Oh.....but the fingerprints.....

So you’ve decided to pick out new appliances and you immediately head to that incredibly eye catching stainless steel double oven….then you look at the kids, picture all the fingerprints, and head over to another section in search of something requiring a lot less elbow grease. It happens to the best of us, we love the look, but not the thought of the required upkeep.
Stainless steel can actually be quite easy to take care of when you know how to do it. If you have your heart set on it joining your kitchen, here are a few tips:
• Most important is to find out whether the appliances are actually stainless steel, or if they are brushed chrome….this will affect cleaning and how aggressive you can be on the finish. Brushed chrome scratches much easier than stainless.
• For both finishes: Always wipe with the grain
• Do NOT use chlorine bleach or products containing chlorine.
• Steer clear of steel wool or brushes.
• For daily cleaning or light grime you can use a water/mild dish detergent solution or a solution of white vinegar and water.
• For moderate to heavy grime, you can use a nonabrasive cleaner on chrome such as a baking soda paste. Stainless can handle a slightly more abrasive commercial product.
• For fingerprints you can use glass cleaner. Rise well and towel dry. There are even stainless steel finishes that resist fingerprints, so may sure to ask your sales person if this option is available.
• Scratches and stains can be minimized or removed with a good stainless steel cleaner. This cleaner can also add a great polish to your appliance.
• RINSING is one of the most important steps in cleaning. Dirty water can stain or pit the surface. Follow with towel drying.
When it comes to care, always start with the least abrasive and aggressive method…..water. If water doesn’t work, then move on to the commercial cleaners, and when in doubt, test a cleaner on a hidden area. Even in a crazy household, you can enjoy stainless without it being much work at all…..so if you want the look, go for it!