Stainless steel works excellently to build name plates, logo plates, appliances, and more! It stands up to water, grease, and heat which is why it’s commonly used in kitchens and food service. Stainless steel also made to last – it was developed thousands of years ago to resist oxidization and thereby rust.
Even better- stainless steel is easy to clean. Just spray or wipe the surface with your cleaner, rinse if applicable, and voila! However, that’s in theory. In practice, finding the right cleaner to get rid of fingerprints and other oily stains can be trickier.
If your company has a cleaning procedure, you’re already following that to clean your stainless steel. But not all companies have this kind of guidance. So if you need tips to keep your stainless-steel logo plates, data plates, name plates, and more spotless, here you go!
1. Some words of wisdom before you begin …
Good Housekeeping.com has a few tips on how to clean and shine stainless steel. One downside to stainless steel is that it shows grease marks, fingerprints, and watermarks easily if it’s not properly cleaned, so using the right cleaners and techniques to clean your stainless-steel plates are a must for keeping it looking shiny and clean.
Do you use a commercial cleaner, and not a homemade cleaner like a dish soap solution? If so, follow the manufacturer’s directions. If you’re using a homemade cleaner, remember to avoid abrasive cleaner like bleach.
2. Spray or scrub the surface with cleaner
If you’re using a cleaner or cleaning solution, spray it evenly on the surface of your stainless steel. Using a solution like oil and vinegar or dish soap and water? Scrub it on evenly. Not sure what cleaner to use? Try a cleaner on a small surface of your stainless steel before cleaning the whole thing. See which cleaner is best for you for getting rid of streaks, watermarks, and other stains. Thekitchn.com has explored this topic, from home remedies to manufactured cleaners.
3. Wipe or rinse
From specialty cleaners to an oil and vinegar solution, remember to always go with the direction of the grain – not against it! This will keep your stainless steel from streaking.
Beware of streaks or grease stains after you’re done. Using the right cleaner will prevent you from leaving residue behind.
4. How often do you need to clean stainless steel?
Regularly cleaning your stainless steel will help preserve it for years. How often you clean your stainless steel depends on a lot of factors, including foot traffic around your plate and how much splash, wear, and tear your stainless-steel plates will endure. On average, a once-a-week scrub should do the trick, with a thorough deep clean to remove stains every six months.
If your company has a cleaning procedure, use these tips at home with your kitchen appliances. If not, use them to keep your stainless-steel plates looking pristine for years.
Looking to start a project made out of stainless steel? Contact DNPE today to get started!