Stainless steel appliances have become a hugely popular item to update and upgrade kitchens. They are durable and visibly appealing, which is a fantastic combination if you like to host family and friend dinners. But, they are also a magnet for fingerprints and smudges. Even durable appliances need to be maintained on a consistent basis to keep them working their full lifespan.
Why polish your stainless steel appliances?
Polishing your stainless steel appliances keeps them from corroding and rusting out prematurely. This is especially true for those appliances that come in contact with water often, like dishwashers and refrigerators.

How frequently should you polish your stainless steel appliances?
In an ideal world, we would all polish our appliances anytime there was something that spilled on our appliances. If you’re anything like us though, that’s not a realistic time frame! So, this is something we would complete on a quarterly basis. The only way to keep stainless steel appliances truly “stainless” or stain-free is to clean them on a routine basis.
Does the direction of your polishing matter?
Yes. You want to wipe your cleaning cloth and solution towards the metal’s grain. When you go against the grain, that is how you end up with streaks.
What should you clean your appliances with?
If you’re looking to clean your stainless appliances yourself, we recommend using a microfiber cloth with warm, distilled water and dish soap. (Another option for a cleaning solution is laundry detergent.) Avoid using harsh cleaning supplies like bleach. Ideally, also avoid using hard water if possible. Hard water can leave behind water stains even after you’ve wiped it away because of the calcium levels in the water, defeating the purpose of the cleaning.

What happens if I don’t polish my stainless steel appliances regularly?
One of the biggest appeals to having stainless steel appliances is the classic shine they have. Without proper care, the appliances will dull in shine and/or potentially corrode over time. Once that shine is gone, no amount of polishing will bring it back so it is important to consistently maintain the shine while it’s still showing on the appliance.
Do you need to add this service onto your existing routine home maintenance plan? Call our office at 888-858-5872 to get this completed at your next home visit.
Are you a new customer looking to get more information about service and others we could complete at your home? Fill out an inquiry now, and we will get you scheduled for a FREE in-home estimate.