stainless steel, it’s important that you wipe the damp washcloth in the direction of the grain to avoid any potential damage to the surface. You will run the risk of damaging the finish if you wipe the surface in the opposite direction of the grain. The best way to ensure that your stainless steel stays in-tact is to slowly rub the washcloth in the direction of the grain.

3.  Rinse and Clean Spillage Immediately

The chromium layer on stainless steel is likely to become damaged if any spillage is left on the surface for too long. This is especially true for acidic foods as the acid will start to eat away at the protective chromium layer. This is why frequent rinsing and cleaning is your best defense against corrosion. Cleaning and rinsing the equipment after each use will also ensure that it always looks new because you will avoid cleaning food that has become ‘baked’ onto the surface. You are much more likely to end up scratching the surface of your stainless steel if you’re left trying to remove stubborn food that has been sitting on the surface for too long.

4.  Towel Dry After Cleaning

While rinsing or using a damp washcloth is the best way to keep your stainless steel equipment looking crisp and clean, you need to use a dry towel directly afterward to prevent water spotting. Water spotting occurs quite easily on stainless steel products; it’s important that you always remember to finish the cleaning process with a dry towel. Remember to gently rub the dry towel in the direction of the finish to avoid scratching the surface.

5.  Avoid Cleaning With Chlorine and Hydrochloric Acid

The quickest way to ruin stainless steel is to clean with products that contain chlorine or bleach — these cleaners will cause unwanted stains on your stainless steel equipment. While these products will certainly clean the stainless steel, it will leave your equipment damaged. Generally, it’s best to rinse or use a damp washcloth with warm water to routinely clean your stainless steel. You should only use products marketed as ‘stainless steel cleaners’ sparingly in an attempt to get out tough stains. If you do choose to opt for a stainless steel cleaner to assist you in getting out a relentless stain, please spot test a small area first to make sure that the product works well and does not cause any damage. We recommend using oxalic acid-based cleaners (such as Bar Keepers Friend), as they are an effective and economical way to passivate stainless steel and keep your equipment looking new.

6.  Use Glass Cleaner to Get Rid of Fingerprints

Fingerprints are very visible on stainless steel. If you leave fingerprint marks on your equipment for too long, the grease remnants from the fingerprints could permanently damage your equipment. You can avoid this damage by using a glass cleaner to remove fingerprints; this is a safe way to ensure that your equipment always looks clean. One of the key ways to ensure that your stainless steel equipment looks attractive in a commercial environment is to utilize glass cleaner to get rid of fingerprints at the end of every work day; this tip is especially important if you have stainless steel equipment in a warehouse or in a storefront where customers are interacting with the product.

7.  Use Lemon Oil for Added Shine

If you’re looking to make your stainless steel equipment look extra attractive for any type of commercial use — the secret weapon is lemon oil. You only need to add a few drops onto a clean washcloth before gently rubbing the washcloth over the surface area of the stainless steel. Lemon oil acts as a polish only after you’ve properly cleaned the equipment. If you don’t have access to lemon oil, olive oil can act as an effective substitute. Utilizing lemon oil (or olive oil) is a great way to ensure that your stainless steel products look super crisp and clean.

8.  Baking Soda Removes Tough, Greasy Stains

While baking soda is quite messy and hard to clean up afterward, it does a really great job at removing greasy tough stains that seem impossible to get out. The best way to avoid a ‘clean-up on aisle five’ moment is to create a paste by combining baking soda and water. You can then apply the paste to any spot that has a stain before letting the solution sit for twenty minutes so it can work it’s magic. Be sure to carefully wipe down the surface with a clean, damp washcloth afterward.

Stainless steel units are very popular because they elevate any kitchen they’re placed in — creating an upscale space. It’s important to properly care for stainless steel equipment to ensure that it remains clean and polished. Be sure to regularly use our listed tactics to keep your stainless steel looking amazing.