"Stainless steel is a surface that never lies. You wipe it down after doing the dishes, feel reasonably accomplished, then glance back and see the faint imprints of yesterday's pasta pot or a lingering, greasy film. It can feel demanding, but underneath the streaks, it's just metal with a thin protective layer that responds well to the basics - old-school basics that are already sitting in the pantry. For cleaner stainless steel, look no further than vinegar, baking soda, and lemon."
"Start with distilled white or apple cider vinegar, which might sound silly until you remember vinegar is diluted acid. Spray or splash a little across the sink and let it sit until the acetic acid loosens the mineral buildup of hard-water spots and breaks through the thin film of grease. Wipe in the direction of the steel's grain; it has one, if you look closely, and that surface pattern is the texture the chromium-oxide layer formed when the steel was polished."
"When it turns into a paste under your sponge, the finely abrasive particles lift residue without scratching the steel. In fact, it actually might buff out any scratches. It's alkaline, so it handles odors and decomposing organic matter while your elbow grease does the rest. Rinse thoroughly and enjoy the sparkle. Finish your cleaning with lemon by cutting one in half and running it across the basin. The citric acid brightens the metal, and, as a bonus, it smells good too."
Use distilled white or apple cider vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup and break through grease; let acetic acid sit on the surface before wiping. Always wipe in the direction of the steel's grain to restore shine and avoid streaks. Apply a baking soda paste to lift residue around drains; its fine abrasives clean without scratching and can help buff minor scratches while neutralizing odors and organic matter. Rinse thoroughly. Finish by rubbing lemon halves across the basin so citric acid brightens the metal and leaves a fresh scent. Pantry staples rinse fully and leave no residue.
Read at Tasting Table
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