GUIDE TO CLEANING STAINLESS STEEL COOKTOPS
You use your cooktop to make your favorite dishes and experiment with new culinary creations, and after a few recipes, it may need a proper clean. Before you clean a stainless steel cooktop, it’s important to know the right products and techniques to use to make sure the finish looks its best.
Use this guide to learn more about properly cleaning stainless steel cooktops so you can get right back to making.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL STOVETOPS?
You can help keep your stainless steel stovetop free from most food soils by cleaning with a soft cloth or sponge and warm soapy water or a stainless steel cleaner. You can also use a stainless steel brightener, like this option from affresh brand1 to help remove rust, heat discoloration and yellowing.
No matter what you use to clean your stainless steel cooktop, always consult your product manual to make sure the tools and cleaners are approved for use with your appliance.
1. affresh® brand products and recommending brands' products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
HOW TO CLEAN A STAINLESS STEEL STOVETOP
Cleaning a stainless steel stovetop is easy when you know the right steps. Use the following cleaning instructions to get your stainless stovetop clean and ready for your next creation.
SUPPLIES
Dish soap
- Stainless steel cleaner, such as affresh® Stainless Steel Cleaning Spray1
TOOLS
Non-abrasive sponge
Clean, dry microfiber cloth
STEP 1: REMOVE THE GRATES
For easier access to the stainless steel surface of your cooktop, remove the grates. You can clean the burner grates by scrubbing them with a sponge and an approved cleaner, or you can place the grates in the dishwasher if permitted by your owner’s manual.
STEP 2: DETERMINE GRAIN DIRECTION
Before you begin cleaning your stainless steel, look closely at the surface. The vertical or horizontal lines in the stainless steel are the material’s “grain.” When applying or removing cleaning products and buffing away streaks, always follow the direction of the grain.
STEP 3: APPLY CLEANER
Specific instructions for applying cleaner to stainless steel may vary depending on the type of cleaner you’re using. If you’re using soapy water, dip your non-abrasive sponge in the water and gently scrub the stainless steel in the direction of the grain. For cleaning sprays, spray the product in an S-shaped pattern. If you’re cleaning with a stainless steel cream or paste, apply the product in the direction of the grain with a dry cloth.
Allow the cleaning solution to sit on the surface for a few minutes.
STEP 4: WIPE AWAY PRODUCT AND BUFF SURFACE
Using a clean, dry microfiber towel, wipe off any remaining water or cleaning solution in the direction of the stainless steel grain. To give your cooktop a polished and shiny look, buff away spots and streaks with another dry microfiber cloth following the grain.
HOW DO YOU REMOVE SCRATCHES FROM A STAINLESS STEEL STOVETOP?
How to remove scratches from stainless steel can vary depending on how deep they are. Fine scratches can sometimes be buffed out with a microfiber cloth and a buffing product. Apply the product directly to the scratch and rub it in with the cloth in the direction of the grain until it buffs out, then wipe clean.
Deep scratches typically require the help of a stainless steel scratch removal kit to be completely removed. These kits usually come with an abrasive pad, a buffing compound and a blending agent that work together to restore your stainless steel surface. It is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when trying to remove deep scratches from your stainless steel.
HOW DO YOU REMOVE BURNT OIL FROM A STAINLESS STEEL COOKTOP?
You can use a paste made of liquid dish soap and baking soda to help remove burnt-on oil from your cooktop. Let the paste sit on the oil spot for 5–10 minutes before using a soft nylon brush or sponge to gently scrub the stain in the direction of the grain, then wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth.
WHICH PRODUCTS ARE BEST TO USE FOR CLEANING STAINLESS STEEL?
The best product to use when cleaning any of your stainless steel appliances is dish soap or any product specifically formulated for stainless steel surfaces. However, some household products like baking soda can be used to make a stainless steel cleaning solution.
Always check your owner’s manual for product recommendations before using any household items to clean.
CAN YOU CLEAN A STAINLESS STEEL STOVETOP WITH BAKING SODA?
Baking soda can be a helpful tool in your cleaning arsenal if you run out of soap or stainless steel cleaner. Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water, then apply it to your stainless steel surface in the direction of the grain and wipe it away with a clean cloth.
CAN YOU USE GLASS CLEANER ON STAINLESS STEEL?
You should not use glass cleaner on stainless steel. Standard glass cleaners often include ammonia in their formulation, which can be harmful to stainless steel surfaces. Avoid using any ammonia or citrus-based cleaners on stainless steel to help prevent damage.
DOES VINEGAR DAMAGE STAINLESS STEEL?
Although long-term, direct exposure to vinegar may damage your stainless steel, it may be a helpful cleaning solution when mixed with mineral oil and applied sparingly. Make sure to wipe off any vinegar solution immediately rather than letting it sit.
CAN YOU USE AN ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER ON STAINLESS STEEL?
You may be able to use an all-purpose cleaner on stainless steel as long as the formula is ammonia and citrus-free. However, KitchenAid brand recommends using soapy water, affresh® Stainless Steel Cleaning Spray, or Stainless Steel Brightener for tougher stains.
WHAT ARE SOME STAINLESS STEEL COOKTOP CLEANING TIPS?
You can help keep your stainless steel cooktop clean, rust-free and ready for your next creation with the following tips and tricks.
Always apply and remove cleaning products in the direction of the stainless steel grain.
Avoid abrasive materials like scouring pads, paper towels or rough-textured cloths to prevent scratches.
Consult your product manual for approved cleaning products and methods to best preserve the appearance of your appliance.
Use a stainless steel brightener to help remove rust and heat discoloration.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® COOKTOPS
With KitchenAid® cooktops, you can simmer, steam, boil or grill your favorite ingredients to make new creations. Explore select models with features like the Even-Heat™ Simmer Burner that allows more precise flame control, or a Removable Griddle that you can use to make delicious pancakes, crepes or even quesadillas.
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