Using coconut oil for cleaning stainless steel means you can throw out a whole raft of chemical cleaners. Dissolve grease marks and say goodbye to annoying streaks, fingerprints, and stubborn marks. Coconut oil also creates a shiny, protective barrier to prevent smudges and oxidation from the air. One of the key elements of learning how to clean stainless steel with coconut oil is using the right type of cloth for each stage. Join me, and let’s bring on the shine!
Benefits of Coconut for Cleaning Stainless Steel
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Coconut Oil is a fantastic natural and eco-friendly alternative that can replace harsh, chemical-based cleaning products and reduce your exposure to toxins and unnecessary chemicals.
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Water-based cleaners are not overly efficient at dissolving oil and grease as the water repels it. Whereas an oil will simply dissolve another oil, making it highly effective at dislodging dirt, grease, and oil.
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When you use coconut for cleaning stainless steel, it prevents smudging and leaves it shiny and without any fingerprints!
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It does this by creating a thin barrier to keep it clean, streak-free, and with a lustrous shine.
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This thin barrier of coconut oil can also help prevent oxidation, creating a barrier between the air and water and the stainless steel. Keeping on top of oxidation is key to enjoying your stainless steel surfaces for many years to come.
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Now that you know the logic and reasoning behind using coconut for cleaning stainless steel, let's get to it!
How To Use Coconut Oil for Cleaning Stainless Steel
You just need to remember a few key points
Wear the Right Type of Clothes for Each Stage
Use a selection of cloths when using coconut oil for cleaning stainless steel. It will improve your final finish.
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A soft but firm cloth for cleaning off dirt and grime.
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Soft dry cotton cloth or duster for applying the Coconut oil
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Velvet smooth or glass cleaning microfiber cloth for polishing.
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Remove Dirt and Grime With Soap
Wash the stainless steel surface with mild soap and water, using a soft cloth to dislodge and daily grime and loose dirt.
Dry The Stainless Steel Thoroughly
This step is key, you need to make sure the stainless steel surface is perfectly dry before you apply any coconut oil. Remember, oil and water do not mix.
Applying Coconut Oil for Cleaning Stainless Steel
You need to use a new, soft, dry cloth for applying your coconut oil. Apply some of the oil onto your cloth, you don’t need a lot, so don’t go nuts here. Look at your steel surface, and you will notice it has striations, or lines travelling in one direction. This is your grain, and you want to work with that. Rub your oil into the steel along this line or grain.
Buffing & Polishing
First of all, you want to remove any excess oil. Do you see why I said ‘Don’t go nuts’?
Using another clean, soft dry cloth, a paper towel, or tissue, simply wipe away the excess oil.
This allows you the perfect base to be able to buff it up to a lustrous shine. Use one of those very fine microfibre clothes that feel a bit like velvet. They are perfect for getting the right level of sheen with your coconut oil.
Quick Recap
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Clean
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Dry
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Apply Oil Along Grain
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Polish Along Grain
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Can I see Other Oils Apart from Coconut Oil for Cleaning Stainless Steel
Coconut oil is one of the best choices. However, in colder climates, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil tends to be solid at room temperature. You can always warm Coconut Oil a little to make it more liquid, but you can also dilute it with other oils, like Avocado and Olive, to make it more fluid.
I have never had any issues using solid Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. I find the solidity gives me a bit more control, if anything, and I rarely have any excess that needs removing. However, if you live in Alaska, you might find it more of a battle!
Do what you need to suit your environment and climate. Life does not have to be a battle against the rules all the time. There is room for experimentation, and as I say, you could try Avocado and Olive oils, but I don’t think you can beat coconut oil for cleaning stainless steel.
Summarising Coconut Oil for Cleaning Stainless Steel
To Get Best Results
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Apply the oil in the direction of the grain and polish it in the same direction, too.
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Using the grain helps to prevent streaking.
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Wear the right type of clothes. Have plenty of clean soft cloths to hand; they must be non-abrasive so you don’t scratch the stainless steel surface. A fine microfiber cloth is best for polishing.
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Make sure that you clean your stainless steel regularly and protect it with coconut oil. It helps to protect the stainless steel from oxidation from the air and will assist in maintaining that lustrous shine.
There’s not much more that I can say about using coconut for cleaning stainless steel, except it is very easy. Why don’t you give it a go?
