Easy ways to remove stains from tarnished stainless steel

When stainless steel becomes rusted, it can ruin the visual appearance, and if left unchecked, it can also degrade the strength and performance of stainless steel. If you want to restore stainless steel in your property, here are a few easy methods that you can use right at home to clean your stainless steel.

Once you have noticed your stainless steel looking tarnished, discoloured or not as bright and polished as you like you should invest in some quality stainless steel polish. There are many affordable options to help you restore stainless steel back to its former glory.

Firstly have a look at your stainless, is it mirror? Or does it have a grain (lines in the stainless running parallel)? This is important when deciding which product to purchase to remove oxidation from steel

Mirror finish stainless is the most difficult to restore, as small bits of dirt, grit or other contaminants that are not removed before deciding to restore the stainless can cause light scratches.

Start by washing the stainless with a mild cleaner and a microfiber cloth to ensure the stainless is clean and all debris is removed.

Then purchase a mirror finish polish. This should be smooth between your fingers and not contain any grit.

Follow the instructions of the polish and start in a small unnoticeable area to ensure the product isn’t going to damage the stainless steel. A damp microfiber with a small amount of polish rubbed in a circular motion is generally the best method to restore stainless steel with a mirror finish. This will remove oxidation from steel, polish fine scratches out and bring back the finish.

Rinse the stainless with fresh water to ensure there is no polish left on the steel.

Then dry with a soft cloth or microfiber.

Stainless steel with a grain is more forgiving. To restore stainless steel with a grain firstly pay close attention to the direction of the grain. This is the only way the stainless steel should be rubbed. Rubbing perpendicular to the grain will cause unsightly scratches and require a more intensive restoration to remove.

Like mirror, firstly wash the stainless to remove any debris.

Then select a polish with some abrasion, some cleaners you may already have at home can remove oxidation from steel quickly. Gumption is very abrasive and works quickly to restore stainless steel, however, it is scratching the surface and following the grain is very important.

Run over all the stainless after working a small area to determine the product isn’t causing damage. Ensure the finish is uniform touching up areas that don’t match.

After you have removed the damage, rinse the stainless to remove all the gritty cleaner or polish used.

Then with a damp cloth and some mirror stainless polish rub back over the stainless until the desired level of finish is achieved.

Rinse once again and dry with a microfiber or soft cloth.

Remember to always follow the direction of the grain for all steps.

In some cases, you may need a professional to restore stainless steel that has been pitted by oxidation, salt damage or other environmental contaminants. Many professionals like 1st Choice Fix have the knowledge and experience to completely sand and polish stainless. You can always attempt heavier levels of restoration yourself, but be cautious as damaging the stainless may end up costing you more in the long run if you do need a professional in the future.

1st Choice Fix has over 10 years’ experience, provide free online quotes and can even offer a professional grade EnduroShield sealant option after the treatment to help protect the stainless steel in the future. This means less time is needed in the future to restore stainless steel around your home. Give us a call today on 0401 487 558, info@1stchoicefix.com.au or learn more about our stainless steel repair services on our website.