Keeping your stainless steel stove backsplash sparkling clean not only makes your kitchen look great, but it also helps maintain the backsplash’s durability and appearance. Stainless steel is prone to showing fingerprints, grease splatter, and water spots that can detract from its luster over time with regular use. Fortunately, you can keep your backsplash looking like new with some simple cleaning techniques and the right products.
Supplies You’ll Need
Cleaning your stainless steel backsplash doesn’t require a lot of fancy tools or expensive cleaners. Here are some basic supplies you’ll want to have on hand:
- Microfiber cleaning cloths: Microfiber cloths are lint-free and will not leave any fibers or paper towels behind. They’re also excellent for buffing stainless steel without scratching.
- Dish soap: Regular dish soap like Dawn works well for most cleaning. Avoid anything too harsh or abrasive.
- Stainless steel cleaner: A dedicated stainless steel cleaner will help dissolve grease, oil, fingerprints, and other grime. Look for a gentle, streak-free formula.
- Baby oil: The oil in baby oil helps lift fingerprints and polish the steel.
- White vinegar: Helpful for removing hard water spots and disinfecting.
- Baking soda: Works as a gentle scouring powder to lift cooked-on grease.
- Spray bottle: For applying homemade stainless steel cleaner.
- Soft-bristle toothbrush: For scrubbing in corners and along edges.
- Microfiber cloths, dish soap, stainless steel cleaner, baby oil, white vinegar, baking soda, spray bottle, soft-bristle toothbrush
Cleaning Techniques and Tips
Follow these techniques to keep your stainless steel backsplash sparkling:
1. Dry Clean Daily
- Wipe down the backsplash with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust, grease splatters, and fingerprints.
- This quick daily dry cleaning helps prevent buildup and keeps the steel shiny.
2. Wash with Dish Soap and Water
- For heavier cleaning, use a microfiber cloth or sponge dampened with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap.
- Gently wash the entire backsplash surface using circular motions.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft towel.
3. Remove Stubborn Grease and Grime
- For cooked-on grease or food splatters, let warm, soapy water soak on the spot for several minutes to loosen.
- Gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush if needed.
- For stubborn grime, try gently rubbing the area with baking soda or a stainless steel cleaner and a damp microfiber cloth.
4. Disinfect with Vinegar
- Periodically disinfect and remove bacteria by spraying white vinegar directly onto the backsplash.
- Let sit for several minutes before rinsing clean with water.
5.Polish Away Fingerprints and Water Spots
- Fingerprints and water spots can quickly accumulate on stainless steel’s smooth surface.
- Rub a small amount of baby oil onto affected areas using a soft cloth. The oil will dissolve fingerprints and water spots.
- For an all-over polish, you can also use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the entire backsplash.
6. Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Abrasive Cleaners
- Never use harsh chemicals like bleach or hydrochloric acid on stainless steel. These can damage the protective surface layer.
- Don’t use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which can scratch the finish.
Best Cleaners for Stainless Steel Backsplashes
While regular dish soap and water often do the trick, you can also purchase dedicated stainless steel cleaners for a little extra cleaning power:
Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaners
- Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish – Foaming formula clings to surfaces to dissolve dirt and grease. Helps hides small scratches.
- Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish – Spray-on cleaner leaves behind a protective coating to help prevent fingerprints and water spots.
- Zep Stainless Steel Cleaner – Industrial strength cleaner quickly cuts through stubborn grease and grime. Leaves a streak-free shine.
Homemade Cleaners
- Dish Soap, Water, and Vinegar – Mix a few drops of dish soap with equal parts warm water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray onto backsplash and wipe clean with a soft cloth.
- Olive Oil and Vinegar – Combine 3 parts olive oil with 1 part white vinegar and apply with a soft cloth to polish away fingerprints and grime.
- Baking Soda and Water – Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Gently rub onto backsplash with a damp cloth and rinse. Helps remove discoloration.
How to Clean Common Stains and Marks
Stainless steel backsplashes are prone to a variety of stubborn marks and stains from everyday kitchen use. Here are some tips for cleaning commonly encountered messes:
Grease and Oil Splatter
- Degrease immediately before grease has time to congeal. Hot water and dish soap usually cut through fresh grease splatters.
- For cooked-on grease stains, let a degreasing cleaner like diluted Dawn dish soap soak for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with a soft-bristle brush.
Food Splashes and Sauces
- Rinse food splashes like tomato sauce as soon as possible, then wash with hot, soapy water to prevent staining.
- For dried-on food, scrape off what you can with a plastic spatula, then scrub the spot with baking soda and water.
Hard Water Spots
- Apply vinegar directly onto hard water spots and mineral deposits. Let soak 5-10 minutes before rubbing with a cloth and rinsing.
- For stubborn spots, rub gently with a cloth dipped in full-strength white vinegar.
Rust Stains
- Rust stains can occur if the stainless steel surface is damaged. Use a rust stain remover formulated for stainless steel and scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush.
