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If you have stainless steel sinks or appliances, I am sure you have experienced water spots or stains a time or two.
Those water spots can really make your appliances and sinks look grimy and dull which will have you consider learning how to remove water stains from stainless steel.
But worry no more! I’ve got a two-step process to remove water spots from stainless steel I think you’ll love!
The hard mineral-rich water is the cause of those water spots, and it can be a little bit of a struggle to get them removed.
But with these two simple methods below, you will have fresh and shiny appliances and sinks in no time! These methods are easy, and you probably have the items needed in your pantry!
Today, I am going to share two different methods – one to remove water spots from stainless steel appliances and the other on how to remove spots from stainless steel sinks.
Both of these are pretty simple methods and will give you that sparkle back to your stainless steel like the day you bought it new.
The biggest take away is here to keep up with the removal process I’m going to share or it will be harder and harder to remove water spots. This isn’t a do-it-once cleaning project.
Table of Contents
REMOVE WATER SPOTS FROM STAINLESS STEEL
In this first hack I use vinegar, but you can also use lemon juice if you prefer.
Lemon juice and vinegar are both acidic and that’s why you can switch them out in this recipe.
Ingredients:
- White Distilled Vinegar
- Baking Soda
HOW TO REMOVE WATER STAINS FROM STAINLESS STEEL SINKS
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- First off you want to clean and rinse out your sink. Include around the outer sides of the sink around the handles.
- In a spray bottle, pour in some white distilled vinegar. Spray the vinegar all over the sink and let stand for about five minutes so it can do its magic and remove those hard water stains.
- Next, sprinkle a little bit of baking soda all over the sink, this might fizz a little.
- With a cloth or a soft sponge start scrubbing to remove the spots.
- Repeat as needed until the water spots are removed.
Note: If you have some major build up around the handles or anywhere else, take a damp cloth with vinegar on it, and wrap it around the handles, and pour some vinegar on top, and let this sit for 15-20 minutes.
It will help break down the build-up. You can repeat this step until all the residue has been removed.
HOW TO REMOVE WATER SPOTS FROM STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES
This method works wonderfully!
Just make sure to buff it really well once done, so the oil doesn’t cause any build up over time.
I have gotten asked in the past if it will cause a build-up.
And, the answer is no if you make sure to get it all wiped off.
Ingredients:
- Olive Oil
- Soft Paper Towel
- Microfiber Cloth
Removing Water Stains on Stainless Steel Appliances
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- Fold your paper towel into 1/2 and then apply around a nickel to the quart-sized amount of olive oil to the paper towel. Then squish it around, so it soaks in all over on the paper towel. (NOTE: You can use a microfiber cloth for this, but it will stain it, that is why I recommend a paper towel for this).
- Start at the top of the appliance and move WITH the grain, left to right.
- Use your paper towel to wipe away any excess oil you have, or grab a new paper towel for this.
- Then with a microfiber cloth, buff your appliance really well, this will help remove any buildup of oils.
- That is all it takes to remove any water spots, and your appliances will be looking like new in no time!
- If you have a tray for an ice and water dispenser, remove it and soak in vinegar and water with a little dish soap to remove any build-up. If it won’t remove, then spray some vinegar on it, let it stand for 15 minutes and wipe clean to help remove any soap scum build-up.
Note: If you want to use a cleaner first to disinfect your fridge, go right ahead, and then follow up with the oil process.
I know over time those door handles can get pretty grimy, and it is a good idea to use a cleaner to help eliminate any bacteria that may be on your handles, and outside of the fridge!
I recommend staying up on cleaning your appliances often, to help eliminate those water spots as much as possible.
Even with soft water, water spots happen over time, and they can be a pain in the butt to get rid of.
We hope our guide on removing water stains from stainless steel could help you with your stainless steel problems.
Looking for other cleaning hacks? Check out these articles!
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