Stainless steel not only adds a luxurious feel to your outdoor kitchen but also is the most durable material for your barbecue to last through outdoor use.

 However, although it is durable, it can easily start to look visibly dirty with fingerprints and stains if not cleaned properly.

Here are some simple tips you can follow to make your stainless steel look spotless:

- Clean it with water and mild soap using a soft cloth.

- Clean it with white vinegar by using a soft cloth.

- If stains and fingerprints remain, you can clean them with soda water and wipe it with a soft cloth.

- To add a sheen to your stainless steel, wipe it down with some olive oil to protect it against any contaminants

- If you want to polish your stainless steel, we recommend you use Nevr-Dull.

Grease, oil and other contaminants may soil surfaces during food preparation and cooking.

These contaminants may be corrosive so periodic removal is a necessity.

First try soap and warm water or a combination of detergent, water and a solvent.

If this does not work, another removal option is immersion of stainless steel in chemical solvents.

This process, in its simplest form, consists of putting liquid solvent onto the surface that needs to be cleaned and allowing dissolution to take place (the chemical will work away at the contaminant).

 Non-hydrogenated solvents, such as acetone, ethyl alcohol, mineral spirits, and turpentine work well.

While these cleaners can be used as individual substances, but there are also numerous blended or compounded cleaners available.

Users are advised to check the packaging or contact the suppliers of the solvents to gain information about the use of the chemical on stainless steel surfaces.

When selecting your chosen cleaning practice, consider the possibility of scratching and the potential for post-cleaning corrosion caused by incomplete removal of cleaners.

Scratching can occur by using abrasive cleaners on bright mirror finishes, or even by ‘grit’ in wash water.

 This usually does not affect dull finishes or those surfaces that were completed with coarse polishing grit.

The best preventative measure is to avoid using aggressive cleaners unless absolutely necessary and to always wash down with warm water after cleaning.

 If the removal of tough grease, oil, and stains does require abrasive removal substances, it is best to first experiment on an inconspicuous area and use a ‘soft abrasive’ such as pumice.

 Harsh abrasives can permanently damage colored and highly polished finishes so advice should be obtained from the manufacturer regarding cleaning special finishes.

Stainless surfaces thrive with frequent cleaning because there is no surface coating to wear off.

A soft cloth and clean warm water should always be the first choice for mild stains and loose dirt or soils.

 A final rinse with clean water and a dry wipe with a cloth is always recommended as it will remove any leftover contaminants and also eliminates the possibility of water stains.

Organic solvents can be used to remove fresh fingerprints, oils and grease that have not had time to oxidise or decompose.

There are many compounded or blended organic cleaners available that attempt to optimise both cleanability and safety.

Cleaning can be accomplished by using these organic cleaners with a soft cloth although occasionally this method of cleaning will leave a streaked surface.

Household cleaners fall into one of two categories: either detergents (non-abrasives) and abrasive cleaners.

Both are effective for many mild contaminants including dirt, stains and soil deposits as well as light oils such as fingerprints.

Abrasive cleaners are more effective but introduce the possibility of scratching the surface, however the degree of abrasiveness will vary greatly depending on the product.

 Many products can be labelled as ‘for stainless steel’ though there is no guarantee that the product is non-abrasive or non-acidic so it is suggested to first experiment on an inconspicuous area.

In all cases and after use of all products, it is always recommended the surface is thoroughly rinsed with clean water and wiped dry with a soft cloth.

 Stainless steel is a durable material and will clean easily, providing you clean any contaminants quickly and efficiently.

The main risk associated with maintaining the aesthetic appeal of stainless steel is the risk of scratches that lead to rusting.