How to remove hard water stains from stainless steel. Hard water leaves residue stains that leave your stainless-steel surfaces foggy and dirty. You can’t just use any old cleaner to get rid of hard water stains.
You need special cleaners specifically made for dealing with them. But if you don’t happen to have any in your house, you can instead remove hard water stains on your stainless steel using an all-natural household ingredient that is designed exactly for this purpose: lemon juice.
How to remove hard water stains from stainless steel
Take a soft cloth and dissolve it in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and warm water. Wipe down the stainless steel with this, following up with a towel.
Mixing baking soda and lemon juice
This is a great method of getting rid of stains on stainless steel. It works especially well on surfaces that run horizontally. Pour some lemon juice on the stain and leave it alone for five minutes.
Next, pour some baking soda on the area in a thin layer this might cause it to fizz a bit. Take a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel, and rub gently in the direction of the steel’s grain (that doesn’t mean you should push too hard).
Perhaps add some more lemon juice if you don’t see significant improvement as you wipe away the baking soda.
Once that’s done, get rid of any residue with some clean water, followed by a smooth dry cloth (it’s always important to clear your stainless steel thoroughly). Allow your steel item to air dry before putting it away or storing it.
Using White Vinegar
Removing water stains from your appliance might seem like a tricky task, but it’s easier than you think. First things first, though you need to gather up some supplies in order to get the job done.
The first item on your shopping list is white vinegar. Fill up a spray bottle with vinegar and put it aside for later use.
Next, you’ll want to grab a rag or paper towel (we recommend using microfiber cloths for best results). As you’re wiping out the water spots, be sure not to scrub or rub against the grain of the stainless steel finish.
Lastly, have a dry cloth ready in case any residue remains once you’re done with the cleaning.
Olive oil should be applied
If your stainless steel’s shine has been affected by nasty water stains, then you can use olive oil to clean the area and restore its original luster.
Dribble a small amount of olive oil onto a soft microfiber cloth or paper towel. Apply this oil to the stain, always remembering to rub in the direction of the stainless steel’s grain.
Then wipe again with a clean dry cloth in order to remove the excess oil.
Using rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can also be a useful tool in achieving stainless steel cleanliness. The most crucial element to remember when cleaning stainless steel is following the direction of the grain.
Water stains can actually etch the surface, making the stain more difficult to remove and sometimes permanent.
Rubbing alcohol will burn off any remaining water after you have let it sit for at least 10 minutes, which will ensure that there is no harmful residue left behind.
It is not advisable to use rags or paper towels for this method because they may leave lint behind on your kitchen sink or stove, which would then turn into nasty streaks when applied with water.
An effective stainless steel cleaner
If you are looking for an effective stainless steel cleaner that can tackle tough spots, Bar Keepers Friend or Method makes for effective products.
Follow instructions on the label carefully and consider using gloves over your hands because some of these cleaners can be harsh, especially if using the powder type.
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