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The Spruce / Kelly Miller
Although it is called "stainless" steel, this workhorse material for kitchen appliances, cookware, and surfaces can stain from time to time. On a stainless steel kitchen sink, for example, you may have had a cleaning mishap that left brown corrosion or rust stains on the metal. Stains can also sometimes result when a spray cleaner is applied to the metal but is not rinsed away properly. Another mistake you can make with stainless steel includes exposure to chlorine bleach or the chemicals in oven cleaners, which can cause stains. These stains can be stubborn, but there are ways to remove them.
Here are three do-it-yourself methods you can try. Go in order. The solutions that are least likely to damage the stainless steel are first.
Stain Type | Chemical-based |
Detergent Type | Dishwashing soap |
Water Temperature | Hot |
Watch Now: How to Remove Rust and Food Stains From Stainless Steel
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Paper or microfiber towel
Materials
- Boiling water
- Paper or microfiber towel
Instructions
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The Spruce / Sarah Crowley
Before You Begin
Stainless steel is a steel alloy that contains a minimum of 10.5 percent chromium. Chromium gives the steel its corrosion resistance. Rather than oxidizing and discoloring when exposed to air or water, chromium reacts to form a thin protective coating on stainless steel. Although this protective layer can be scrubbed away, the protective film quickly reforms, which is why stainless steel surfaces seem indestructible in a kitchen.
This shiny material can be scratched fairly easily. This is less problematic with a matte-finish surface, like that found on some sinks, but shiny stainless steel requires some care to remove stains without scratching the finish.
Examine your stainless steel surface and determine if it has a grain pattern. While the metal itself is solid, the process by which the manufacturer polished the surface may leave it with faint directional scratches. Whenever you scrub a stainless steel surface—even if using so-called "non-scratch" pads—try to gently rub the stains in the same direction as the grain already present on the surface.
How to Remove Stains With Steam Cleaning
Many stains will be lifted from stainless steel by the action of steam vapor.
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Heat Water
Heat water to boiling in a kettle with a spout that will allow you to pour the hot water safely.
The Spruce / Sarah Crowley
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Place Towel on Surface of Stain
Place a paper towel or microfiber towel over the stained surface.
The Spruce / Sarah Crowley
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Pour Hot Water on Towel
Pour enough of the boiling water onto the paper towel to wet it. Allow the steam to work for five to 10 minutes.
The Spruce / Sarah Crowley
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Rub Surface Along the Grain
Once the surface has cooled, rub the surface with the paper towel, moving with the direction of the grain. If this does not remove the stain, try the next solution.
The Spruce / Sarah Crowley
How to Remove Stains With Baking Soda and Dish Soap
Baking soda mixed with liquid dish soap can make a good paste to gently rub out stains. Baking soda is a very fine abrasive that is unlikely to seriously scratch the stainless steel surface.
What You'll Need
Supplies
Tools
- Paper towel or soft microfiber cloth
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The Spruce / Sarah Crowley
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Mix Baking Soda and Dish Soap
Apply the mixture of baking soda and liquid dish soap to a microfiber cloth or another soft cloth, then rub at the stain, moving back and forth in the same directions as the grain in the metal.
Warning
- Do not use standard abrasive cleaners on stainless steel and prevent them from contacting the metal.
- Never use steel wool, wire brushes, or other abrasive cleaning tools on stainless steel. Non-scratch vinyl scrubbing pads can be used.
The Spruce / Sarah Crowley
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Rinse and Towel Dry
After rubbing, rinse the stainless steel surface thoroughly and towel it dry. Examine the surface. If this has not removed the stain, try the next technique.
The Spruce / Sarah Crowley
How to Remove Stains With Vinegar
What You'll Need
Supplies
Tools
- Soft towel or cloth
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The Spruce / Sarah Crowley
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Pour Vinegar on the Surface
Pour a little white vinegar or apple cider vinegar onto the stained surface.
The Spruce / Sarah Crowley
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Let Sit
Let it sit for a few minutes; the gentle acid in the vinegar may lift out the stains.
The Spruce / Sarah Crowley
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Rub Stain in the Direction of the Grain
Rub the stain with a soft cloth, following the grain of the steel.
The Spruce / Sarah Crowley
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Rinse and Towel Dry
Rinse thoroughly and dry the surface with a clean towel. Examine the stained area; if discoloration still is present, you should consider a commercial product.
The Spruce / Sarah Crowley
As a last resort, if the stains still do not budge, try a stainless steel cleaner and polisher. Barkeeper's Friend is one such powder formula that can clean without excessive scratching. Follow the directions, rinse thoroughly, and towel dry.