Spring is here, and in between listing Richmond homes for sale, you'll also find our REALTORS® working diligently on their spring cleaning for the year.

There are plenty of cleaning and tidying tasks that can easily end up at the bottom of the priority list. 

Stainless steel is one area where homeowners often find themselves scratching their heads about the best way to proceed. After all, it is called "stainless" – but discoloration can and does happen. The question is, what to do about it?

How Does Stainless Steel Work and Why Does It Sometimes Get Rusted?

Stainless steel is designed to be highly resistant to rust and other forms of corrosion.

The secret of stainless steel is its inclusion of chromium. Chromium guards the surface of the steel, forming a thin protective layer against the oxygen that causes oxidization – also known as rust. In some circumstances, this "sacrificial coating" of chromium wears away.

Although it performs better and lasts longer than many other metals, stainless steel can still require periodic restoration. Some household chemicals can encourage corrosion even on it. Chemical stains are one of the biggest hazards for a stainless steel sink.

When the chromium coating on stainless steel is rubbed away, the protective film quickly repairs itself. However, the metal can temporarily become damaged while this process is underway. This is why you might occasionally find rust in limited quantities on a stainless steel surface.

The Three Most Common Stainless Steel Cleaning Challenges

Here's how to restore stainless steel from three common issues:

1. Stains
   Rub the stain in the direction of the grain brushed into the stainless steel using a soft pad or brush, such as a toothbrush. You can use a homebrew mix of one tablespoon baking soda in two cups of water. After rubbing, use a soft cloth dipped in clean water to rinse. Finally, apply a purpose-made stainless steel cleaner.
2. Scratches
   Check whether your brushed stainless steel surface is coated with clear anti-fingerprint coating. If not coated, you can use the method above to treat fine scratches. Deep scratches can be sanded out. While sandpaper may work for those familiar with it, it is easier to use a commercial scratch remover kit with a variety of grit pads for different stainless steel products.
3. Rust
   Try wiping down small rust spots using the method for stains. For larger areas, rinse out the rusted surface thoroughly, then sprinkle a layer of baking soda over it. Wait about an hour before you scrub with a soft bristle brush, then dry with a paper towel. If the rust still resists, use a grit-free cleaner that includes oxalic acid.

For day to day cleaning of dust, dirt, and fingerprints, feel free to continue using mild dish detergent and warm water. Most of the time, keeping stainless steel fresh should take only seconds every few days. When it is cleaned right, stainless steel thrives for many years.

We can't join you for spring cleaning, but Napier ERA is always here to help you take advantage of real estate opportunities in Richmond and across Central Virginia. To get started, contact us.