Stainless steel appliances started to become popular in the 90’s and continue to be a solid choice for today’s custom home renovation projects. Stainless steel has the ability to collect dust, grime, and fingerprints but keeping up with them doesn’t have to be a tedious endeavor with routine maintenance. Let’s go over your options.
How to Clean Stainless Steel
The experts at Warners’ Stellian admit that stainless steel is tough to clean without leaving streaks. Stainless steel itself does not rust, however, rust stains can develop from leftover particles from cookware, steel wool pads or standing water. For the best results, use cleansing wipes or a spray that is specifically formulated for stainless steel. Avoid letting house cleaners sit in your sink for too long as this may affect the finish of the steel. Stainless steel has a distinct grain, just like wood does. When cleaning, go along with the grain to maintain its natural appeal. 
How to Clean Your Sinks and Countertops
If you have a ceramic or china, a durable glossy or matte color glaze, use a mild liquid detergent that’s non-abrasive, as they can remove the finish. This process also works for ceramic weather glazes.
If you have a fireclay sink, use a sponge and nonabrasive cleaner. If there’s a stain you can use a mild abrasive cleaner.
Granite polymers and silicate quartz polymers follow the same steps of maintenance as a stainless steel appliance does, use a dry soft cloth to wipe off after use. A combination of 50/50 water and bleach can soak at the bottom of the sink for an hour, then scrub and rinse. Abstain from steel wool or scouring pads to clean, bleach, ammonia or caustic soda solutions. Never use a drain cleaning chemical while the sink is full of water. Doing this can damage the polymers because the chemicals of the draining agent are resting on it too long.
Porcelain enamel is typically used on cast iron, steel and plastic tubs, kitchen and bathroom sinks and bathtubs. Use a soft sponge and a gentle cleaner to remove impurities.
Here’s Our Guide to Getting Started on Your Minnesota Remodeling Project:
Terrazzo is found in flooring, countertops and walls. It consists of marble, quartz, granite or glass chips in an epoxy or cementitious binding agent. If you see a stain, work at it right away as the longer it sits, the more difficult it is to remove. Use a solvent such as carbon tetrachloride to remove grease stains. This surface can handle more abrasive cleaners such as bleach, ammonia, lemon juices or hydrogen peroxide, which can remove discolor stains. Focus on protecting from absorption vs ware with this because it’s a tougher exterior.
Cast iron sinks avoid soap as it soaks into the product. Fixate on using a soft nylon scrubber to clean, stay away from steel wool, scrapers or metal brushes.
