Black stainless steel has had instant appeal with appliance buyers since it was first introduced. The unique aesthetic is loved by consumers, and it also provides greater fingerprint and smudge resistance compared to most of the luxury alternatives. While it has not yet unseated the ever popular stainless steel finish, it is set to be a massive trend. So, here we’ll explore how you should clean a black stainless steel appliance so that you can have confidence in your purchase decision.
The Black Stainless Steel Basics
Black stainless steel is quite similar to traditional stainless steel finishes, but due to the different manufacturing process, it does require different techniques and methods of care.
At the core of black stainless steel is the same composite of chromium, iron, nickel, and silicon that you would find in conventional stainless steel. What sets this bold finish apart is the protective polymer coating to mute the finish. This results in a more anti corrosive surface and an elegant look that contrasts the sterile look of conventional stainless.
Things to Avoid
While black stainless steel can add sophistication and elegance to your kitchen, this can be quickly compromised by poor cleaning habits. So, we’ll start with some of the things you should avoid when you start cleaning your new black stainless steel appliance. Due to the top coat we mentioned above, it is vital that you don’t do anything that will scratch the finish, or you could risk exposing the burnished steel under the bold black layer. This means that it is imperative not to rub the black surface with any abrasive material including scouring pads or steel wool. Even newspapers and stiff cloths have the potential to mark the surface. You’ll also need to avoid using many of the standard cleaning products you may use in your kitchen including baking soda, ammonia, powdered soap, abrasive liquid soaps or acidic compounds such as lemon, vinegar or oven cleaner. While it sounds strange, even stainless steel polish should be avoided, as it has the potential to damage the black coating.
Cleaning Methods
So, now we’ve explored what you shouldn’t do with black stainless steel, we’ll discuss the best cleaning methods to keep your new appliance looking superb. The best cleaning method is also the simplest; you just need to use a table napkin or soft cloth towel with warm, soapy water to clean your black stainless steel. You’ll still need to use this gently and only rub the surface lightly with the grain of the finish. You should notice that any stains will be eliminated within a couple of seconds. You can then use a dry microfiber cloth to dry the surface using a light dabbing motion.
For everyday cleaning, you can remove any fresh drips or spills by using a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe the surface and pat dry. If you do spill something, just remember not to automatically reach for paper towels, as these can actually be quite scratchy and may damage the black coating.
Minor Repairs
The production technology for black stainless steel has advanced a great deal in recent years. Some manufacturers are now offering scratch resistant black stainless steel appliances, which are more durable. Unfortunately, some older black stainless steel models are still vulnerable to damage. So, if you were a trend setter and adopted black stainless steel early, it may be worth knowing how to perform some minor repairs. If your appliance has suffered a minor scratch, you could cover the damage with a black permanent marker, softly buff the ink before it dries using a microfiber cloth to allow the color to be blended. This should disguise the mark unless someone gets really up close and scrutinizes your appliance.
If you’re considering upgrading to black stainless steel appliances, you can explore the options with this online collection or speak to a home appliance specialist for further help.