Stainless steel faucets, while durable, often lose their shine over time. To avoid harsh chemicals, there are effective homemade alternatives. Here’s how to make your faucets shine with common kitchen ingredients.
Sodium bicarbonate: a versatile ally
Baking soda is a gentle but effective cleaner for removing limescale and grease residues. Its alkaline pH (between 11 and 11.5) allows it to dissolve deposits without damaging surfaces.
Basic method :
- Mix 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate with 50 cl of warm water.
- Apply the solution with a soft sponge to the faucet.
- Leave for 10-15 minutes to remove dirt.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
For a more thorough cleaning, add 3 tablespoons of liquid black soap to the solution. This mixture forms a multipurpose spray that can also be used on countertops or shelves.
White vinegar: an effective disinfectant
White vinegar, rich in acetic acid, is ideal for neutralizing bacteria and restoring shine. Its light abrasive action allows you to polish stainless steel without scratching it.
Quick tip :
- Soak a clean cloth with white vinegar.
- Scrub the faucet in circular motions.
- Rinse thoroughly to avoid streaks.
For stubborn stains, mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution, leave for 5 minutes, then wipe with a dry cloth.
Tested and approved DIY methods
Homemade recipes offer an economical and ecological alternative to industrial products. Here are two proven techniques for maintaining stainless steel.
Liquid black soap: an eco-friendly alternative
Black soap, obtained from the saponification of olive oil, is an ecological detergent. Its delicate action is ideal for metal surfaces.
Homemade recipe :
- 50 cl of water
- 3 tablespoons of liquid black soap
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 10 drops of essential oil (lemon or orange)
Mix all the ingredients in a bottle, shake before use and apply with a sponge. Rinse with warm water to avoid residues.
Salt: an unexpected antibacterial agent
Table salt, often overlooked, has absorbent and disinfectant properties. It is particularly effective for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, such as joints or faucet handles.
Application :
- Sprinkle the tap with fine salt.
- Scrub with a nylon toothbrush.
- Rinse with clean water to remove the beans.
This method is ideal for removing limescale and mineral deposits without damaging the surface.
Professional products: a fast alternative
For quick cleaning, some specialized products offer a practical solution. THE NI 600 Food grade stainless steel cleaner stands out for its effectiveness and safety for surfaces in contact with food.
Instructions for use :
- Spray the product from a distance of 30 cm.
- Leave to act for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Wipe clean with a clean cloth.
- Rinse only if the tap is in direct contact with food.
This product is suitable for smooth and structured surfaces and its application does not require systematic rinsing, thus reducing the risk of streaks.
Mistakes to avoid to preserve stainless steel
The maintenance of stainless steel requires some precautions to avoid scratches or alterations to the surface.
Products to avoid
- Abrasive cleaners : they damage the protective layer.
- Concentrated acids : risk of corrosion.
- Glass wool rags : too aggressive for metal surfaces.
Good practices
- Dry after each use : prevents the formation of limescale stains.
- Clean regularly : avoids the accumulation of residues.
- Choose microfiber cloths : more delicate and less risky for stainless steel.
Restoring the shine to your stainless steel faucets doesn’t require expensive products. Natural solutions, such as baking soda, white vinegar or salt, offer economical and environmentally friendly alternatives. For fast results, professional products like the NI 600 are a reliable alternative. Whichever you choose, regular maintenance remains the key to preserving the shine of stainless steel.
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