How To Easily Get Rid Of Rust On Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel appliances have become a fashion statement. One of the only bad things about this kitchen fashion statement is that steel is prone to rust and there are lots of opportunities in a kitchen for rust to develop. If you find that rust has gotten on your metal appliances, that doesn't mean that you need to throw away your appliances; you can remove the rust and get your appliances looking shiny and new again!
#1 Avoid Harsh Cleaners
You don't need to use any harsh cleaners to eliminate rust from your appliances. On the outside of stainless steel machines, there is a protective layer of chromium oxide. This protective layer helps keep rust away. When harsh chemicals break down the protective layer, that is when your appliances become more prone to rusting.
Don't use harsh cleaners to remove the rust or for everyday cleaning purposes. There are specific ingredients you should avoid in any cleaner you use on metal appliances. Don't use cleaners with the following ingredients: alcohol, mineral spirits, chlorine, fluoride, bromine, ammonia, or bleach. All these ingredients can damage the protective coating that keeps rust from developing in the first place.
#2 Gather Your Supplies
The supplies for getting rid of rust on your appliances is very basic. You need some white vinegar, a non-scratch scouring pad, warm water, and at least two cotton clothes. If you are cleaning and removing rust from more than one appliance, you may end up needing to use more rags. You don't need to use anything stronger to get rid of the rust.
#3 Clean off the Rust
To clean off the rust, take the sourcing pad and pour white vinegar all over it. For less of a mess, you may want to pour the white vinegar into a bowl, and then just soak the pad in the bowl of white vinegar so that the pad is saturated.
Once the pad is saturated with vinegar, take the pad and start scrubbing away at the rust. You'll want to scrub in the same direction grain goes on your steel appliance. If you look closely, you'll notice that the grain of the metal flows either vertically or horizontally; work with the grain, not against it. Scrub until you can't see the rust anymore.
Once you can't see the rust, take one of your rags and dip it into some hot water. Wipe the rag across the area you just cleaned, this will remove all the little particles of dust you just scrubbed off and will allow you to see if the area is rust free. Use the second, dry cloth, to wipe the area dry.
You may notice more rust after you wash and dry the area; if you notice more rust, just scrub the area again with the scouring pad and white vinegar.
Rust is not a deal breaker; you can easily get rid of it with a little vinegar and some time. For more information, contact a company like Jensen Appliance & Refrigeration Service.