I've used baking soda paste on stainless steel plenty of times, and honestly, scratching isn't usually an issue unless you're really scrubbing hard with something abrasive. Just use a soft cloth, rub gently, and rinse thoroughly... works great without damaging older surfaces.
I've tried baking soda paste too with pretty good luck, but honestly, I still prefer vinegar and water for my older stainless appliances. My house is from the 1930s, and the kitchen fixtures are original—I'm always paranoid about scratching them up or messing with the finish. Vinegar seems gentler somehow, and it still gets rid of most fingerprints and grime. Might just be in my head, but hey... whatever works, right?
You're definitely onto something with vinegar and water. When I started renovating my old kitchen, I was super nervous about damaging the original fixtures too—especially since replacements weren't an option. Vinegar felt safer somehow, and honestly, it worked wonders. If you're ever feeling adventurous, adding a few drops of lemon essential oil can help cut through tougher grime and leaves a nice fresh scent behind. But yeah, trust your gut... if vinegar's working, stick with it.
I had a similar experience when I first tackled my bathroom renovation. Initially, I leaned toward store-bought cleaners because they seemed more reliable, but after noticing some discoloration on vintage fixtures, I switched to vinegar and water. It was surprisingly effective without causing damage. Haven't tried lemon essential oil yet... might give it a go next time for the scent alone. Still, I think caution is key—especially with older materials—so testing in a small hidden spot first is always wise.
"Still, I think caution is key—especially with older materials—so testing in a small hidden spot first is always wise."
I couldn't agree more with this advice. When I first started experimenting with homemade cleaners, I was skeptical about their effectiveness, especially since store-bought options seemed specifically formulated for certain surfaces. But after some trial and error—and a couple of small mishaps—I found vinegar and baking soda to be surprisingly effective for appliances and fixtures alike. Lemon essential oil does sound appealing for the scent factor, though I'd wonder if citrus oils might affect certain finishes differently than vinegar would... maybe something else to test carefully first?
In my experience, natural cleaners can be budget-friendly without sacrificing effectiveness, but cautious testing is definitely the smart way to go. Thanks for sharing your experience—it helps knowing others have navigated similar challenges successfully.
