Stainless steel is protected from corrosion by thin layer of chromium oxide. Any dirt or other material on stainless steel surface will traps corrosive agent thus reducing corrosion protection. It is impossible to wear out stainless steel by excessive polishing and cleaning. They actually thrive with frequent polishing. It is essential to clean and prepare stainless steel surface before polishing it

There are mainly THREE steps of surface preparation

• STEP 1 : DISINFECTANT: It is very common to find bacteria on surface it is advisable to remove it. There are many commercial disinfectants available in market. For stainless steel surface use of Use 1/2 cup of borax in one gallon of hot water will be sufficient

• STEP 2 : DUST: Dust and dirt can easily accumulate on stainless steel surface when kept in open condition. They are easily removable. Warm water will remove most of it. One can also use mild non-scratching abrasive powder with warm water along with sponges or clean cloth.

• STEP 3 : OIL AND GREASE: Oil and grease can accumulate because of food preparation or many other household or commercial situation. Washing surface with warm water along with non-halogenated solvent such as acetone, mineral spirit, benzene and turpentine should work well. Many of this solvent can be used individually but there are blended or compounded cleaners available in market. Before using it you are advised to contact manufacture for information on their application on stainless steel If one does not want to buy commercially it can be easily made by mixing 1/2 teaspoon washing soda (sodium carbonate, soda ash ), 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon liquid soap and 2 cups hot water.

After finishing all the above 3 steps you have almost polished stainless steel. Last part for polishing is to remove fingerprints. They can be removed with any glass cleaner or by gently rubbing with paste of soda ash (sodium carbonate) and water applied with a soft rag.

Other method to finally polish stainless steel is Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Then spray on all of your stainless steel surfaces, and wipe dry with a soft cleaning cloth. The acetic acid in the vinegar cuts through the oil left behind by fingertips, rather than smearing it around like a lot of other cleaners.

Your stainless steel vessel or cookware is now polished and it is as good as new.