Stainless steel splashbacks can elevate your kitchen to a sleek, modern masterpiece. It's the little black dress of kitchen design: timeless and chic. But let's be honest: when fingerprints, smudges, and splatters appear, the glamour fades quickly. Don't worry! I've got you covered with easy, actionable tips to restore the shine and keep your splashback looking as good as the day you installed it.
Why is Stainless Steel Suitable for Kitchen Splashbacks?
It's no surprise that stainless steel reigns supreme in the kitchen due to its durability, rust resistance, and hygiene. It has been a professional kitchen staple for decades and an excellent barrier against sauces, oils, and the occasional "oops" that occur while cooking.
Bonus? It looks stunning, whether you prefer industrial chic or minimalist elegance.
Important Cleaning Tips for Stainless Steel Splashbacks
When it comes to cleaning stainless steel, the rule of thumb is to go with the grain. Like petting a cat, stainless steel prefers a gentle touch in the right direction. Let's look at the best cleaning methods that are both efficient and simple.
Technique 1 - Soapy Water
There's a reason this classic exists! Add a few drops of dish soap to warm water, grab a soft sponge or a soft piece of cloth, and gently wipe your splashback. Avoid the abrasive side of the sponge like the plague because nobody wants scratches on their new shiny splashback. When you're finished, dry it with a microfiber cloth to get that streak-free shine.
Technique 2 - Mixture of Vinegar, Olive Oil, and Washing-Up Liquid
This combination is pure magic. Combine equal quantities of white vinegar and water, then add a splash of olive oil and a dollop of dish soap. Apply the mixture to the splashback with a soft cloth and then wipe it dry. The olive oil not only cleans but also adds a nice polished finish.
Technique 3 - Oil and Lemon
Think of this as a vinaigrette… but for your kitchen! A mix of oil and lemon juice works wonders for polishing stainless steel. Lemon juice contains citric acid, a natural cleaner that cuts through grease and removes stains, while oil helps polish the surface. Apply it with a soft cloth, then buff it dry with a microfiber towel. Who knew salad dressing had a side hustle?
Technique 4 - White Clay Stone
If you have not tried white clay stone, you are missing out. It's a powerful cleaner that's gentle and effective. White clay stone cleans, polishes, and degreases stainless steel without scratching, making it an eco-friendly choice for your kitchen. Use a soft cloth or sponge and clean in the direction of grains, and voilà —a gleaming splashback.
Technique 5 - Baking Soda | 100% Ecological
Baking soda is more than just a baking ingredient; it's also an environmentally friendly cleaning agent, especially for stubborn stains and grease. To make a paste, combine two tablespoons of baking soda and a splash of water or liquid dish soap. Rub it into the stainless steel, rinse, and dry. It's gentle, natural, and works beautifully.
Technique 6 - Blanc de Meudon
Never heard of Blanc de Meudon? It's a white powder made of calcium carbonate, commonly used for cleaning various surfaces, including stainless steel. Mix it with water to create a paste, rub it onto your splashback, then rinse and dry. The result? A surface so shiny you might see your reflection.
Technique 7 - Using Black Soap
Black Soap (Savon noir) is a multi-tasking superhero. It is a natural, biodegradable cleaner with excellent degreasing properties suitable for stainless steel surfaces. Just apply a small amount to a cloth or damp sponge and gently rub on the surface. After cleaning, rinse with warm water and dry with a microfiber cloth to restore the surface's shine.
Technique 8 - Using Marseille Soap
Marseille soap is another gentle alternative. It is a natural, gentle cleaning product that works well for stainless steel surfaces, effectively removing stains, grease, and dirt. Just moisten the bar, apply/rub it on the surface with a sponge or cloth, rinse with water, and dry immediately with a microfiber cloth.
Technique 9 - Window Cleaner
This one is probably already sitting under your sink. Spray it on, wipe it off with a soft cloth, and enjoy the streak-free finish. It's quick, easy, and effective.
Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning a Stainless Steel Splashback
Stainless steel is tough but not invincible. Some cleaning habits can do more harm than good. Here's what to avoid:
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Abrasive Sponges: Never use abrasive sponges, scouring pads, or steel wool. These can scratch the surface, ruin its appearance, and make the splashback more susceptible to staining and corrosion.
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Cleaning Against the Grain: Always clean in the direction of grains. Cleaning against grains can cause small scratches.
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Using Harsh Chemicals: Avoid bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, silver dip polishes, and harsh detergents. They are corrosive and can dull the colour of your splashback.
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Leaving Water: Always whip dry your splashback after cleaning to avoid water spots and streaks. Use a microfiber cloth.
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Applying Too Much Oil: Applying too much oil can lead to a greasy surface and attract dust and fingerprints.
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Using Silver Dip Polishes: Silver dip polishes can cause corrosion and should never be used on stainless steel.
Keep Your Stainless Steel Splashback Sparkling!
With the proper care, your stainless steel splashback can stay as stunning as a magazine-worthy kitchen. Whether you go old-school with soapy water or get fancy with white clay stone, there's a method for everyone. Just remember: treat it gently, avoid the harsh stuff, and always clean in the direction of the grain.
