Remove Heavy-Duty Stains on Stainless Steel

Written by Amy Gordon (last updated June 17, 2024)

Anyone who has worked extensively with stainless steel knows that the name is really a misnomer. Stainless steel is as susceptible to spots as many other metals, it just does not tarnish the same way regular steel does. So when you are cleaning that stainless steel and come across a stain that you just cannot remove, here is a handy little tip that you can try. Just follow these steps and soon your stainless steel will once again be stain-free.

The first thing that you need to do is get a bowl you can mix chemicals in. Mix equal parts of ammonia and water together in the bowl. You can experiment a little with the amount of each item, but you will probably want to keep it at about a 50/50 mixture. Once you have your mixture, take a clean cloth and dip it in. Then rub the mixture onto the stain. You can try letting it settle on the stain for a little bit, or you can just rub it until the stain comes out; it is your choice. You should let the ammonia solution set into the stain for a little while before you start scrubbing if the stain is severe, but if it is a mild stain, you should be able to just rub it out.

If the stain is particularly stubborn, that mixture of ammonia and water may not work. If this turns out to be the case, there is another trick that you can use to remove the stain. All you will need is some lemon juice and borax. Remember that borax is toxic, so you will want to follow any safety instructions given on the borax box. For a start, you will definitely want to be wearing rubber gloves so the borax does not get all over your hands. If you have them, goggles are good to stop any borax from getting in your eyes. Mix the lemon juice and the borax, and rub the mixture onto the stainless steel. This much more powerful combination should easily make the stain a thing of the past.

Author Bio

Amy Gordon

Amy Gordon loves keeping things simple, natural, and safe so she can spend more time having fun. Every day she learns new things about making life at home easier and she loves to share it with you! ...

MORE FROM AMY

Stop Microwave Odors

Microwaves absorb the smells of the foods cooked in them. To stop these odors and leave a temporary sweet smell, cook a ...

Discover More

Removing Magic Marker Stains

Some permanent marker stains may never come out, but there are several methods you can use for marker stains that will ...

Discover More

Removing Teeth Stains

Teeth naturally yellow over time, but products exist to help lessen the effect. Make sure to brush and floss regularly. ...

Discover More

Tough Cleaning Jobs Require Brawny! Brawny paper towels provide the versatility you need: the strength for demanding jobs and the softness to clean up your child's messy face. This 24-roll pack of pick-a-size sheets can handle just about every cleaning task in your home. Check out Brawny 24-Pack Giant Paper Towels today!

More Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Stainless Steel

Stainless steel provides for very sophisticated and clean looking appliances and surfaces. If you want that surface to ...

Discover More

Repairing Scratched Stainless Steel

Stainless steel, though a very durable and popular choice among homeowners, can still become damaged over time. One such ...

Discover More

Make Stainless Steel Sparkle

Anyone with stainless steel appliances knows that the metal isn't as "stainless" as the name would indicate. These easy ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 6 - 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.