- Prevent rust by cleaning up food spills promptly and ensuring the backsplash is completely dry after cleaning.
Heat Discoloration
- Dark or rainbow-colored discoloration is caused by overheated stainless steel. Gently scrub with a baking soda and water paste using a soft-bristle brush.
Dried-on Food and Grease
- For seriously caked-on grime, apply a degreaser like diluted Dawn dish soap and let soak for 15 minutes or more to soften before scrubbing.
- Alternately cover stuck-on grime with an abrasive-free cleaner overnight before scrubbing in the morning. The cleaner will continue working while you sleep.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Backsplash Along the Stove
The section of backsplash directly behind and around your stove tends to get the grimiest with splatter and smoke accumulation. Here are some tips for cleaning this high traffic area:
- Give stove area backsplashes extra attention with degreasers and abrasive-free scrubbing. This section will need cleaned more frequently.
- Remove knobs and lift-up burner covers to access the backsplash underneath. Scrub with a toothbrush and baking soda paste.
- Unplug range hood and pull out to access upper area behind stove. Scrub with degreaser and toothbrush.
- Use a small toothbrush dipped in cleaner to scrub where backsplash meets stove edges and side trim.
- Rinse this section thoroughly after applying cleaners to prevent chemical residue collecting smoke and grease.
- Clean the stove area 2-3 times as often as the rest of the backsplash to prevent heavy buildup.
Best Practices for Ongoing Cleaning
Regular, thorough cleaning is key for keeping stainless steel backsplashes looking their best over years of use. Follow these best practices:
- Dry wipe daily – Quickly dry wiping every day prevents grime buildup and only takes seconds.
- Degrease weekly – Use a degreasing dish soap on heavily used zones weekly to control grease accumulation.
- Clean entire backsplash monthly – Do a thorough soap and water wash for the entire backsplash once a month.
- Polish every 3 months – Polish with baby oil or other polish to maintain the protective layer and shine.
- Disinfect every 6 months – Apply vinegar and let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing to kill bacteria every 6 months.
- Inspect for damage annually – Check for scratches, dents, rust spots, and heat discoloration and repair as needed to prevent worsening.
FAQs About Cleaning Stainless Steel Backsplashes
How can I make stainless steel shine like new again?
Gently scrubbing with a baking soda paste will remove discoloration and restore stainless steel’s shine. You can also buff dry with a microfiber cloth or rub a small amount of baby oil to polish and brighten.
What is the best stainless steel cleaner?
Look for a commercial cleaner that is streak-free, non-abrasive, and formulated specifically for stainless steel. Many popular brands like Weiman, Zep, and Therapy make excellent cleaners. You can also make your own with dish soap, vinegar, and olive oil.
How do you clean baked-on grease from a stainless steel backsplash?
Soak baked-on grease spots with a degreaser like diluted Dawn and warm water for 10-15 minutes. This will soften the grease so you can scrub it away more easily with a soft brush or cloth. Baking soda also works well for stubborn, cooked-on grease.
Why does my stainless steel backsplash look foggy?
Mineral deposits from hard water can lead to a cloudy, foggy look. You’ll need to scrub with a stainless steel cleaner or vinegar to remove the film. Prevent fogginess by thoroughly drying after cleaning and buffing occasionally with baby oil.
What should you not use to clean stainless steel?
Avoid bleach, hydrochloric acid, abrasive cleaners, and scouring pads. These can all damage stainless steel’s protective layer leading to corrosion, scratching, and staining. Even stainless steel wool pads should be used sparingly.
Does vinegar damage stainless steel?
No, vinegar is safe for cleaning stainless steel. The acetic acid in vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits, hard water spots, and grease without harming the steel. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after letting vinegar sit for several minutes.
How do you clean fingerprint smudges off a stainless steel backsplash?
Rub a small amount of olive oil or baby oil onto the fingerprints with a soft cloth. Wipe clean with a dry microfiber cloth. The oil helps lift fingerprint oils so they easily wipe away without smearing or residue.
What removes rust from a stainless steel backsplash?
Use a dedicated stainless steel rust remover spray and gently scrub the affected area with a soft brush. Prevent future rust by keeping the backsplash free of food debris and water spots which can allow rust to develop if left for prolonged periods.
Why does my backsplash look yellow behind my stove?
Yellowing or brown discoloration behind the stove is usually caused by high heat exposure, oil splatter, and smoke accumulating over time. Scrubbing with baking soda or a stainless steel cleaner should help remove the staining and restore normal color.
Conclusion
With its sleek, modern look, a stainless steel backsplash can be a beautiful focal point in your kitchen. Keeping it clean does take some regular maintenance, but with the right tools and techniques, you can keep your backsplash spotless for years to come. The key is using non-abrasive cleaners and gentle scrubbing to lift dirt without damaging the finish. A little soap and water, some vinegar and baking soda, and a microfiber cloth is all you need for cleaning success. Pay attention to problem areas around the stove, disinfect occasionally, and take time to polish and buff, and your backsplash will maintain its brilliant, reflective shine.