In recent years, stainless steel has become the most appliance choice. This is understandable, stainless steel surfaces look great, and they’re durable. But, certain appliances, including ranges and cooktops can have a grease buildup with frequent use. In this article, we will show you how to remove grease from stainless steel surfaces.

Washing with Soap and Water

Many liquid dish soap products are marketed as being tough on grease formations. They can be effective on light grease buildup and using dish soap should be tried first before you resort to other solutions. Mix a little dish soap in a bucket of warm water to create a bubbly cleaning mixture. Get a soft and clean microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive sponge and dip it in the cleaning water. Use the moistened cloth or sponge and scrub the stainless steel gently in the direction of the grain. This may be repeated a few times with a fresh sponge or cloth to get the surface clean. A nylon scrub brush can be used on areas that have caked-on grease deposits. When the grease is removed, use a clean and fresh cloth to rinse the surface with warm water and dry the surface with a towel.

Cleaning with Baking Soda and Vinegar

If you search for homemade cleaning solutions, you will discover that most of these cleaning recipes contain baking soda and vinegar. They are effective cleaners, deodorizing agents and they are kind on stainless steel surfaces. Combine equal parts baking soda and clean water in a bowl to form a thick paste. Use a soft cloth or spoon to apply this cleaning paste to the greasy areas. After 15 minutes scrub the stain with a soft nylon brush, and you must scrub in the direction of the stainless steel grain. Then, rinse the surface with clean water and examine the surface. If there are still grease deposits, apply some white vinegar to the remaining baking soda deposits. This will cause a gentle chemical cleaning reaction that will make the surface fizz. Brush the area clean, and you should have a clean and grease free stainless steel surface.

Baby Oil Restoration

There may be times when cleaning simply doesn’t remove stubborn grease stains. This can diminish the shine, but it may be possible to remove the stain with baby oil. Baby oil can dilute the oil deposits that form most of the grease stain which breaks it down for cleaning. The baby oil can be applied to the surface with a soft and dry microfiber cloth. The affected areas should be buffed in the direction of the grain, and this can be repeated multiple times as required. When you’re done, buff the oil with a fresh clean cloth to remove the residue. If you don’t have baby oil, it is possible to get similar results with mineral or olive oil.

Commercial Degreasers

If the DIY grease cleaning solutions shown above don’t work or you don’t have time to try them, there are widely available commercial degreaser products to try. When you choose a degreaser, check the label carefully to ensure that it will work with stainless steel. Certain cleaners and degreasers are designed for clear-coated steel, and other products work better on raw metal surfaces. A degreaser that’s formulated for stain steel is the best option and the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed carefully.

If you’re thinking about a new stainless steel appliance, explore your options with our online collection or for further guidance speak to a home appliance expert.