Stainless Steel finish on microwave - input needed
 

Ok, did I booger up the finish on our microwave? I was cleaning it and having trouble getting what looked to be some crud buildup off the stainless under the handle, so I took some mother's wax to it, and it looks like maybe it took the top layer of finish off? It's alot shinier in the corner where I scrubbed it, so what does the brain trust think I should do? Is there some type of finish over the stainless that I've removed there? Should I do the rest of the door? It's only obvious at certain angles, but it bugs me as I know it's there and my eyes are drawn to it now.

The wife hasn't noticed and probably won't unless I point it out to her....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1448211080.jpg

Anybody that starts waxing the kitchen appliances needs more hobbies.....

Microwave is above the stove.

My bet is you are dealing with a light layer of built up grease.

Probably doesn't matter about the finish. The microwave itself will likely break, and stop working shortly anyway. Mine just recently died for a second time during only 18 months of service. After a little over a year old, it blew a fuse that wasn't intended to be servicable. This time, excess amp-draw opened the circuit somewhere after the fuse, so now I don't trust it anymore.

Home appliances these days seem to last only as long as the interior design trends that they were styled for.

Yes it's boogered. There is a finish on that stainless to tame down the (now exposed) brightness. You unfortunately removed that finish. :(

I would suggest using stainless steel cleaner on your car.

The Deloreon guys use scotchbrite pads in a straight line.....

No to abrasive cleaners!

Vinegar works, as does SS cleaners (I get from my appliance supplier)

You need to cut the wax and grease buildup.

You could try this. A grill I worked at years ago used that stuff on the ventilation hoods, and every other non-food-contact stainless steel surface. Has a strangely pleasant, but not appetizing wintergreen scent, too.

http://www.sheilashineinc.com/wp-con...1821741488.jpg

It's not really a cleaner though. It's more like a polish, and protector. However, being oil based, it could dissolve the grease that's accumulated on your microwave.

Ever seen a Fuchs with the anodizing polished off ? It looks a lot like that.

You could try shooting it with some clear coat. It might put back some of what you took off, and even the color and sheen.

Hit the whole thing with a wire wheel and you'll be golden!

Seriously - I'd try to buff the whole thing up with polish.

I wonder when appliances will go back to white. That was a good idea, IMHO. My kitchen is white. Replacement appliances are dirt cheap. People throw out good appliances because they have the wrong color. Amazing ...

G

Yep. Figure it was all a conspiracy between appliance makers and the companies that make glass cleaner.

I wouldn't worry about it. Hit the remaining SS with the same deal to match. We have a pretty expensive stainless gas cooktop. I have cleaned it with scotch pads and cleaners many times so it's filled with swirl marks. I think of them as patina. We use our kitchen thank you.