How to clean stainless steel appliances and sinks

Do you love the sleek look of a stainless steel kitchen? You are not alone. Among homeowners who remodeled their kitchen this year, 73 percent 

chose stainless new steel appliances. Add to that the popularity of stainless steel sinks and faucets ... and you’re looking at a material that plays

a starring or supporting role in just about every American kitchen.

But do you know how to clean stainless steel appliances and fixtures? Despite stainless’s many advantages, it’s infamous for showing every fingerprint

or smudge. There’s an art to keeping your stainless kitchen essentials looking great.

We consulted Wayne Archer, a veteran appliance serviceman who’s now Technical Author for Sears PartsDirect. Wayne’s got the goods on maintenance 

of kitchen appliances and fixtures. Check out his pro tips on how to clean stainless steel:

Follow the grain. Stainless steel has a particular grain - or direction - similar to wood. Take a good close look at your stainless steel item to see 

which way its grain goes, and always clean and polish in that same direction. Ignore stainless steel grain at your peril - or risk actually forcing 

dirt, grease, etc. deeper into the steel’s grooves.