Stainless Steel finish on microwave - input needed

[dave 911]

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....

[LakeCleElum]

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

[stomachmonkey]

Microwave is above the stove.

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

[yetibone]

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.

[pavulon]

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

[gprsh924]

I would suggest using stainless steel cleaner on your car.

[john walker's workshop]

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

[dad911]

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.

[yetibone]

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.



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.

[DanielDudley]

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.

[aigel]

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

[LeeH]

Originally Posted by aigel

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.

[JavaBrewer]

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.