Care and cleaning of stainless steel, steel and chrome: our practical advice

What are steel, stainless steel and chrome?

These three metals are made from metal alloys renowned for their strength and resistance to corrosion. These properties make them the materials of choice for the manufacture of a variety of objects. Their shiny appearance and aesthetic finish also add a touch of elegance to our interiors. 

However, to preserve their shine and prolong their life, regular and appropriate maintenance is essential. 

In this article, you will find a few simple tips to help you keep your stainless steel, steel and chrome objects in perfect condition, avoiding in particular abrasive products that could damage their beauty.

Why are these metals so popular in everyday objects? 

You may not have realised it, but they are present in many more items in your home than you might think. These metals are known for their good resistance to wear and tear, their ease of maintenance and their solidity, but also for their modern and aesthetic appearance. Here is a list of examples:

- Kitchen utensils: pans, cutlery, knives, spatulas, colanders, etc.

- Domestic appliances: Fridges, ovens, dishwashers, toasters, kettles, extractor hoods, etc.

- Household items: bins, drainers, sponge racks, utensil holders, etc.

- Taps and bathroom accessories: Taps, shower heads, towel rails, etc.

- Furniture: Tables, chairs, shelves, bed frames, lamps, etc.

- Railings and banisters

- DIY tools: Hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, spanners, etc.

- Jewellery: Watches, bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, etc.

- Fashion accessories: Cufflinks, card holders, belt buckles, etc.

These illustrate the diversity of objects that can be found in stainless steel, steel and chrome, demonstrating the importance of taking good care of them to preserve their beauty and durability.

The importance of regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of dirt and deposits 

As we saw above, these metals are very present and sometimes make up the entire object. That is why it is so important to take the time to look after them over time. 

Frequent cleaning, which removes dirt, food residues and limescale deposits, will prevent them from accumulating, but will also delay the deterioration of your object. What's more, keeping your objects clean will protect them from oxidation. After cleaning, be sure to rinse and dry the item thoroughly to avoid any traces of water.

Specialist cleaning products for effective care of stainless steel, steel and chrome 

Discover the exceptional benefits of Hagerty cleaning products, specially designed to care for these three metals. 

For in-depth maintenance and increased protection of your stainless steel, steel and chrome objects, the use of specially developed products is the best solution. Hagerty cleaning products stand out for their effectiveness and their ability to provide lasting protection for your precious objects. Among our range, three products are particularly suitable for this purpose.

Cleaning lotion for steel, stainless steel and chrome objects: Hagerty White Metal Polish

This cream cleans and cares for all three metals. It is the ideal choice for removing the most stubborn stains and restoring the original shine of stainless steel, steel and chrome surfaces. 

Thanks to its carefully formulated formula, the lotion works gently on metals without the risk of abrasion. It also removes rust, limescale, grease and finger marks from your fridge or coffee machine, for example. Finally, it protects against water droplets for several weeks and prevents objects from tarnishing again.

Simply apply a small amount of product to a soft cloth, then gently rub the surface to be cleaned and leave to dry for a few minutes. Then wipe with a clean, dry cloth to remove any residue. Your object will once again be dazzlingly clean and deep-cleaned.

Impregnated cloth for steel, stainless steel and chrome objects: Hagerty White Metal Duster 

This 100% cotton cloth, impregnated with an exclusive Hagerty formula, is unrivalled in its practicality for fast, effortless cleaning. Specially designed to gently polish and restore shine, the cloth easily removes fingerprints and traces of dirt from stainless steel, steel and chrome.

The cloth helps keep your surfaces clean every day and has an anti-tarnishing effect.

Impregnated cloth for steel jewellery: Hagerty Stainless Steel Cloth

Give your steel jewellery and watches the treatment they deserve with this 100% cotton impregnated cloth. Enjoy an easy, fast and effective cleaning experience, while preserving the value and beauty of your precious pieces.

Stains, fingerprints and residues will disappear instantly, leaving behind a sparkling shine and prolonging the beauty of your steel accessories.

Simply polish your precious object gently with the cloth and it will restore the shine to your watch or cufflinks without damaging them.  

Choose non-abrasive products to preserve the beauty of your items

While it is essential to clean your objects regularly, it is just as important to avoid using abrasive products that could damage the base metal. In fact, some cleaning formulas and metal sponges can cause micro-scratches that alter the shine and appearance of your objects and surfaces. 

To avoid any danger, use soft cloths, non-abrasive sponges or soft bristle brushes to remove stubborn stains safely.

Protect your objects from corrosion

In addition to regular cleaning, the use of suitable protective products is beneficial for preventing corrosion and preserving the shine of stainless steel, steel and chrome objects. These protective products form a barrier, like a protective film, which delays oxidation and the formation of stains, while providing a water-repellent effect. 

Before applying a protective product, be sure to thoroughly clean the surface of the object beforehand. Then follow the manufacturer's recommendations to choose a product suited to your specific needs.

If you follow this advice carefully, you will become an expert in the care of stainless steel, steel and chrome objects. Thanks to regular cleaning and the use of cleaning products specially designed for these materials (such as Hagerty), you will preserve the shine and durability of your objects. 

They will retain their shine and beauty for years to come, giving you lasting pleasure and a sense of pride in their care. So don't delay, put these tips into practice today and enjoy your stainless steel, steel and chrome objects every day.

We stay at your entire disposal if you need help: hagerty@hagerty.world