How to Maintain Stainless Steel Kitchen Surfaces

Stainless steel delivers a clean, professional appearance and holds up well under daily use. However, stainless steel requires specific care to maintain its finish. Improper cleaning methods can quickly lead to scratches, corrosion, and water spots.

In this guide, we cover the benefits and challenges of stainless steel, as well as effective kitchen cleaning tips to maintain your stainless steel kitchen surfaces.

Benefits and Challenges of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most practical kitchen surfaces for hotels and commercial kitchens.

• Stainless steel resists rust, mold, and corrosion, making it suitable for wet environments such as sinks and prep areas.
• Its non-porous surface does not absorb food residue or moisture, making it easier to maintain strict hygiene standards in commercial kitchens.
• Stainless steel can withstand very extreme temperatures (up to 2000F heat and near-cryogenic levels of cold), so it does not melt, bend, scorch, or warp during normal kitchen activities.
• It has unmatched durability. If stainless steel is properly maintained, it can last for decades.

However, stainless steel is not entirely indestructible. If a heavy impact dents it, it is incredibly hard to fix. If the surface gets scratched or corroded, bacteria can live in those grooves, or water can cause it to rust. It also shows every smudge, streak, and fingerprint, so it requires frequent wipe-downs to maintain a sleek and clean appearance.

Use Non-Abrasive Cleaners to Prevent Scratches

Stainless steel is protected by an ultrathin and self-healing layer of chromium oxide, which forms when the chromium in the steel comes into contact with oxygen. Harsh powders, steel wool, and rough scrubbing pads can scratch this passive surface past what it can heal.

To avoid damaging this layer during kitchen surface cleaning, use non-abrasive cleaners and soft cloths. Mild dish soap and warm water work well for routine kitchen surface cleaning. Apply the solution with a microfiber cloth or soft sponge, then rinse thoroughly.

Wipe in the Direction of the Grain

Stainless steel has a visible grain pattern that runs either horizontally or vertically. Cleaning against the grain can

• Leave streaks and make scratches appear more pronounced
• Scratch into the protective surface and leave room for bacteria and corrosion
• Push dirt and food residue deeper into any microscopic grooves, which compromises the hygiene benefits of a stainless steel surface

Always wipe in the direction of the grain. This allows cleaning products to lift dirt and residue more effectively for effective stainless steel maintenance.

Dry Surfaces to Prevent Water Spots and Excess Moisture

Water spots form when mineral deposits remain on the surface after moisture evaporates. Excess moisture, especially when combined with harsh cleansers or acidic solutions, can break down the protective chromium oxide layer. This can allow corrosion and rust to set in.

Dry stainless steel surfaces completely using an absorbent, soft cloth. This step removes lingering moisture and prevents streaks and spots from forming. Drying also improves the overall appearance by restoring shine without additional products.

Apply Stainless Steel Polish Periodically

Stainless steel polish helps restore shine and reduce fingerprints during kitchen surface maintenance. It also adds a light protective layer that makes future cleaning easier. However, over-polishing can leave a dull finish and residue. The best times to apply stainless steel polish to your kitchen surfaces after a good deep cleaning are:

• Monthly for high traffic areas
• Quarterly in low-use areas
• As needed when exposed to chemical spills, acidic foods, or other things that can corrode or etch into the protective layer

Apply stainless steel polish to clean surfaces using a soft cloth, always working with the grain. A small amount goes a long way.

Let Us Handle the Cleaning

You, your guests, and your culinary team all benefit from a thoroughly clean, sanitary kitchen environment. At Hotel Cleaning Services, we set your restaurant up for success by ensuring everything in the kitchen is clean from top to bottom. We’ll keep your stainless steel kitchen surfaces and equipment sparkling, and the entire kitchen environment spot-free and healthy. Partner with us today for cleaning, disinfecting, temporary staffing, and more.