Eco-Experts: Cleaning Stainless Steel, The Pros and Cons of Photovoltaic Panels and Energy-Efficient Refrigerators

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Dan Chiras
Dan Chiras
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Beth Scott
Beth Scott
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Debra Lynn Dadd
Debra Lynn Dadd

Cleaning stainless steel

I am writing to inquire whether you know of a natural way to clean stainless steel appliances. I am concerned that the cleansers available will leave residue on the appliances that is harmful to my one-year-old daughter.

–Linda Sheehan, via e-mail

Beth Scott replies:

Cleaning stainless steel can seem like an endless task as its smooth reflective surface shows oily fingerprints and dust, and also scratches easily. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and contains more than 10 percent chromium. The chromium in the alloy is used to form the hard oxide coating on the surface, and if this is taken off, through corrosion or wear, the steel will rust like regular steel. For this reason it is better not to use cleaners with harsh abrasives, as they will scratch the surface.

  • Published on May 1, 2003
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