Content

• Method 2 of 3: Polishing with olive oil
• Method 3 of 3: Polishing with special cleaners
• What do you need
• Tips
• Warnings

1 Choose vinegar. Some vinegars work better than others. White and apple cider vinegar are similar in this regard, but apple cider vinegar leaves behind a pleasant aroma. Use what is at hand. Due to its higher acidity, a vinegar-based cleaner is more suitable for stubborn stains. If your garment has become quite tarnished, buy a vinegar-based cleaner.

2 Check grain direction. Like wood, stainless steel also has fibers that can run vertically or horizontally. Wipe the steel along the grain to cover small grooves where dirt can accumulate.

3 Treat steel with copious amounts of vinegar. Pour vinegar into a spray bottle to coat the stainless steel with a light coat of vinegar. Spray the vinegar on the item until it is covered with a thin layer of vinegar. If you don't want to use a spray bottle, soak a cloth in vinegar and rub it evenly over the garment.

• For a light polish, dilute the vinegar with water (1/2 cup vinegar to 500 ml water). A heavily tarnished product should be polished with undiluted vinegar.

4 Wipe the steel with a soft cloth. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to rub the vinegar along the grain direction. This will remove the dirt and restore the shine to the product. Remember to wipe the garment along the grain direction.If the vinegar remains in the grooves, the steel will tarnish over time.

• Paper towels can leave behind fibers or small pieces of paper. Use a rag to polish stainless steel.

Method 2 of 3: Polishing with olive oil

1. 1 Pour olive oil onto a soft cloth. Apply one to two dime-sized drops of oil to a soft microfiber cloth. Remove the cap from the olive oil bottle and place the cloth on top. Then turn the bottle over for one to two seconds to soak the oil in the fabric.
   • Olive oil can be substituted with baby oil if desired.
2. 2 Treat stainless steel with olive oil. Before you start polishing, treat the entire surface of the item with olive oil. Continue rubbing the product until the surface starts to shine. If the oil is unevenly distributed, correct it.
3. 3 Wipe the surface of the product in a circular motion, while pressing firmly on it. Wipe the garment with a cloth to which the olive oil has been applied, pressing hard enough to rub the oil into the grooves. Continue rubbing in the olive oil for a few minutes until you've rubbed the entire piece.
   • Check grain direction before rubbing in the oil. Rubbing oil across the grain can tarnish the stainless steel product as the oil will remain in the grooves.
4. 4 Use a clean cloth or paper towel to remove excess oil. With prolonged contact, the oil can dull the shine of stainless steel. Take a clean, soft cloth and wipe dry.
   • Touch the product. If it's still greasy, wipe it off a little more. Wipe off any fingerprints left on the surface with a cloth.

Method 3 of 3: Polishing with special cleaners

1. 1 Choose a wax-free steel polish. Wax polishes leave behind a film that over time can strip the brilliance of stainless steel. For best results, use a non-wax abrasive steel polish.
   • You can buy stainless steel polish at most hardware stores. If you can't find a remedy, ask a store employee for help.
2. 2 Choose an oil-based or water-based cleaner. Water-based cleaners will not remove stains or fingerprints from stainless steel surfaces. For best results, use an oil-based cleaner. Water-based cleaners are safer for the environment as they are less flammable and less toxic. Decide which remedy is right for you.
3. 3 Polish in a well-ventilated area. Some specialized cleaners can give off vapors that are dangerous to inhale in small spaces. Polish stainless steel near a window or outdoors to avoid inhaling harmful fumes. Before cleaning, open all windows and doors and never use specialized cleaners in confined spaces.
   • If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or otherwise unwell, leave the room immediately and contact a poison control center. If possible, keep the product label on hand so that the poison control center knows what they are dealing with.
4. 4 Spray the cleaner onto the item. Wear rubber gloves to keep the cleaner out of your hands.
   • Check the label of the cleaner for specific directions and warnings.
5. 5 Wipe the garment along the grain direction with a dry microfiber cloth. The product will then be ready for use. To prevent dirt from collecting between polishes, wipe the stainless steel product daily (or after each use).

What do you need

• Apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or vinegar-based cleanser
• Water
• Microfiber cloth
• Paper towels (optional)
• Spray
• Olive oil
• Wax-free cleaner
• Gloves

Tips

• Do not use water that is too hard, as it can stain stainless steel.
• Use a microfiber cloth to avoid leaving streaks on the steel while polishing.
• Do not use steel wool to polish stainless steel. Steel wool is too abrasive and scratches.

Warnings

• Not all specialized cleaners are safe for use on kitchen utensils. Make sure the product is non-toxic and read all packaging warnings.
• Do not buy all-purpose metal cleaners that contain chlorine or bleach, as these can damage stainless steel.
• Do not mix bleach and vinegar as they form toxic fumes together.