Natural Ways to Shine Stainless Appliances

Vinegar

• White distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar not only cleans stainless steel but polishes it. Soak a soft washcloth in the undiluted vinegar. Wring out the excess liquid from the washcloth and wipe the surface of the stainless steel. Dry the surface with a soft washcloth. If any spots remain behind, buff the surface by rubbing a dry, soft washcloth in gentle circles until you remove the blemish. Apply the vinegar as needed.

Oil

• To shine the surface of stainless steel, check your kitchen pantry for baby oil, olive oil or mineral oil. These oils remove streaks on the surface of stainless steel and leave behind a lustrous shine. Apply a small amount of oil to a washcloth. Avoid oversaturating the washcloth -- it only needs to remain slightly damp with the oil. Rub the oil over the surface of the stainless-steel surface in small, gentle circles to restore its shine.

Club Soda

• Club soda works to remove heat stains and streaks from stainless-steel appliances to restore their shine. Pour club soda directly onto the surface if possible. Otherwise, saturate a paper towel with the club soda and lay the towel onto the surface. Let the club soda rest for 10 to 15 minutes so that it can dissolve any stains, then wipe the surface with a damp washcloth. Dry the surface of the appliance afterward to remove any excess moisture because it can leave behind spots or streaks.

Warnings

• Never use abrasives or harsh cleaners to shine stainless steel because they can scratch the surface. When you clean stainless steel, always wipe the surface with the grain. Wiping against the grain can leave behind unpleasant scratches. Paper towels and terry cloths work well to clean stainless-steel appliances. Most washcloths and towels will leave behind lint on the surface of the appliance and can cause it to appear dirty after you shine it.