Quck answer
To make steel shiny, follow these steps:
1. Clean the steel surface with a mild soap and warm water to remove dirt and grime.
2. Rinse the steel thoroughly and dry it with a clean cloth.
3. Apply a metal polish or stainless steel cleaner to the steel surface.
4. Use a soft cloth or sponge to rub the polish onto the steel, following the grain of the metal.
5. Continue rubbing until the steel becomes shiny and free of any tarnish or dullness.
6. Wipe off any excess polish and buff the steel with a clean, dry cloth to enhance its shine.
7. Repeat the process regularly to maintain the steel’s shine.
By following these steps, you can easily make steel shiny and restore its original luster.
When steel is shiny, it is a timeless accent. However, when it becomes tarnished, darkened, grimy, or dirty from day-to-day use, its appeal diminishes quickly. Like anything else, maintaining the shine of steel often requires using the right products to keep it looking its best.
Clean as You Go
Whether it is new brushed steel or classic shiny steel, keeping it in good shape is easy if you clean up spills and messes as soon as they occur. Cleaning steel is often as simple as using a wet microfiber cloth to wipe it clean and then drying it with another microfiber cloth to remove streaks or drops. If you allow messes to dry, you may need to put in more effort to clean them.
Occasionally, deeper cleaning may be necessary, in which case you might need to use a metal polishing paste or other steel cleaning products. However, be cautious when using industrial cleaners on steel surfaces that are used in food production or preparation. For appliances and plumbing fixtures, an industrial stainless steel cleaner can sometimes restore severely tarnished metal to its original shine.
However, most of the time, vinegar and olive oil are the dynamic duo that can make steel gleam.
Things You’ll Need
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White vinegar
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Microfiber and/or other lint-free cloths
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Olive oil (recommended), baby oil, or vegetable oil
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Stainless steel cleaner (optional)
How to Clean Steel
Whether you have brushed steel or shiny steel, the cleaning process is the same. This also applies when using eco-friendly or industrial stainless steel cleaners. With a wide range of stainless steel cleaners available, choose one that suits your needs. Always test it in an inconspicuous area to ensure it does not damage the surface.
However, if you prefer a natural cleaning method, the one most recommended by professional housekeepers is safe to use and will not cause damage.
Step 1: Remove Dirt and Grime
Prior to polishing the steel, clean it thoroughly. Use household distilled white vinegar, which is mildly acidic and excellent for cleaning steel. Normally, a 50-50 dilution with water is sufficient, but for tougher cleaning, undiluted white vinegar may be required. Apply the vinegar with a clean cloth and scrub the surface until it is clean. Then, dry it with another clean cloth. If undiluted vinegar is used, ensure there is good ventilation.
Step 2: Apply Olive Oil
If you are cleaning a kitchen sink, a few drops of olive oil on a cloth may be enough. However, for larger surfaces like kitchen appliances, you will need more oil. It is important to apply a very thin layer of olive oil to the surface you are cleaning. Excessive oil will require more effort to remove, so start with a small amount and only increase if necessary. While olive oil is highly recommended, some people find success with baby oil or vegetable oil as well.
Step 3: Buff, Buff, Buff
Now, start buffing the surface to restore its shine. Be cautious and apply gentle pressure, as steel can easily dent. Use small circular motions to slowly buff the entire surface with a lint-free cloth until it becomes smooth and shiny once again. Once you believe you have buffed it all, repeat the process with a fresh clean cloth to ensure all the oil is removed. If any oil is left behind, it will harden and create a sticky residue, making the surface dirty again.
Require Additional Cleaning Power?
If the reliable method of using olive oil does not work for you, it might be a good idea to explore commercial cleaning options to address your tarnish-removal requirements. The longer stains remain on steel, the more effort may be required to eliminate them, but you will be amazed at the effectiveness of certain products available in the market.
