Stains on a Stainless Cooktop

I'm assuming you mean a stainless steel cooktop? Mine was stained for two years until a month ago when I found a solution. I had tried several different stainless steel cleaners and none worked on the stains. Then I finally remembered my mom using these funky stainless steel scrub pads (I can't remember exactly what they're called, but they look like long strings of silver tinsel woven together into a ball, and the packaging will say that they are specifically for stainless steel. I got them at Target next to the regular sponges. They're not "steel wool" which I think will scratch...) I tried it with just water and it got EVERYTHING off--stains that had been there for two years--in about two minutes!!!

At least I'm not the only one who managed to stain a "stainless" cooktop! Hee hee!

Try baking soda mixed with a tiny bit of water to make a paste and a non-scratch scrubber. For a professional opinion call Friedmans Appliances in Pleasant Hill and ask what they'd recommend for your model and brand.
Good luck!
AC

I have used Kleen King for years on s/s (from my stove, to pots, to handprinted fridge doors) and on my ceramic cooktop. It works wonders.

Not sure if you can use these on stainless- but I have fallen in love with the "magic eraser"! its by mr clean ( I found a generic version at safeway). it works so well. maybe worth looking into.

Hi T.,
I'm a facilities manager for a restaurant chain, so I have more experience with maintaining stainless steel than one person rightfully should! The great thing about stainless is, it is a very sturdy material and you'd have to work really hard to damage it. About the only negative thing you can do to it is scratch it, if you use steel wool or something like that. In our restaurants, they use green scrubbies (or the scrubby side of your dishwashing sponge would work) and scrub along with the grain of the stainless steel. If you rub across the grain, you may scratch it. You can try Soft Scrub, Comet, Pine Sol, really anything you want. If it's a really horrible mess, you can even use oven cleaner.

You can use the stainless steel cleaner afterward to get it really shiny if you want, although it's not necessary. It's just a neutral cleaner, so while it's good for making the stainless streak-free, it's not the most effective cleaner for cooked-on crusty messes. You could save it for cleaning the front of your oven or dishwasher, if those are stainless too. Good luck!

see video on http://www.stainlesssteelstains.com

Hi T.,

I'm not sure this will work but at work we clean our stainless steel with vinegar and then we also use lemon oil. Where they buy the lemon oil I do not know. You can also look up a home cleaning service and maybe call and ask them. They sure seem to be able to get everything sparkling clean, and I am sure they will let you know what they use to get the job done. Just a thought!!! L.

T.,
My stepmom has all stainless appliances and she goes to the auto parts store and gets the wheel rim cleaner. Much cheaper than the stainless steel cleaner and works much better.
Amanda

Have you tried looking at a professional cooking store? I know many professional restaurants kitchens are stainless steel, so there must be something out there.

Also, it seems like I have seen a special spray for cleaning stainless steel barbeques. Have you tried something like that?

Let me know if you find something in particular that works. Good luck!

I have, in the past, owned my own cleaning company. The best thing that i have found was the "cleaning eraser". Rub gently and it will work great.

Have you tried "Barkeeper's Friend?" It's a cleaning powder that we used to clean stainless steel in the restaurant I used to work in. I'm not sure where you can buy it but it works really well. HTH!

Hey there T.,

I have used every product out there for this same problem, so I have found out what works. Easy Off oven cleaner gets it all off. And Pledge all purpose polish works the best for cleaning all stainless steel surfaces. No smudging or streaking. I hope this helps....I know it will:-)
Jen P

P.S. After sending my post I read what other people recommended. PLEASE do not use Soft Scrub, scrubbies or anything with abrasives as this WILL ruin your cooktop!! Trust me...I have had two house with stainless steel and I have mastered this problem. Good Luck.